Junior Classes

An age specific martial arts education program for ages 7-8 and 9-12. In the 7-8 year old class, children will learn the basic techniques and philosophy of traditional karate such as respect, trying one’s best, and being a good person. In the class, children will be introduced to Japanese language and culture. Classes are balanced between discipline and fun. In this class, children will follow the international ranking system under the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF) and their rank will be recognized internationally.

In the 9-12 year old class, children will begin to learn the traditional martial art of Okinawan Goju-Ryu. Classes are fun and challenging. The main purpose of karate is to be a better person both physically and mentally. Instructors will encourage and lead students to train harder, and seek to be a better and stronger person. Students will learn not only Japanese terminology, but also the history and philosophy of the art. Students will be evaluated under the international standard (IOGKF), and graded accordingly. Their rank will be recognized all over the world.

In addition to traditional karate instruction, children are taught the values of our dojo-kun, the karateka’s warrior code. These are the very ideals we strive to live in our day-to-day lives. These dojo-kun are recited in IOGKF dojos all across the world as part of our end of class meditation. Before each rule we say ‘Hitotsu’ which is Japanese for number one. Therefore each rule is the number one rule and is as important as all the others…

• Hitotsu: respect others
• Hitotsu: be courageous
• Hitotsu: train you mind and body
• Hitotsu: practice daily to protect traditional karate
• Hitotsu: strive to reach the essence of Goju-Ryu
• Hitotsu: never give up