Early SKILLZ at Glens Falls Karate Academy WHERE PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN AGE KIDS GROW STRONGER WITH YOU BY THEIR SIDE! BUILD FOCUS, CONFIDENCE & SELF-CONTROL — TOGETHER
Our Early SKILLZ “Mini & Me” program is a parent-accompanied version of our proven child-development program — designed for preschool and kindergarten age children with the grown-ups who support them. This isn’t a scaled-down martial arts class; it’s an age-specific training experience where children build focus, balance, emotional regulation, and confidence while their adults learn simple coaching tools to help them thrive. Through brain-based teaching, purposeful play, and instructor-guided partner activities, you and your child will grow stronger together in a safe, high-energy environment designed just for you!
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
READY TO START THESE POSITIVE TRANSFORMATIONS—TOGETHER?
Your child will strengthen their balance, posture, and coordination through age-appropriate martial arts games that become even more impactful with your support. As their “Mini & Me” partner, you’ll help guide movement, reinforce proper form, and celebrate progress — turning fun drills into meaningful milestones at a critical stage of physical development.
Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me creates an encouraging environment where children feel safe speaking up, taking turns, and cheering on their peers — with you modeling those same social behaviors right beside them. Together, you’ll help your child build emotional intelligence, practice teamwork, and develop communication skills that carry far beyond the dojo.
We teach focus like it’s a skill — because it is. With layered instructions and structured transitions, your child strengthens attention span, follow-through, and self-regulation. Your role as their partner adds consistency and reassurance, helping them stay on task and apply these skills at home, school, and everywhere in between.
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS — TOGETHER
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me is more than a martial arts class — it’s a foundation for whole-child development built with the grown-up who knows them best. Our program helps our preschool & kindergarten age students build focus, resilience, confidence, and respectful behavior through brain-based teaching designed for this specific stage of growth, while adults learn simple, effective coaching tools that strengthen connection and progress.
We combine structured play, intentional movement, and instructor-guided partner coaching so kids develop habits that prepare them for long-term success — in school, sports, relationships, and life. When a child learns how to follow instructions, navigate emotions, bounce back from mistakes, and believe in themselves with you right by their side … everything changes.
WHY DO Parents CHOOSE OUR CLASSES?
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, our instructors support you as much as your child. In our Early SKILLZ program, adults receive clear coaching cues so they can confidently guide their child’s movements, focus, and behavior. This ensures every child gets individualized support — not just from our team, but from the grown-up they trust most.
Our Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me classes take place in a safe, welcoming, and energetic environment designed for connection. Every activity encourages teamwork between you and your child, making the dojo an ideal setting for young children to explore, learn, and grow with hands-on support.
Beyond martial arts, Early SKILLZ builds habits that last. With our Mini & Me class format, you and your child will practice patience, respect, listening skills, and emotional regulation, together — essential life skills that prepare them not just for school, but for friendships, sports, and lifelong confidence.
HERE’S HOW EARLY SKILLZ: MINI & ME DELIVERS MORE THAN FUN — WE DELIVER LASTING GROWTH.
Not all youth programs are created with development in mind. While many activities provide entertainment, very few are intentionally built to strengthen focus, coordination, emotional regulation, and social skills during the critical preschool/kindergarten ages of 3–5 — and even fewer equip parents or caregivers to support that growth outside the classroom.
Here’s how Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me compares to typical enrichment programs — and why more Glens Falls families are choosing a shared learning experience over “just something to do.”
Activities feel random, without intentional learning or coaching support.
Kids may interact, but peer learning isn’t guided or reinforced.
Outgoing kids shine while quieter kids often get overlooked.
Coaches may be enthusiastic, but often lack training in early childhood behavior and development.
Little alignment with developmental milestones or growth outcomes.
No system for tracking skill development or celebrating growth.
Behavior guidance only happens after problems occur.
Play isn’t connected to long-term developmental goals.
Every class follows a developmentally aligned path designed for 3–5-year-olds and their grown-up partner.
Kids learn to take turns, cheer each other on, manage big feelings — and adults learn coaching cues to reinforce these skills at home.
Each skill earns recognition, allowing children to experience safe challenges with a trusted adult by their side.
Our coaches are trained to teach how young kids learn, and to guide grown-ups in supporting that learning.
Movements target balance, coordination, body awareness, and safety — enhanced by partner-based drills.
Stripe- and skill-tracking makes growth measurable for both kids and caregivers.
Clear routines help prevent meltdowns and keep both child and adult confident and engaged.
Every game and drill teaches a physical, emotional, or behavioral skill — by design, and with your partnership.
P.I.E.S.
