Why Our Program Is Designed for the Developing Mind — Not Just Punching & Kicking
When parents think of martial arts, they often picture strict discipline, powerful techniques, and maybe a few broken boards. And while those things can be part of the journey, they’re not the whole picture — especially for kids.
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we use the SKILLZ framework, a nationally recognized child development system that goes far beyond traditional martial arts instruction. Rooted in modern developmental science, SKILLZ is designed to support children physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially — all through age-specific martial arts training.
What Makes SKILLZ Different?
The SKILLZ program breaks from the one-size-fits-all model by focusing on what children need at different stages of development — not just what belt they wear and what techniques they need to learn before they progress. It recognizes that a 4-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old are not just younger or older versions of each other. They learn, move, and regulate emotions in fundamentally different ways.
Each SKILLZ class is built around age-specific goals, challenges, and teaching strategies that align with how children grow. That’s what allows us to teach in 4 Dimensions: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social (P.I.E.S.) development.
This isn’t watered-down karate — it’s developmentally optimized martial arts training.
Why This Matters to Your Child
When we say “we don’t just teach martial arts — we create martial artists,” this is what we mean:
âś… In class, kids learn how to move their bodies with strength, control, and confidence.
âś… They sharpen focus, memory, and decision-making.
âś… They practice managing frustration, handling stress, and staying optimistic.
âś… They learn to lead, listen, and support others.
That’s the difference between a child who knows how to throw a kick … and a child who knows how to stay calm, solve problems, and stand up for themselves with confidence.
Martial Arts Is the Tool — Not the Goal
Our students still learn powerful self-defense and develop strong bodies. They progress through ranks earned through persevering through challenges. They sweat, laugh, and challenge themselves to grow and improve .
But the real power of SKILLZ is what happens between the techniques — when a child:
- Learns how to bounce back after failure.
- Feels safe enough to try something new.
- Starts showing leadership in small, meaningful ways.
That’s when you know they’re not just “in karate class.” They’re becoming martial artists — inside and out.
Would you like to:
- Tour our dojo?
- Watch your child try their first class?
- Or just learn a little more about how we structure our programs?
We’d be happy to guide you through it all — step by step.