Early SKILLZ at Glens Falls Karate Academy Where 3–5 Year Olds Build Focus, Confidence & Self-Control Through Movement
Our SKILLZ program is not a scaled-down version of martial arts — it’s an age-specific developmental training system built specifically for helping children develop holistically at key stages in their lives! Using brain-based teaching and purposeful play, we’ll help your child improve their focus, balance, listening skills, and confidence in a safe and high-energy environment designed JUST for them.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
ARE YOU READY FOR THESE POSITIVE TRANSFORMATIONS?
Your child will strengthen their balance, posture, and coordination through age-appropriate martial arts games that make movement meaningful. These aren’t just fun drills — they’re precision tools for physical growth at a critical stage.
Early SKILLZ creates a space where shy kids can speak up, energetic kids take turns, and everyone learns to cheer each other on. Your child will build emotional intelligence, learn to develop teamwork, and respectful communication that lasts beyond the dojo.
We teach focus like it’s a skill — because it is! With layered instructions, structured transitions, and purposeful challenges, your child will improve attention span, task follow-through, and classroom readiness.
Building Foundations for Success
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, Early SKILLZ is more than a martial arts program — it’s a foundation for whole-child development. Every class helps our preschool & kindergarten age students build focus, resilience, confidence, and respectful behavior using brain-based teaching methods designed for this specific stage of growth.
We combine structured play, intentional movement, and positive coaching to help kids develop habits that set them up for long-term success — in school, sports, relationships, and life. When a child learns how to follow instructions, bounce back from mistakes, and believe in themselves … everything changes.
WHY DO Parents CHOOSE OUR CLASSES?
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each child, ensuring that 3-5 year olds receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.
Our Early Skillz classes are held in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment, making it the ideal setting for young children to explore and learn.
Beyond martial arts, we teach life skills such as patience, respect, and teamwork, preparing children not just for school, but for life.
Here’s how Early SKILLZ delivers more than fun — we deliver lasting growth.
Not all youth programs are created with development in mind. While many activities provide entertainment, few are built to intentionally shape focus, coordination, emotional control, and social skills during the critical ages of 3–5.
Here’s how Early SKILLZ compares to typical enrichment programs — and why more Glens Falls parents are choosing growth over just “something to do.”
Activities feel random, with no intentional learning path.
Kids may interact, but peer learning isn’t guided or reinforced.
Some kids shine — others get lost in the group.
Coaches may be kind but lack training in early childhood behavior.
Little alignment with developmental milestones.
No system to track or celebrate personal growth.
Behavior management only happens after problems start.
No connection between play and long-term skill building.
Every class follows a developmentally-aligned path built for ages 3–5.
Kids learn to take turns, cheer others on, and manage big feelings.
Every skill earns recognition — progress is visible and motivating.
Our coaches are trained to teach how young kids learn, not just what they do.
Movements target balance, coordination, body awareness, and safety.
Stripe-based skill tracking makes growth measurable — for kids and parents.
Class rhythm prevents meltdowns and helps kids feel safe and focused.
Every game teaches a physical, emotional, or behavioral skill — by design.
P.I.E.S.
Our Early SKILLZ 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. Here's how we support your child in every dimension, every class.
We strengthen coordination, balance, posture, and fine motor control using developmentally matched martial arts movement — not random games or drills.
Kids learn to regulate frustration, adapt to challenge, and build resilience through wins, retries, and encouragement — not just praise.
We train listening, memory, pattern recognition, and focus span through layered instructions, structured repetition, and movement-based brain engagement.
We coach teamwork, empathy, turn-taking, and communication using shared challenges, group drills, and positive peer reinforcement.
Smart Start with Early Skillz
Early SKILLZ isn’t just about movement — it’s about mindset. Our classes are designed to stimulate early cognitive development by blending physical activity with pattern recognition, memory challenges, and age-appropriate problem-solving.
We teach young minds to stay focused, follow steps, and enjoy learning through action. It’s the perfect brain-body balance — where structure builds confidence and curiosity leads to progress.
Fostering Resilience and Empathy at Glens Falls Karate Academy
Emotional growth isn’t a side effect of our program — it’s a priority. Early SKILLZ helps children recognize their feelings, handle frustration, and recover from setbacks through structured, play-based challenges and supportive coaching.
Whether your child is shy, spirited, sensitive, or strong-willed, we meet them where they are. With each class, they build emotional resilience, confidence in expression, and empathy for others — all within a framework that helps them feel safe, seen, and proud.
Building Strength and Agility at Glens Falls Karate Academy
Every Early SKILLZ class is a carefully crafted mix of movement, balance, and strength-building — designed to match the developmental stage of ages 3–5. We use martial arts-based drills, animal-inspired movements, and fun agility challenges to improve coordination, flexibility, and posture.
These aren’t just games — they’re building blocks for your child’s physical confidence and lifelong body awareness. Whether they’re jumping, crawling, or holding a strong stance, they’re growing in strength with every step.
Growing Together: Fostering Lasting Bonds Among Young Learners
In Early SKILLZ, children don’t just grow individually — they grow together. Our classes include partner drills, team-based challenges, and cooperative games that teach empathy, turn-taking, and communication in ways kids actually understand.
Whether it’s cheering for a partner 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 by design, not left to chance.
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 aren’t just active — they challenge kids to think, make choices, and adapt. Every game is a brain-builder, encouraging curiosity and flexible thinking that lays the foundation for future learning.
Through consistent structure and just-right challenges, children ages 3–5 learn how to follow steps, complete tasks, and make simple decisions — building true self-reliance in a supportive space.
Every class offers small struggles with big rewards — whether that’s mastering a movement or trying again after a mistake. Kids learn that effort leads to success and that confidence grows through perseverance.
Listening games, memory drills, and follow-the-leader exercises build the mental muscles needed for classroom readiness — helping kids speak clearly, follow directions, and stay on task longer.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!