General Information and
F.A.Q.

General Class Information

Orientation classes are twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes long, and are designed to give prospective students an overview of Kenpo and Charm City Karate.

Tiny Tiger classes are thirty (30) minutes long, and teach discipline, confidence, and basic karate skills.

Our children's classes are forty five (45) minutes long, and cover karate basics, forms, and sparring techniques as well as important life skills.

Adult classes are fifty (50) minutes long, and cover karate basics, self-defense techniques and many physical drills. Sparring is covered in a separate class.

Free Style (sparring) classes are also fifty (50) minutes long and involve more physical contact and a more "realistic" fight training. Students learn how to move, attack, and defend in their own style. SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS!

All class sizes are limited so that each student can receive the individual attention that they need and deserve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I have heard that bullying is reaching epidemic levels in schools - are there any statistics to support this?
A. Absolutely. The September/ October 1995 Issue of Psychology Today reports that:

  • One third of all students, and half of all boys, report being physically assaulted.
  • 74% of 8-11 year olds say teasing and bullying occur at their school more than smoking, drinking, drugs, or sex.
  • 86% of 12-15 year olds say teasing and bullying occur at their school more than substance abuse or sex.
  • Both age groups called the teasing and bullying big problems that rank higher than racism, AIDS, and the pressure to have sex or to try alcohol or drugs.
  • One study set up a video camera in a Toronto school yard. In 52 hours the camera captured 400 episodes of bullying. One incident lasted 37 minutes while students kicked and punched another helpless young student. In the average mid-size school, a bully acts out on the average of every seven minutes.

Q. Will my child become too aggressive if he studies Karate?
A. No. We emphasize self control as fundamental to Karate. Rather than increase hostility, we have successfully moderated the behavior of children who were overly aggressive. However, in every case, we will help determine if Karate is right for your child. Our studio also presents Positive Role Models for children, reinforcing by example the life skills we teach.

Q. Will Karate really teach my child discipline?
A. Yes. The traditional discipline and respect in a Karate school is something children want to participate in: saluting instructors, bowing in the studio area, and obedience to the teachers are fun and part of promotion requirements. We have found that children respond to the dignity and tradition of Karate and enjoy the self-discipline it teaches.

Q. Do you teach children and adults together?
A. No. Teaching them together robs both of proper instruction and ignores the skills and inabilities of their respective ages. No reputable education system presents information to adults on a child's level, or vice versa. We do offer some Family workout classes, but these are more focused on exercise and teamwork.

Q. What will my child learn in your school?
A. Self Esteem, Discipline, Confidence, Respect and Karate Skills. You will see results quickly - we make participation fun, and exercise becomes a daily habit. Our goals are to develop children's self confidence, good sportsmanship, fairness to others, and positive character. Unlike other schools, our program is specifically geared towards children and their needs. We emphasize the fun aspects of Karate as a means of achieving these goals.

Q. What is the right age to start karate?
A. Whenever there is an interest is the best time for the child to start.

Q. Why is your Karate program better than others?
A. We always make sure that we give the students real martial arts knowledge. We make every effort to avoid teaching fluff just to entertain. Your child will also learn life skills that go way beyond punching and kicking. Many of the principles that we teach, even at this age, have yet to be employed by others.

Q. How do I start?
A. Call or stop by to schedule an Orientation. You'll get two private lessons (20-30 minutes each) for $9.95 - an opportunity for your child (or you) to try Karate and see if they like it, for you to meet the instructors, and an opportunity for us to evaluate your child's needs. The lessons cover a variety of basics and provides a head-start for that first group class.

Q. What is the correct way to tie my belt?
A. Click here to see

Q. What are the Four Pledges?
A. Click here to see

Q. What are all the colors for the SWAT Patches?
A. Click here to see

Q. What is the Black Belt Club?
A. Black Belt Club is for people who are ready to make a serious commitment to their Kenpo training. It involves a three-year enrollment, and includes extra training classes every month. You also receive a special Gi top, belt, and membership patch.Click here for more.

Have a question? Email us, and we'll post it here with the answer!

 
 
 

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Charm City Karate & Life Skills Center 50 Scott Adam Rd, Suite 103, Cockeysville, MD 21030 || 410-628-4994
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