Our Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me program is built around the four cornerstones of childhood development: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social growth. These aren’t side benefits — they’re the focus. And with a grown-up partner supporting their learning, your child experiences deeper, more consistent development in every dimension, every class.
We strengthen coordination, balance, posture, and fine motor control using developmentally matched martial arts movements. With you as their partner, children gain clearer directional support, safer movement patterns, and confidence navigating new physical challenges.
Kids learn to regulate frustration, adapt to challenge, and build resilience through wins, retries, and encouragement — not just praise. Your presence helps them stay grounded, feel supported, and take on slightly bigger challenges than they would alone.
We train listening, memory, pattern recognition, and focus span through layered instructions and structured repetition. With a grown-up modeling the cues, children process information more effectively and learn how to follow instructions with greater consistency.
We promote teamwork, empathy, taking turns, and communication using shared challenges and group drills. Our Mini & Me class format adds a powerful modeling component — kids watch you demonstrate respectful communication, patience, and collaboration, then mirror those skills with peers.
Smart Start with Early Skillz
Early SKILLZ isn’t just about movement — it’s about mindset. In our Mini & Me classes, children experience early cognitive development through activities that blend physical movement with pattern recognition, memory challenges, and problem-solving alongside a supportive grown-up. With you modeling focus, following steps, and managing transitions, your child learns these thinking skills faster and with greater confidence.
We teach young minds to stay engaged, follow multi-step directions, and enjoy learning through action. With the Mini & Me partnership, children experience the perfect brain-body balance — where structure, teamwork, and your encouragement turn curiosity into real progress.
Fostering Resilience and Empathy at Glens Falls Karate Academy
Emotional growth isn’t a side effect of our program — it’s a priority. In Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me, children learn to recognize their feelings, manage frustration, and bounce back from setbacks through structured challenges and supportive, in-the-moment coaching from both our instructors and their grown-up partner. When kids feel safe and supported, they’re far more willing to try, retry, and succeed.
Whether your child is shy, spirited, sensitive, or strong-willed, we meet them where they are — and you learn strategies to support them beyond the dojo. With each class, children build emotional resilience, confidence in expression, and empathy for others, all within a framework that leaves them feeling safe, seen, and deeply supported.
Building Strength and Agility at Glens Falls Karate Academy
Every Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me class blends movement, balance, and strength-building in ways that match the developmental stage of preschool and kindergarten age children. Children learn martial arts–based drills, animal-inspired movements, and fun agility challenges while their grown-up partner helps guide body mechanics, reinforce safe form, and celebrate each small win.
These aren’t just games — they’re the building blocks of your child’s physical confidence and lifelong body awareness. Whether they’re jumping, crawling, holding a strong stance, or practicing coordinated movements with your support, they’re growing in strength, stability, and physical awareness with every step.
Growing Together: Fostering Lasting Bonds Among Young Learners
In Early SKILLZ: Mini & Me, children don’t just grow individually — they grow together. With a trusted grown-up participating beside them, kids feel more confident engaging in partner drills, team-based challenges, and cooperative games that teach empathy, taking turns, and communication in ways they can truly understand.
Whether it’s cheering for a partner, practicing kindness through modeled behavior, or learning how to lead without bossing, kids gain real-world social skills — and often, real friendships. It’s a structured space where belonging is built intentionally, supported by you, and strengthened through every shared experience.
MEMBER REVIEWS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
What parents say matters — and we’re proud that so many families in Glens Falls trust Early SKILLZ with their child’s first experience in structured growth.
These stories reflect real progress: calmer mornings, more confident school drop-offs, better listening at home, and kids who can’t wait to come back. Scroll below to hear directly from the families we serve.
My son has been attending the Glens Falls Karate Academy for almost a year. He loves his lesson and adores Miss Stacey and Sensei. He has matured tremendously. His focus and concentration have soared as well. We are proud members!
GFKA has been absolutely amazing for me and my family!! My son was the first the start and we saw such an amazing improvement in his confidence. My wife joined and then my daughter. I saw the improvements in them as well and decided to join myself after years of sitting on the sideline. I love learning not only the techniques, but the application as well. Renshi (Chris) is an amazing instructor and will take the time to explain any questions you may have!! Highly recommended!!
My entire family takes karate at Glens Falls Karate Academy. It all started with my son needing more leadership skills 5-6 years ago. Then I joined 2 years ago then my daughter then just recently my husband. We couldn’t ask for better instruction at all levels of our training. GFKA has given our family the tools we need to be stronger, not only physically and mentally but also as a family.
Can't say enough positive things about this place! My kids LOVE coming here and I love everything they are learning! Self control, self defense, getting great workouts, discipline, the list goes on. Amazing place and amazing teachers!
A wonderful place for kids to learn discipline and respect- our son has been enjoying classes for years and we plan to continue all the way to black belt! Renshi Chris Murphy is an excellent instructor and it is clear that he cares about the success of his students!
I joined glens falls karate academy when I was only four, and now at 13 I have been going to school there for 9 years! I spend so much of my time there, I treat our dojo like a second home!! All of the teachers there have taught me things I’ll take with me through the rest of my life, and I thank them for that. I’ve also been given the ability to help teach younger students myself, which is a passion I didn’t even know I had till I tried it. Glens Falls Karate Academy shaped who I am, both physically and mentally. My favorite thing to do now is karate, which is something I wouldn’t have known had I not tried it. If you are considering to send your kids here, I would 100% recommend to try it out. Who knows, maybe your kid will fall in love with it like I did. Glens Falls Karate Academy is filled with people ready to make your kid into the best version of themself, as it has done for me and everybody I know. Thank you GFKA!!!!
Love love this place, fantastic place for kids/adults
We have a high energy, highly spirited five year old who has been attending Karate here for just over a year, as a Little Dragon.
Chris is so patient with the kids and helps them focus on the goals for each class.
Our daughter has been learning not only physical skills, but social ones as well, like being a team player and how to be a good sport.
She is an only child and was so isolated during the pandemic she, like many other kids, lost out on some socialization skills that they are now having to catch up on.
Glens Falls Karate Academy has been so welcoming to our family and so patient with our daughter as she continues to learn to be part of a team. She loves going to class twice a week and we love watching her from the sidelines.
Chris and Kate are so kind and good with the kids and the other parents are also so friendly and easy to get along with. It is a wonderful community to be a part of.
My son, Lucas, has attended the Glens Falls Karate Academy since last spring, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Sensei Murphy and Senpai Traina are wonderful instructors, incorporating elements of discipline, integrity, confidence, poise, respect, compassion, athleticism and more into the curriculum. If you’re on the fence, either with respect to yourself, a spouse or your child, don’t hesitate and just get started. You’ll be glad you did.
My son, George and I have been taking karate for over a year now with Renshi Chris at Glens Falls Karate Academy. Excellent teaching, great atmosphere. Really good martial art instruction and fitness. I recommend to all ages and everyone.
my triplets have been here a couple of months and the change in thier at home behavior and at school is great. the focus and attention they get here is amazing. I am very happy with thier progress and the staff is wonderful 5 out of 5 stars
What a wonderful place, our family highly recommend you bring your children to Glens Falls Academy sensei’s are unbelievably patient, and truly love and are amazing at what they do, we can’t wait to watch our boy flourish.
My grandson, granddaughter and two daughters study the martial arts here. They not only teach you technique but also focus on building character. I enjoy going to watch them and am amazed by Chris’s patient style of teaching.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
FAQs
Unlike generic preschool activities, our Early Skillz program integrates martial arts with developmental education, offering a holistic approach to growth that covers physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
Martial arts for 3-5-year-olds at Glens Falls Karate Academy offer more than just physical benefits; they teach discipline, focus, respect, and self-control, laying a strong foundation for personal development from an early age.
Our program enhances physical development through activities that improve coordination, balance, agility, and strength, all within a fun and safe environment tailored for young children.
Beyond the immediate skills learned, the Early Skillz program at Glens Falls Karate Academy instills lifelong values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance, setting children up for success in all areas of life as they grow.
Absolutely! Glens Falls Karate Academy offers trial classes for the Early Skillz program, allowing you and your child to experience our teaching style and the class environment firsthand before making a decision.
MORE BENEFITS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
Early SKILLZ classes don’t just keep kids active — they challenge them to think, choose, and adapt. With a grown-up exploring each game alongside them, children gain confidence in experimenting, imagining, and discovering new solutions, building a strong foundation for future learning.
With consistent structure and “just-right” challenges, our preschool and kindergarten students learn how to follow steps, complete tasks, and make simple decisions — while knowing their grown-up is right there to support, not do it for them. This partnership helps grow real independence in a nurturing environment.
Every class includes small struggles with big rewards — whether it’s mastering a movement or trying again after a mistake. Kids learn that effort leads to success, and your encouraging presence helps them persevere, turning challenges into confidence-building wins.
Listening games, memory drills, and follow-the-leader challenges strengthen the mental muscles needed for classroom readiness. With you modeling attention and communication during partner drills, kids learn to follow directions, express themselves clearly, and stay on task longer.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!