Our Kids Program is led by Gary Diven (Go-Dan) and is highly regarded by area martial arts school. Sensei Diven is sought out by higher-ranked blackbelts, at tournaments, to operate the contests for the children. Sensei Diven genuinely cares about the children and their unique needs. Sensei Diven is assisted by Sensei Miller (Yon-Dan), Sensei Tamecki (San-Dan), Joe Bennett (Sho-Dan) and other adult students during classes.
Our Kids Class is held on Monday and Thursday from 5:00pm until 5:45pm. Kids Kumite (sparring) is on the first Thursday and third Monday of each month.
Our Kids Program starts with kids who are 5 years old (or older) and the student progresses in the Kids Class until Master Vasquez and Sensei Diven feel the child is mature enough for the Regular Class.
Page last modified - November 19, 2007
Designed and maintained by Joseph Bennett
In our kids program, our teachers have developed special katas for the kids which emphasize the basic movements, blocks, kicks, and strikes of Isshinryu. These katas give the kids an excellent base of knowledge before moving onto the adults program.
Also, our kids do spar! It is VERY controlled and VERY safe. Our teachers watch and guide the kids as they progress and mature in both technique and knowldge. Our biggest goal is to make the kids the best they can be while having FUN.
As the kids grow in knowledge and ability - they are taught more advanced techniques, given the opportunity to do some more advanced techniques and advance in rank.
On of the advanced techniques taught is breaking. Breaking involves the physical breaking of wooden boards sized for the kids. Breaking can be performed using with punches or kicks. Breaking promotes focus and instills confidence in the students and is only done with the permission of the parents.
Our kids program teaches basic Isshinryu techniqes, which include the Isshinryu Vertical Fist, stances, hand techniques, and kicking techniques, along with methods of blocking. We also give the kids knowledge of Isshinryu history, and try to instill in them confidence and respect.
We also teach kids very basic self-defense techinques that are age-appropriate. We stress when and where these techniques are correct to used.
