Playground Self-defence Karate

This program is the entry level class for any child looking to experience karate. It is our first introductory program and is a pre-requisite for all our other kids classes. It is the stepping stone for the full courses taught at our upcoming club.

Our idea is to have a fun class where we can play with karate skills in a non-violent and non-fighting way. This lets us experiment and learn by doing, feeling, and having fun.

Completion of this program is a requirement for achieving the first belt levels in our club. By coming to class and working through all parts of the program, the student is slowly travelling their own personal journey towards the Black Belt. It is a path of growth. All students receive certificates of completion for each course they attend. During the course of the program, students who are working toward their belts are awarded stripe and belt certificates for completion of those levels.

What we mean by Playground Self-Defence is that techniques used in this program are based on the types of pressures and events that children might face in the schoolyard. All confrontations are based on the idea that bullies are other kids at school or in the park.

Because we are looking at defence first, those students who have been with us awhile will have noticed that we do not teach striking or hitting in these courses. We do teach how to use blocks, body movement and counter-action techniques to push away, pull, or spin aggressors. But we do not put the idea of hitting into childrens' minds.

We are looking to be non-violent, and want to have the idea of self-defence without hurting our partners. We look at how to get up if we are pushed to the ground, what to do when grabbed or held by someone, we talk about safety zones and how to get help, as well as having a good time and not being scared. Most of what we do is aimed towards fighting fear and doing it in such a way as to not get hurt, or hurt others.

I look forward to seeing you all on the mat. If you know anyone who may be interested in our programs or if you would like to bring a friend to class, please refer them to http://www.karateschool.ca/ for all the nesecessary sign-up information.

Thank you,

Sensei Andrew Carr-Locke