Welcome to
Junior Martial Athletes!
Please read this entire page to give your child their best chance at success in our martial arts program, and beyond.
LEVEL 3 Martial Arts Performance offers a unique approach to martial arts fitness training that combines the ancient traditions of a time-proven skill with the modern day champion mindset you'd expect from high performance athletes. We define "champion" as an attitude, a behavior, a thought process - not just a person with a title or trophy. Our goal is to develop "everyday champions" who know that the only real competitor they're up against is them self. That's why our classes help equip you with a high-standard of skills you need to succeed, adapt to, and overcome life's challenges. Our instructors encourage each other to always maintain high standards in their own choices and training so we can rise up together. Our system is comprised of Kempo, Karate, and Jiu Jitsu which makes for an extremely well-rounded, simple, and effective self-defense method when defending on your feet or from the ground. From your first class you'll notice our program is fun, challenging and safe and our clean and friendly studio environments are populated with a like-minded team that looks forward to welcoming you. Rise to a new level of personal performance.
Martial Arts fitness training is a proven method for increasing self-esteem, confidence, and positive attitude – three traits vital to one’s development no matter the age. Martial Arts training connects the mind, body, and spirit in a way nothing else does. It’s easy to identify the “body” aspects of training - the physical movements and exercises: self-defense skills, balance, coordination, strength, agility, and flexibility. But there is more below the surface. The “mind” aspect develop focus, attention, concentration, and awareness – skills needed in work, school, or just when driving around town. The “spirit” of Martial Arts provides empowerment, self-esteem, positive attitude, belief, confidence, and respect – traits needed for improving independence, leadership, or just to avoid unhealthy daily temptations. These traits combined with our well-rounded curriculum help you achieve indisputable results.
In this program students will gain skills such as Dexterity (Skill and grace in physical movement), Reaction (quick-smart decision making), Versatility (capable of smoothly going from one technique to another), Momentum (using motion to cover distance and gain height), Precision (controlling direction of movement), Instinct (making a decision before reaction), Strength (quality of being strong), Vision (seeing the big picture as a teammate in life, school, and elsewhere).
Group & Private Training
Consistent attendance is key to reaching your goals, so prioritize your training even on day's your child might not feel energetic or motivated. That's the easiest way to start strengthening that discipline muscle we all need! When your child is consistent from day-one then they will get in the groove right away, make friends, and feel that they’re an important part of our school. Students always go home feeling happier, less stressed, sleep better, and feel a sense of accomplishment motivating them to keep moving forward. The positive socialization our program provides is key to a healthy development for all of us. We cannot overstate the importance of starting strong and staying consistent!
GROUP INSTRUCTION
Group classes consist of physical conditioning and stretching, skill building drills and Martial Arts / self defense techniques. Our classes are a positive social experience, plus training is just more fun and motivating when people with similar interests are along side you adding energy to our atmosphere. Learning how to work with and respect others help us learn more about ourselves and stay calm in challenging scenarios. Group classes are roughly 60-minutes in duration. This is the most productive amount of time that allows a student of this age group to learn, exercise, and enjoy their training without being overwhelming.
PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Private training allows us to personalize your experience and effectively deliver a custom-tailored curriculum to help you achieve your goals whether it be competition training, conditioning, flexibility, classical training, rank advancement or anything else. Private lessons are also an excellent for picking up techniques and principles that may not be covered until later in the class calendar, catching up on lessons you might have missed, or speciality training like tournament competition preparation or to specifically focus on just one martial arts element like striking or grappling. They are roughly 30 minutes in duration (60 minutes upon request) and are designed to refine your skills and / or provide additional help in troubled areas. If you cannot attend your private lesson for any reason a 24-hour advanced notice is required for a make-up lesson to be scheduled otherwise your lesson may be forfeited. “Private” lessons are valued-higher than “Semi-Private” lessons but do not include / allow other students. Semi-Private training allows you to be matched with partners of similar age, goals, and skill level to help you get the most from your martial arts training. Current monthly-tuition members enjoy discounts on private and semi-private training!
LEVEL 3 “AT-HOME”
Members only - click here for our private YouTube playlist of over 6 months of previously taught classes. Perfect for extra training, family fun, or to use as a “make-up” class if you miss your in-person training.
Click the button below to download the student requirement chart for this age group.
Progression & Goal Achieving Outline
There are 3 things that you must remember to ensure you reach your goals - no matter what they are:
Come to class: Consistently on the same days every week. Your body and mind will adapt to that schedule and get you in a groove as well as keep you there. Come to class unconditionally - no matter how busy you are, how unmotivated you feel, or what else you might come up with in place of attending, just show up. You’ll always go home with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment!
