Training begins with a "mat chat". This covers character lessons. Then there's a brief warm-up and
some strength building exercises. Basic Karate techniques are practiced as a group and then
individually on focus pads and kick shields.
If you visit a class, you may see Mr. Chuck teaching the children to juggle, punching at bubbles, or
catching a ball. What does this have to do with Karate? It's called fun with a purpose - it teaches them
coordination, flexibility, concentration; all without them knowing they are learning!
Students can earn award stripes on their belts as they demonstrate proficiency in specific karate
techniques and the white belt kata, or form, as they reach benchmarks in strength and flexibility.
As class ends, students cool down with flexibility exercises and receive their "Tiger Token" as a
reward for good effort in the day's class. Tiger Tokens go in their gear bag with their belt. Four tokens
earned - and saved - bring another stripe.