Karate for ages 6-10 and Karate for ages 11-15 provides a full curriculum of foundational karate moves, kata (standard pre-choreographed routines), and sparring startegies and combination moves.  Instructors discuss philosophies of karate and character education as they apply to young people.   In our dojo, we named our four groups of ranks to manage class size and what's taught to different ranks.   (This is slightly different than AAU and USANKF definitions.)

• Beginner: white and yellow belts (10th kyu-9th kyu)
• Novice: yellow/black stripe and orange belts (8th -7th kyu)
• Intermediate: green through purple belts (6th-4th kyu)
• Advanced: brown and black belts (3rd kyu and higher).

Karate for students aged 16 and up, including Adults is the most traditional karate class we offer.  Workouts are more rigorous, instruction is given in Japanese where possible, and instructors cover the mental and spiritual aspects of martial arts training.  Students of different ranks train together and grow with one another's experiences.  (Why?... If you're trying to learn French, wouldn't you want to be totally immersed with proficient French speakers rather than learn to speak with other beginners alone?  The same applies in karate.)

Age groups and ranks are combined on certain days of the week to give variety and inspiration to students at all levels.

Special Trainings includes Kihon, Kata, and Kumite focused classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.

Demonstration or Competitive Teams train together on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Competition is open to students at all ranks as long as the student is committed to extra conditioning, extra karate training, sportsmanship, and separate tournament fees.

Belt promotions or examinations are given by the instructors to lower ranked students who have trained at least 24 sessions, usually every 12 weeks (three months) for a student who attends classes twice a week.  Remaining Belt Promotions in 2008 are scheduled for Saturday, August 16 and Friday, October 26.

Karate Introduction for Kids, ages 4, 5 & 6 introduces basic self defense concepts, improves coordination, promotes independence, and reinforces good manners. Students will learn directly from Sensei without assistance from parents.  This is a 6-week course for three to six individuals at a time, starting the first or second week of every odd-number month (July, September, November, January, March, and May).  At the end of the course, each student is presented a karate gi at graduation and is assesed for readiness to enter the ready Youth class (45 minutes long, for ages 5-10).

CardioKickboxing Classes uses both aerobic floor movement and traditional boxing using heavy bags, makiwara punching posts, bands, and your own body weight.  Working professionals, firefighters, weekend athletes, and triathletes have improved hand and foot speed and endurance in this class.  Abdominal work and deep stretching are incorporated into warm-downs.  Wear sneakers.  Boxing gloves are recommended but will be provided if you have none.

Yoga Class for all levels of students with a stress reduction/relaxation period at the end.  The class includes:

1. working with classic Hatha yoga poses; focusing on breath with mindful attention; increasing strength, greater range of movement, and a deeper sense of calm.
2. stress reduction-experiencing the practice with awareness to integrate relaxation and flow into your daily experience.
3. modifications of poses to accommodate students with sensitive body issues or health concerns.

I'm Core Fit is a challenging workout for beginner to elite athletes who understand that all movement in exercise and fitness should be conducive to the center of the body, in order to create a true balanced central structure or core.  Using one's own body weight, partners, and other tools of the fitness trade, you will burn fat, get toned, and appreciate your personal strength.  Pricing for I'mCoreFit should be discussed with the Instructor.  More info at www.ImCoreFit.com.

CardioDance Class is a lower impact fitness class using dance combinations to get your heart rate up and your body moving.  Beginners will adapt easily as the instructor encourages and teaches as you move.