Kids aged 7 and up are invited to participate in our Kids’ Karate program. We teach a traditional style of Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do which encourages discipline and structure. It specializes in the methods of blocking, punching, kicking, striking, and breathing as forms of self-defense. In addition to the punches, blocks, and kicks of Karate, Shuri-Ryu also incorporates joint locks, take-downs, throws, and the traditional weapons of kobudo.
With this traditional form, your child will learn physical skills such as balance, flexibility, and coordination; as well as life skills such as respect, discipline, honor, and courtesy. At West Coast Martial Arts Academy we provide a safe environment where students can develop their full potential.
Our Kids’ Karate class enables kids to face the world today with confidence… while having lots of fun!
The system consists of
- 26 ippon kumite kata, which are performed to develop form and power
- 10 taezu naru waza, which are performed to develop speed and fluidity
- 30 kihons, which are performed to develop fighting technique
- 8 Sen-te motions, to develop endurance of flow
- 7 kogeki-ho, to develop attacking and retreating
- Kata kumite, form sparring
- Kime dachi kumite, focus stance sparring
- Jiyu undo, free exercise
- 14 Kata, formal forms
- Tai Kyoku
- Wunsu
- Anaku
- Naihanchi Sho
- Empi Sho
- Sanchin
- Tsue Sho No Kon
- Bassai Dai
- Go Pei Sho
- Dan Enn Sho
- Naihanchi Ni
- Nan Dan sho
- Kanku Sho
- Ten Sho
The system is structured to build the body, mind, and spirit and is based off the 5 animal principles of the Tiger, Snake, Crane, Leopard, and Dragon. Through the principles of these animals your child will be introduced to different types of mind-set, intent, and body state.
This program is taught in a safe, progressive manner which enables your child to learn at his/her own pace, while having lots of fun!
HEAD INSTRUCTOR Shihan Steve Schwartz
Shihan Schwartz was born and raised in New York. At a very young age his parents recognized his high energy and decided to channel and focus it through the Martial Arts. He was 8 years old when first enrolled in Karate and then later joined Kung Fu, Boxing, and Kick Boxing. At the age of 15 his family relocated from New York to Sarasota, Florida where he started as a white belt again and enrolled at West Coast Martial Arts Academy and trained with the former Head Instructor Hanshi Steven Roensch for the next 20 years.