Basic SKILLZ at Glens Falls Karate Academy Develop the Skills That Set Kids Apart — Focus, Confidence, and Self-Control
Designed for 5–6 year olds, our SKILLZ® program blends martial arts with child development science — helping kids grow physically, emotionally, and socially through purposeful play and progress.
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It's more than karate — it's life skills that show up where it matters most.
Our curriculum boosts strength, balance, and body control — helping kids move with confidence and reduce frustration in daily tasks, sports, and play.
Kids learn to stay on task, follow instructions, and think before they act — skills that translate directly to home and classroom success.
We build teamwork, empathy, and self-regulation through partner drills and group activities — creating kids who play well and lead well.
Basic Skillz Works — Because It’s Built for This Age
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we don’t “water down” adult martial arts — we teach 5–6 year olds using research-backed methods that meet them where they are developmentally. Our Basic Skillz program blends structured movement, brain-based games, and age-specific social-emotional coaching — helping kids grow in focus, coordination, discipline, and confidence.
Every drill has a purpose. Every success builds momentum.
Because growth at this age isn’t just physical — it’s personal.
Why Parents Trust Glens Falls Karate Academy
Real Growth Beyond the Dojo
Parents consistently tell us they see stronger focus, better listening, and more confidence — not just here, but at school and home, too.
Built for This Age. Taught With Purpose.
Our instructors are trained in how kids really learn and develop — combining martial arts, child psychology, and leadership coaching into every class.
Trusted by Families. Backed by Results.
We’ve helped hundreds of young kids thrive — and built a community where parents feel seen, supported, and proud of their investment.
SEE HOW Glens Falls Karate Academy STACKS UP
Make the choice that will open doors to unparalleled growth and development for your child. Opting for our Basic SKILLZ program at Glens Falls Karate Academy ensures they gain not just martial arts skills but a comprehensive foundation for life.
Many programs lack instructors with both martial arts experience and child development training — limiting their ability to meet kids where they are.
Other programs may not align their structure with the specific developmental needs of young children, which can limit progress.
Without intentional structure and guidance, many programs leave limited room for young children to build meaningful connections or practice healthy teamwork.
Without a structured developmental approach, programs may overlook key areas of growth — including emotional regulation, communication, and focus.
Without the holistic approach of our Basic SKILLZ program, children might not experience the same level of comprehensive growth in physical, emotional, and social skills.
Our instructors are certified in both martial arts and child development, so your child gets expert coaching tailored to how they learn and grow.
Our Basic SKILLZ program is age-specific, science-backed, and purpose-built to support the physical, emotional, and social growth of 5–6 year old’s.
We create a supportive, structured environment where kids feel safe to try, supported when they struggle, and celebrated when they grow.
We create a vibrant peer environment where students build real friendships, learn empathy, and practice collaboration — all through purpose-driven group training.
Our curriculum supports the full spectrum of your child’s development — building physical coordination, mental focus, social confidence, and emotional resilience.
Kids need more than movement — they need control, balance, and body awareness.
Our drills improve coordination, strength, and agility through purposeful exercises that make kids stronger, safer, and more confident in how they move.
We train more than muscles — we train minds.
Classes challenge kids to follow multi-step directions, solve movement problems, and make smart decisions quickly — building focus, memory, and critical thinking.
Big emotions need healthy outlets.
Through structured challenges and positive reinforcement, kids learn to manage frustration, build confidence through effort, and bounce back from mistakes.
Skills like respect, teamwork, and communication are built — not assumed.
Our students practice turn-taking, partner work, and empathy in every class, learning how to connect with others in a supportive environment.
How We Help Kids Build Discipline, Self-Control, and Mental Agility
Emotional strength isn’t just about handling big feelings — it’s about learning to pause, process, and choose a better response. In our Basic Skillz program, we treat emotional growth as a core skillset, not a side effect. Through structured challenges and intentional coaching, kids learn to self-regulate in ways that support confidence, respect, and real resilience.
Rather than reacting to frustration or failure, students are guided to work through it. They experience wins they’ve earned, setbacks they can recover from, and moments that teach them how to bounce back stronger — all in an environment that’s safe, uplifting, and built for growth.
