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When you sign
your child up for classes, you can expect a fun and
enjoyable learning atmosphere. While we do teach and
enforce discipline in our classes, we also teach in a
relaxed atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Our
kid’s curriculum is based around the ancient Chinese
animals, on which many styles of martial arts are
based. These animals are:
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The Tiger
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The Ram
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The Crane
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The Cobra
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The Eagle
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The Panther
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The Phoenix
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The Dragon
The character
building aspects of each of these animals (taken from
the ancient “Seven Virtues of Bushido) are
assigned as follows: to the Tiger, Honor; to the
Ram, Courtesy or Respect; to the Crane, Benevolence, or
Mercy; to the Cobra, Veracity or Sincerity; to the
Eagle, Justice or Fairness; to the Panther, Courage; to
the Phoenix, Loyalty; and to the Dragon, we assign the
virtue of 'Dedication'. Over the course of our
entire program, in addition to the virtues listed above,
we teach the two most important rules of Karate, which
are Respect and Focus. We teach our students that
we should use these virtues in all aspects of their
lives, Respecting our parents, teachers and peers, and
Focusing on whatever we are doing so that we can be the
best, whether that is schoolwork/homework, chores, other
activities or Karate.
The physical characteristics of each of these
animals are the Strength and Quickness of the
Tiger; the
Focus and Stability of the Ram; the
Grace and Balance of
the Crane; the Speed and Accuracy of the
Cobra; the
Precision and Control of the Eagle; the
Courage and
Cunning of the Panther; the Power
and Peacefulness of the Phoenix; and
the Dragon unites all of these
qualities.
Our kid’s curriculum is
second to none and is unique, in that in addition to the
traditional martial arts and self-defense material, we
teach a number of skills that become the strong
foundation for a fit, focused and fulfilling
life.
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Our Area’s of Instruction Include:
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Character Skills
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Life Skills
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Personal Skills
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Safety Skills
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Anti-Abduction
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Anti-Bully
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Anger Management
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Basic Tumbling
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Break Falls
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First Aid
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Stretching
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Calisthenics
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Martial Arts Skills
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The Martial Arts Skills
we teach include:
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Stances
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Maneuvers
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Blocks/Parries/Checks
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Punches
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Strikes
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Kicks
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Self-Defense Techniques
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Proper Body Mechanics
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Sets
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Forms
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Drills
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Combinations
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Sparring (Optional)
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Philosophy of Teaching
At Front Range Kenpo Karate, we train students to
have the ability to defend themselves in a real-world
self-defense situation. We believe that attitude has a
great deal to do with self-defense. We work on what we
call 'Kenpo-attitude', which is an instantaneous change
in consciousness, physical characteristics and mental
alertness. The goal is to be able to turn your
Kenpo-attitude on and off, much like a light switch. In
a real-world situation, there isn't time to think or
plan, so an instant change of attitude to turn the
tables on a would-be attacker is essential.
Our Kids classes are designed not only to introduce
children to the principles of self-defense, but we also
teach life skills, such as goal-setting, manners,
positive attitude and and integrity. Our kids
curriculum covers real-life scenarios, such as dealing
with strangers, anti-abduction and courage when dealing
with bully's. All this occurs within the framework of
gaining valuable physical strength, coordination and
self-defense skills, leading to a clarity of mind and
body, allowing them to overcome any obstacle and focus
on what is important (at this point in their life,
SCHOOL!).
In addition to having fun, our class atmosphere is
very relaxed. It can be difficult to focus on learning
new material, if a student is worried about doing
something 'wrong' and having to do pushups or some other
paltry penalty. When a student is relaxed, they are
more open to absorbing new material, and executing it
properly. That doesn't mean we don't also teach
discipline, but we also don't take it to an extreme. In
the end, there is no "right or wrong" technique...if you
act quickly and effectively to defend yourself, then
your actions are correct. That is our goal.
At our school, we do not
bow to foreign flags, nor do we teach Eastern mysticism.
Our goal is to provide our community with exciting and
motivational class in the Martial Arts without
infringing upon anyone's religious or political views.
We teach fighting techniques as a last resort in a
physical confrontation. Only after all other efforts
have been exhausted, should a student's Kenpo skills be
used.
Class Format
Our classes are held in a safe and friendly
atmosphere. We do not use the militant and abrasive
teaching methods of some martial arts schools. We
believe that a comfortable environment is essential for
positive growth and personal development. In the "old
days," martial arts classes were extremely rough and was
an activity practiced mainly by adult males. Some
martial arts schools still follow this format and
injuries are a common occurrence. At Front Range Kenpo
Karate our classes are safe and are participated in by
men and women of all ages, as well as children of all
ages.
Our class format varies somewhat depending on the
level of the student (beginning, intermediate or
advanced). Most classes start of with some basics, sets
and forms (kata). Then we learn and practice
self-defense techniques, both in the air and with a
partner. We finish class off with a bang with an
American Kenpo tradition, called the 'Technique Line'.
The Technique Line is a method of practicing
self-defense techniques against various opponents, of
different sizes and statures. The Technique Line is
critical in developing the Kenpo-attitude, and is a lot
of fun to boot!
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