Practice: Review your most recent principles learned, even just for 10 minutes during at least one or two off-training days. The reflection and attention you give to your most recent class helps the ideas stick for next time.
Don’t quit: This is very simple, but not always easy! If you quit you can’t learn. If you can’t learn you can’t improve. If you don’t improve you won’t reach your goals. It doesn’t matter how “slow” or “fast” you progress. The pace is FORWARD. We believe slower is faster and less is more. Taking things a step at a time doesnt always satisfy the instant gratification desire but it always results in a longer and more successful experience. Because progress and skill happen over time it can be hard to identify improvement in yourself. So trust your instructor to acknowledge your performance when the time is right. Make sure your expectations are real, readjust your goals as needed, and just keep going.
…AND THE BEST STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS - BRING YOUR OWN TRAINING PARTNER!
You’ll make great connections here, but its always nice to start off with a familiar face!
Your Junior Martial Athlete’s Kaishi Belt progression happens only through consistent attendance and skill improvement. The purpose of the below format is to promote material retention, skill improvement through disguised repetition, and to keep the learning experience as fresh as possible for as long as possible - it’s truly an ideal balance!
Curriculum is based on a Trimester (4-month) time period.
There are 15 classes, each containing 2 main topics for a total of 30 techniques and principles.
Attendance is tracked on your child’s curriculum tracking card.
After completing classes 1 - 15 your child will be awarded their 1st belt stripe. Then the curriculum then repeats but with variation of each topic to increase depth of knowledge and ensure novelty (each of these topics can be presented in a multitude of ways, meaning your child may never do the same version of class #1 for most of their time in this age group but still get the repetition needed to improve their skill.
When the 15-class variations are completed they’re awarded their 2nd stripe.
Your child must then complete and turn-in their White Stripe Character Evaluation to earn their 3rd and final stripe - the White stripe. Click here to download the worksheet - use password LEVEL3isthegoal.
White Belt through Kaishi-Purple Belt techniques and Kaishi-Blue Belt through Kaishi Black Belt techniques are unique to each of the two groups respectively.
Assuming your child’s attendance, skill, and character scores are meeting our standards then they’ll be considered for belt testing at the end of the 4-month curriculum cycle.
We’ve included one week of topic review prior to the scheduled test allowing us to review some of what your child may have missed. Many of the topics are relative to each other, meaning they may be able to perform a missed class’ technique based on having learned similar principles from other classes they’ve attended. However, excessive absences will make them ineligible for belt testing unless private lessons are scheduled to make up for missed learning. Private lessons are discounted for current members.
The Kaishi (pronounced Ky-She) Black belt represents the point of transition from of our JMA program into our adult program where students enter as either a Purple or Blue belt after a personal evaluation by their instructor. Purple or Blue belt are not higher or lower than a Kaishi Black Belt. They simply represent a unique set of skills that deal with more mature and demanding martial arts topics. Your child must mature both physically and mentally to accept the responsibility of a Black Belt. It represents ultimate capability and character - two things which often only come with life experience and the nature of growing older. This is why a certified Kempo Black Belt is only awarded to our adult program members. Like with anything, the secret to achieving the ultimate goal of Black Belt is come to class, practice, and don’t quit. After all, a Black Belt is simply a White Belt that never quit!
Belt-Rank Testing
Rank testing is an exciting moment in our martial arts journey - when you’re invited to test prioritize this event! Make up tests rarely occur and tests are scheduled roughly only every four months. Testing requires student to prove their knowledge while maintaining focus and a positive attitude during predetermined and improvised challenges. We also aim to educate students about better ways to perform and what to look forward to in the next rank. Please know, the color of the belt doesn’t make us “good”. Our focus and effort in every class is what gives value to the color of our belt. You should leave a test with two things: 1) a new belt; 2) more importantly, a sense of accomplishment knowing you deserve that belt. The following are taken into consideration before your instructor invites you to test:
Achievement of all skill-stripes.
Behavior: Discipline, self-control, positive attitude, contributes to class energy.
Skill: Using your level-specific movements properly while also showing improvement of balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, etc.
Knowledge: Memorization and complete performance of techniques to the air, pads, and on a partner.
Spirit: Focus and intensity behind movements.
Etiquette: Proper student image, attitude, and behavior.
Consistency: Attendance to the required classes.
Time at your current rank.
NOTE: Depending on when you enrolled within our current test cycle, you may be required to wait longer than the average 4-months to test for your first belt since it takes roughly 4 months to complete your curriculum between belts. BE PATIENT - FOCUS ON THE PROCESS, NOT THE BELT!
Every martial arts program charges test fees. However, our studio does not rely on test fees as a key source of income, therefore we don’t push students through the ranks unfairly nor may a student be eligible for every test. Plus our test fees are an industry low. Your test fee covers the cost of the belt, certificate, and instructional time. If your child is unable to successfully complete their test then their next test will be at no charge.
WAIT…YOU’RE NOT FINISHED!
Kaishi Black Belt is an amazing accomplishment that represents a culmination of consistency, effort, dedication, and so much more. But it's important that our students and Dojo parents don’t mistake a Kaishi-Black Belt for our certified Kempo Black Belt that is only achieved in our adult program. Sometimes the color around our waist can trick our mind with thoughts that aren’t accurate or that don’t promote a real understanding of the true value of martial arts training. Many think that upon achieving Kaishi Black Belt that they’ve “finished” martial arts - there’s no such thing. You’ve indeed acheived a great level of skill over the fundamentals needed to serve as a solid foundation for learning the more mature and advanced Kempo Jiu-Jitsu concepts. As you continue training in our adult program you’ll truly understand why only age and experience can bring the maturity required for a Shodan 1st-Degree Kempo MMA Black Belt.
Always remember, it is you that gives meaning to the belt, not the other way around!
HOW TO NOT QUIT…PARENTS READ THIS NOW!
There 3 “secrets” to success: Come to class, practice, and don’t quit! It's important for parents of this age group to be encouraging, supportive, and involved in their child’s Martial Arts journey. They need your involvement even if they don’t “want” it. Plus you should hear our end-of-class words-of-wisdom we share so you can be there to remind your child of these life-philosophies when needed. Encourage your child to practice on a regularly scheduled basis - even for just a few minutes twice per week. Maybe even have them teach you what they've learned - CONNECT WITH THEM! It’s easy for this age group to experience “burnout” - DON’T OVERREACT, QUIT, OR TAKE A WEEK OFF WHEN IT HAPPENS - AND IT WILL HAPPEN! Discipline and forever-positive habits are created through consistency during down times. Even though we like to think “my kid is different”, they’re not. Children this age don’t have the long-term vision or self-discipline to push through those feelings of demotivation. Honestly, neither do most adults! To avoid making quitting a habit communicate with your instructor as soon as you feel concerns - we are the main part of your family’s martial arts journey and deserve to be in that conversation. Together we can problem solve and help your child see past any potential challenges which ultimately increases their chances of success in all future endeavors.
ATTENTION: Not everyone who begins the Martial Arts makes it to Black Belt. That’s not surprising. What is surprising is how simple it can be to ensure long-term success in our program. Below are common factors preventing success and a solution for each!
Didn’t get involved the right way right away - prioritize training schedule and get here (illness excluded). Don’t tell yourself “Ill just go to the next class”. Its easy for the next two weeks to slip away. By that time you’ll be talking yourself out of training with every excuse in the book. Just show up.
Parents didn’t show involvement in their child’s development - believe it or not your child appreciates your interest plus it keeps them accountable to their effort. So relax in our lobby off your phone, listen to the instructor’s words your child’s hearing in class, and talk with your child on the ride to and from the Dojo - ask questions that require a thoughtful answer instead of just yes or no (i.e. What’s your favorite aspect of martial arts? What do you find most challenging? What do you do to get through that challenge? On a scale of 1 - 10 how much focus / effort / control / spirit did you bring to class today? How will you make your next class just as good or better?).
Let other “things” get in the way - its okay to have other activities but also prioritize which to choose based on what helps you meet your most important needs. Why did you enroll your child - what need can we meet for you? Will other activities meet that need while also providing all the other benefits martial arts does? Nothing connects mind and body and cultivates character as simultaneously and effectively as martial arts training.
Parents didn’t realize the importance of consistency - most kids and adults do not have a high level of discipline naturally. Consistent involvement with anything trains the mind and body to accept the value and challenges of that activity. Sometimes it will be fun, other times it will be challenging - discipline is what we use to do the right thing the right way even when we don’t feel like it at the moment - just show up.
Their initial reason for joining lost its value - the only constant is change. Whether you realize it or not your initial purpose for joining martial arts might need some updating. As time goes on we mature, improve, and also become numb to routines - two of those are good, but combined with becoming numb to the routine we become complacent and stop growing. Time to establish a new reason / purpose for your training. This creates a deeper understanding and connection to the martial arts which translates into consistency, commitment, and achievement later in life.
Taking too much time off due to illness, injury, or vacation - set a return date and stick to it at all costs. Suit up and come to class even when recovering from injury. If you’re home for a few days between trips, come to whatever class you can in that time. It can take coming to a class or two to get back into a groove, but once you do, you’re there - just show up!
WHAT THEY REALLY MEAN, AND HOW TO HELP:
“It’s too hard”: Usually this comes from not being used to the level of physical activity and challenges the martial arts offers. Come to class anyway. Some students take longer than others to acclimate to a new routine but with enough consistency they always do.
“I’m too tired”: They might feel intimidated due to more challenging material and haven’t yet built the confidence needed to conquer those challenges. Remind them consistency creates confidence! Maybe their pre-class activity didn’t frame their mind or body properly for class (i.e. screen time, sleeping,). Have your child be mildly active for about 10 - 15 minutes before coming to the Dojo to get their body in “go” mode and their brain alert to the world around them.
“It’s not fun anymore”: Often youth expect anything active to be pure play. When that expectation is not met because the nature of the program is more challenging and requires more maturity and patience we sometimes see a tendency to give up or lose patience. For many this point is where the martial arts actually begins to strengthen your child’s character. It’s important to keep your child in a learning mode, especially during seasonal school breaks. Sometimes certain skills will be harder to conquer than others. This is where persistency rewards those who follow through. This is how self-esteem, confidence, self-worth, discipline, perseverance, and self-control is learned. Simply by showing up and working through the temporary feeling.
“I want to take a break” (there’s no such thing): This really means “I want to quit” but we don’t want to admit it to ourselves or say it aloud. Breaks come with a specified amount of time and a plan to resume. In all our years teaching we’ve never seen that be the case. If someone’s true intention was to return after a break most often they wouldn’t need the break, because what it takes to return is the same thing it takes to continue without quitting. For many non-adult martial arts students the most dangerous time of year for motivation and consistency is June through September - that’s when we see the most drop-outs who never return to training. Toward the end of the school-year kids are thinking about Summer and dreading the remaining days of school. Then comes the loose structure of Summer or sometimes the overwhelming too-jam-packed schedule of activities during summer. Getting out of a routine kills any momentum we gain. Balance and consistency are key. As we approach back-to-school time from August to September structure and responsibility increase again. It takes a few weeks for them to adjust. You might notice lack-of-motivation, whining, listlessness, whining, crankiness, and whining. This is normal. The solution is simple, but not always easy - just keep going. Reestablish your reasons and goals and stay consistent. By the time October arrives your child will be back in the routine!
Don’t be afraid to “ruffle your child’s feathers” by directing them to do what you know is right and good for them. Part of a parent’s role is to encourage, remind, enlighten, educate, and guide children even when it’s tough. Your child will make a lot of friends in their life, but they will only have one set of parents, your role is significant and we are always here to help.
Setting realistic expectations
Goals are not met overnight. Sometimes your child’s goals aren’t met until after months or years of consistent attendance to class and support from you. Be patient, encouraging, and most of all, communicative with your child. If you feel your expectations aren’t being met then address your concerns with us immediately. But remember to keep your expectations real. Your child is coming to us already having developed their own thoughts, behaviors, and habits. We are going to see them roughly 2.5 hours per week. It will take time to cultivate the character traits you seek. There is no one-time fix-all moment that reprograms behavior or thinking and provides magical cures to concerns overnight. Every student, no matter the age, will achieve their desired results if the following requirements are met:
…we (student, parent, instructor) begin our journey together with the right frame of mind and strive for a high standard of performance versus expecting a specific outcome. When we expect something and it doesn’t happen exactly as we envisioned our attitude can sour and performance can suffer. This is one reason why we don’t put focus on belt testing and students aren’t supposed to ask about their next test. It’s more effective to focus on the process and one day be unexpectedly presented with the opportunity to rank-up.
…parents keep their child’s training consistent year-round - we are not a seasonal activity. Progress and change is cumulative, not sudden. Every class you attend keeps adding to success.
…parents participate / get involved with the child’s training through spectating and discussions. Any concerns parents have must be addressed with your instructor. If we know, they can grow!
We will have influence over your child to some degree, but please remember we are an enhancement to your efforts as a parent. It takes a community to raise a child.
The tips below will help your family make the most of your child’s training experience:
Encourage at home-practice - dont push, but set a consistent minimal practice time of 10m once or twice a week at the same time during the day if possible. Our private YouTube playlist of “At-Home” martial arts classes makes it easy to practice whenever and wherever you want!
Observe their classes often - when you support their effort and motivation, they’ll try harder.
Discourage absences or “days off” - consistency and commitment will be one of the best lessons your child learns.
Compliment their achievements- when you recognize their accomplishments, they are more inclined to continue accomplishing.
Help them set consistent goals- when they have a reason to strive forward the more they will gain.