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Lil Dragons
(Ages 4-8)
Our Lil Dragons class is for
students between the ages of 4 and 8 years old. We
integrate our nationally known Anti-Abduction techniques
to teach the type of self-defense needed by a child of
this age group. We also
utilize the nationally recognized 'Lil Dragon'
curriculum, along with our own additions, to teach not
only Martial Arts motor skills, but we also integrate a
nationally recognized anti-abduction and anti-bully
program for our youth. Children will learn
Physical Skills, such as Stretching, Calisthenics, Basic
Tumbling and Balance/Coordination, and of course,
Martial Arts. They will learn Life Skills, such as
Respect, Discipline, Nutrition, Stranger Awareness and
Basic First-Aid. Our Lil Dragons course is
designed to produce respectful students not only of the
Martial Arts, but of LIFE as well.
Jr. Dragons (Ages 9-12)
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. 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; and the Dragon unites all of these
qualities.
The character
building aspects of each of these animals (taken from
the ancient “Seven Virtues of Bushido) are the Respect
and Honor of the Tiger; the Integrity and Honesty of the
Ram; the Compassion and Empathy of the Crane; the
Responsibility and Duty of the Cobra; the Fairness and
Equality of the Eagle; the Loyalty and Reliability of
the Panther; the Courage and Bravery of the Phoenix; and
the Patience and Humility of the Dragon.
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 can become the strong
foundation for a fit, focused and fulfilling
life.
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Our Area’s of Instruction Include
·
Character Skills
·
Life Skills
·
Personal Skills
·
Safety Skills
·
Anti-Abduction
·
Anti-Bully
·
Basic Tumbling
·
Break Falls
·
First Aid
·
Stretching
·
Calisthenics
·
Martial Arts Skills |
Our Martial Arts Skills Include
·
Stances
·
Maneuvers
·
Blocks/Parries/Checks
·
Punches
·
Strikes
·
Kicks
·
Self-Defense Techniques
·
Proper Body Mechanics
·
Sets
·
Forms
·
Drills
·
Combinations
·
Sparring (Optional) |
Adults (Ages 13+)
American Kenpo
Karate Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most up to date Martial
Arts systems available today. It is a blend of Japanese
Karate and Jiu-Jitsu. In the early days of its
formation, Kenpo Karate was also highly influenced by
WuShu Kung-Fu. These traditional arts were combined
into a single logical, efficient system that utilized
the best of each of these systems—the linear,
hard-hitting force of Japanese Karate, the speed and
circular nature of Kung-Fu along with the control and
manipulation aspects of Jiu-Jitsu.
This updated
system, called American Kenpo Karate Jiu-Jitsu,
has not stayed stagnant. Indeed, it is constantly
evolving and changing; maintaining the effectiveness of
the time-tested techniques found in traditional martial
arts, but modified and executed in a manner necessary to
defend oneself in today’s modern world. Let’s face it,
the dangers of today are certainly different, and
require a different approach, than the dangers of 10, 20
or 50 years ago.
A great
example is Groundfighting. Groundfighting was
introduced recently to the world primarily by the Gracie
family from Brazil. American Kenpo Karate & Jiu-Jitsu
responded by developing a strategy and defense to an
attacker who tries to take a conflict to the ground, and
these techniques have been added to the art and
curriculum.
American Kenpo
Karate is organized into a logical and effective system
utilizing the following methods:
·
Basics-Individual movements, such as punches and blocks
·
Sets-Combinations of basics, such as ‘Blocking Set’ or
‘Striking Set’
·
Drills-Coordinated sets of motion such as ‘Timing Drill’
to teach muscle memory
·
Techniques-Combinations of basics that formulate a
self-defense solution to a specific attack
·
Forms-Combinations of basics and techniques allowing a
student to practice individually
·
Principles-Principles of Body Mechanics, Kinesiology,
Physics and Motion are taught so that a student not only
knows WHAT to do, but WHY they are doing it.
American Kenpo
Karate utilizes a “Web of Knowledge” in order to ensure
that any and all areas of self-defense scenarios are
taught. This web includes attacks for: Grabs, Pushes,
Punches, Kicks, Hugs/Holds, Chokes, Weapons, Joint
Locks/Grappling, Groundfighting, Combinations,
Tackles/Takedowns, and Multiple Attackers. In addition
to being a blend of some of the most effective martial
arts available, our art is also a progressive,
innovative art. If a direct solution isn’t contained
within the ‘traditional’ material, then one is developed
and added to the system.
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!).
For our adult classes, Kenpo Karate is designed, and
is continually updated, for today's world. Some martial
arts emphasize more traditional cultures and continue to
practice the same techniques that were practiced up to
hundreds of years ago. While we continue to respect our
heritage and history, our self-defense techniques
emphasize simplicity, precision, timing and explosive
power while striking vital targets on your opponent.
This makes Kenpo highly practical for today's world and
easy to learn for men women and children of any size.
Our teaching
method is to teach simple drills of motion, timing,
speed and power in order to teach muscle memory and
create new neural pathways between the nervous and
physical systems of the body. Classes are formally and
respectfully opened and closed in a ‘traditional’
manner, paying tribute to our historic past. However,
the class atmosphere is of a more relaxed nature,
facilitating the mind’s ability to learn. There is no
‘punishment’ for doing something incorrect, as this
creates unnecessary stress and distracts from the
learning process.
The synthesis
of these training methods creates a student who is
REACTIVE in their self-defense, meaning they do not
think; the body and mind act as a single unit and
movement is spontaneous, rather than a rehearsed series
of movements.
Think about
catching a ball that is thrown quickly in your
direction. Does the mind think to itself, “uh-oh, I
better catch this ball or it will hit me in the face”,
or does the body and mind work together to simply react
and the object is blocked or caught?
Spontaneous
reaction is the result of simple physical and mental
simulation and stimulation, and is the ultimate goal and
aim of American Kenpo Karate Jiu-Jitsu.
That doesn't mean that we don't have fun! Our style
of self-defense is very fun, and we build a great
camaraderie among the students. Many of the drills and
exercises that we do facilitate teamwork, friendship and
a feeling of family. Learning Kenpo Karate can make you
more flexible, disciplined and builds self-confidence
knowing that you have the skills to protect yourself and
your loved ones.
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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