Children do not learn the same way that adults do, so training them together in the same class creates difficulty for both students and the instructor.  Younger children also benefit from being separate from older children.  They have special needs based on shorter attention spans and limited coordination.  

To accommodate these differences, we have our Tiny Tigers program for ages 4 through 6, Juniors for ages 7 through 12, and our Adults and Teens classes.  In some cases, we may also allow 12 year old children to train with the Adults and Teens classes based on the individual's maturity and ability.  

Parents are encouraged to fill out recognition slips when their child performs some extra special task.  Getting an A on a test, keeping their room clean, acts of kindness towards siblings, etc. would be examples just to name a few.  The ins t ructor reads these out loud in front of the class and stars are awarded to the student to reinforce positive behavior.  These stars are sewn on Victory patches, and as the stars accumulate, the student is awarded the next level Victory patch.  There are four levels of Victory patches to earn as the student advances through the ranks.  

I feel that the most important part of our Karate for Kids curriculum is the building of a healthy self image.  Children who have a healthy self image perform better in school, interact better with siblings and friends, and are less likely to act-out aggressively.