When parents talk about what changed, they don’t just mention better behavior — they describe calmer mornings, stronger friendships, and a child who feels proud of how they carry themselves. That’s the kind of emotional development that lasts.
How Our Program Builds Strength, Balance, and Body Confidence
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we teach movement with a purpose. Our Basic Skillz program is built around the physical development needs of 5–6 year olds — helping them improve balance, coordination, and body control in ways that boost confidence far beyond class.
Every drill is intentionally structured to challenge posture, stability, and muscle memory in age-appropriate ways. From holding positions to powerful kicks and dynamic agility work, students gain control of how they move — and how they carry themselves.
When kids feel physically strong and capable, it changes how they show up everywhere else — on the playground, in sports, at school. We don’t just help them stay active — we help them move through the world with confidence.
How We Help Kids Stay Focused, Follow Through, and Self-Regulate
Social development doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through shared challenges, respectful communication, and structured peer interaction. At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we intentionally create moments where students learn how to support others, take turns, and grow together.
Our group drills and partner exercises teach kids how to collaborate with different personalities and work through problems as a team. These experiences build empathy, strengthen social awareness, and help kids feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
For many students, this is the first time they truly experience a positive, structured social setting outside of home or school. It’s a space where they’re seen, supported, and taught how to be both a strong individual and a trusted teammate.
We Help Kids Build Discipline, Self-Control, and Mental Agility
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we don’t expect young kids to focus on command — we teach them how. Through purposeful drills and structured coaching, students develop the ability to stay on task, follow instructions, and complete challenges from start to finish.
Each class builds executive functioning in age-appropriate ways — from impulse control and patience to listening skills and memory. Kids practice staying present, thinking before they act, and making better choices in the moment, all while feeling supported.
Over time, this shapes more than class behavior — it shapes character. Parents often tell us they see their child becoming more responsible, more resilient, and more thoughtful — at home, at school, and in how they carry themselves.
MEMBER REVIEWS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
We don’t just teach martial arts — we help kids grow into confident, focused, and respectful young leaders. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from the families who have experienced the transformation firsthand.
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 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!
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!
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.
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!
Love love this place, fantastic place for kids/adults
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!!!!
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.
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 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
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 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.
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.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
FAQs
In the Basic Skillz program at Glens Falls Karate Academy, children learn more than just martial arts. They develop essential life skills such as focus, self-control, physical coordination, and the ability to work as part of a team. Our curriculum is designed to also foster emotional intelligence, including empathy, confidence, and resilience.
Safety is our top priority at Glens Falls Karate Academy. Our instructors are trained professionals skilled in teaching martial arts to young children. The class size is kept manageable to ensure individual attention, and our facilities are equipped with safety mats and child-friendly equipment. We also adhere to strict health and safety protocols to provide a secure learning environment for all students.
Absolutely! Glens Falls Karate Academy provides a nurturing environment where children naturally form friendships through shared experiences in class. Our group activities and team-based challenges promote camaraderie, empathy, and mutual respect among students, making our classes a great place for your child to find and make lasting friendships.
Martial arts offer numerous benefits for young children, including improved physical health, enhanced motor skills, and a boost in confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, our Basic Skillz program focuses on developing emotional intelligence, discipline, and respect for others. Starting martial arts at an early age lays the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle and instills values and skills that last a lifetime.
Unlike many other activities for children, our Basic Skillz program is designed with a comprehensive approach to development, blending physical, emotional, and social growth. Our curriculum, developed by experts in child education and martial arts, is unique in its method of teaching discipline, focus, and respect through fun and engaging activities. Moreover, our community-oriented environment helps children build meaningful relationships, setting our program apart as a valuable addition to your child's developmental journey.
MORE BENEFITS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
Our Basic Skillz classes teach children to think critically and solve problems creatively, skills that are invaluable in both academic settings and everyday life.
By working in teams and participating in group activities, students enhance their communication and social skills, learning how to interact effectively and empathetically with peers.
As they advance through our program, students emerge as leaders, exhibiting qualities such as responsibility, initiative, and the ability to inspire and work effectively with others, valuable traits.
Success in mastering new techniques and reaching personal milestones in our program significantly boosts children’s self-esteem, empowering them to approach new challenges with confidence.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!