That’s why we make learning fun!
Three and four-year-old children are naturally curious. They’re restless and eager to explore their surroundings – to test boundaries and establish their identities. They might not be ready for the rigid structure of a traditional martial arts class, but they do need to start learning about appropriate behavior.
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About Our Programs
FROM RENSHI CHRIS MURPHY
Hi Parents,
My name is Chris Murphy, Owner/ Head Instructor here at Glens Falls Karate Academy.
As a martial arts instructor with decades of experience training kids, there is nothing better than seeing them grow firsthand.
But more important than the martial arts skills they learn … are the personal skills they develop and carry for life!
Because martial arts is so much more than just kicking and punching, and getting the next colorful belt.
It’s about developing confidence, discipline, character, focus and respect.
With every class we teach, your kids are growing in mind, body and character.
That’s because martial arts provides instant positive feedback. Through learning to focus on core moves, they develop discipline and respect. They can instantly see and feel a difference in themselves, which builds confidence, self-awareness and self-respect.
And of course we make it a ton of FUN!
That’s why I love teaching martial arts to kids in this community, and why I know your kids are going to LOVE training with us.
So please, have a look below to find out exactly how your kids can benefit from our amazing, age-specific martial arts program.
Looking forward to meeting you!
however …
They’re typically shy and may have difficulty approaching other kids – or sharing in a play situation.
They often don’t pay attention to their surroundings and may end up being unintentionally destructive as a result.
They lack control and can’t stay in one place long enough to eat a meal or watch a movie.
LIL’ DRAGONS | EARLY SKILLZ
Our preschool and kindergarten aged students have a rich imagination and a strong desire to be less dependent on their usual caregivers.
The problem we’ve discovered is that many kids at this age have a hard time with structure in a group environment (like what is commonly found in most martial arts schools & organized sports).
The solution we’ve come up with at Glens Falls Karate Academy is to provide them with their own program that targets their stages of development in a manner that keeps them entertained while at the same time building skills that will set them up for success!
YOUR CHILD WILL GROW WITH EVERY CLASS!
Our Lil’ Dragons (Early SKILLZ) Program gives young children the “early” skills and discipline they need to succeed. While they learn simple martial arts moves such as kicking, punching, blocking, crawling, and jumping, they also grasp valuable lessons about social conduct. Over time, Early SKILLZ students learn how to control their movements, follow directions, and interact with students and teachers.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Children at this age typically have low muscle tone and poor hand-eye coordination.
We expect them initially to drop their arms when punching, and to stumble or fall when kicking or jumping. We also expect them to have no concept of spatial awareness, therefore they will drop things that are thrown to them and bump into people and obstacles often.
The goal for our program is to get them to punch without dropping their arms; kick without falling; jump without falling; catch objects thrown from various directions and distances.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
At this age children typically have a limited vocabulary — only about 30% of their language capacity — therefore learning is normally limited to visual and kinesthetic activities.
We expect them to initially lose focus when activities are over-complicated. We also expect them to struggle with commands that have more than two instructions.
The goal for our program is to get them to follow verbal commands with no visual demonstration. Also, our goal is for them to remember rules and commands without being reminded.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Children in preschool and Kindergarten typically have strong preferences and fears … and are not shy about telling you! Therefore they will normally act out of bounds when their emotions get out of their control.
We expect them to run off the mat when they have anxiety. We also expect them to shut down when something either scares them or doesn’t go their way.
The goal for our program is to help them follow directions and persevere through an activity even if they are initially emotional, and to begin self-regulating when they experience strong emotions.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Preschoolers and Kindergarteners are typically very self-centered. Also, due to their limited vocabulary, their common form of communication is mainly physical. They like to engage in parallel play, meaning they want to be involved in the same activity as those around them, but do not necessarily want to play WITH those around them.
We expect them to mimic each other (such as falling when their classmate falls). We also expect them to crash into things when they are excited, sometimes even on purpose.
The goals for our program are to help them build good social skills such as spatial awareness; not interrupting when others are talking; taking turns properly.
See what our members have to say:
Danielle Volks
We love karate, Sensei and Miss Stacey. What a wonderful program to be a part of. My son looks forward to karate each week.
Heather Richards
My daughter started a few months ago and has enjoyed the challenges, friendships, structure, community and education that sensei Chris Murphy provides. There is never a moment she isn’t excited to go to class! As a parent I have noticed the difference in my child’s focus, attitude and confidence not only about herself but in what she is doing as well!! Thank you sensei!!!
Kate Austin-Avon
Chris really knows his stuff, and is such a nice guy too. He’s a great teacher! We are lucky to have him in our community.
Nikki Hoague
My daughter has been a student here for years and I would highly recommend this school to anyome looking to learn new martial arts and not be like every other martial arts school in the area! Chris is a great teacher and leader to these kids. They offer adult classes too, Come try a class and make your own opinion.
Complete our Enrollment Survey to get started with an invitation to a FREE Program Consultation and Introductory Lesson to see our Classes in action.
HURRY! Space is limited in each class – so new enrollment is subject to availability.
FAQS
Yes. Our Early SKILLZ program teaches kids to have greater self-control and not to let negative emotions affect their behavior.
Yes. In our Early SKILLZ program, kids are part of a supportive community where all students are taught to respect one another and to share information.
It can. Learning basic martial arts moves helps kids learn to be aware of their own bodies, and that leads to greater physical self-control and less destructive behavior.
Yes. It’s common for students to require more than one attempt to earn a new belt. We teach them that trying is the most important thing – and that persistence pays off.
Our Early SKILLZ program puts kids into a fun social setting where they are part of a community. Students are taught to support and respect one another and to build age-appropriate relationships.
Yes. Our Early SKILLZ environment encourages kids to control negative emotions and to respect themselves and others – skills that are very important in a classroom setting.
Yes. Our Early SKILLZ program provides kids with a series of achievable goals to pursue. Some will be more difficult than others, but every child learns the value of perseverance.
Yes. Children in our program must learn to follow verbal instructions, stay focused, and remember what they learn. By providing them with measurable goals, we teach kids the value of avoiding distractions.
Yes. One of the first things kids learn in Early SKILLZ is the importance of being respectful to their teacher and following instructions. The benefits of obedience are demonstrated as students reach their goals.
Secure your spot & get started with a FREE 1-on-1 Placement Evaluation: