Kodokai Martial Arts

 
                   Happy, Healthy, Confident Kids! 

Kids are capable of learning meaningful skills and enjoying themselves. Many schools, however, do not teach kids to their potential. Instead, they focus on play, getting the next belt, breaking thin pine boards and other gimmicks. We differ from other schools in many ways, but most importantly, we provide the finest martial arts education in the state- while the kids are having fun.

Parents drive from Barrington, Cranston, Scituate, Glocester, Cumberland and nearby Massachusetts to bring their kids to Kodokai. They drive past other schools simply because other schools can not do what we can for their kids.

Here is how we are different:

We have martial arts that kids love to do.
Our martial arts are unique and you won't find them anywhere else. We are often surprised how many kids express an appreciation for the beauty and grace of our martial arts style. While very effective for self-defense, the style also offers a peaceful, calming practice for the mind body and spirit. Our practice is 'hands-on' which makes sense to kids and develops useful skills. Many schools, instead, focus on 'forms' (choreographed movements) that have little practical value (they are showy).

We see the potential in kids.
We don't assume that kids aren't capable of learning real martial arts and only respond to play. With skilled teaching they can enjoy the full benefits of martial arts including fitness, inner-calm and effective self-protection skills.

Our classes are structured but not regimented. 
We help kids learn to think for themselves and learn through experience. We want our students to follow their own hearts with confidence, particularly when faced with peer pressure.
Many schools teach kids to mimic, rather than understand, techniques. They are taught to perform on cue with a 'Yes, sir, No ma'am'. This regimentation teaches kids to submit to authority, to follow. This may sound like a good idea, but there are many cases where woman have been molested without putting up any resistance when the only weapon the perpetrator used was a stern voice. Many people have been conditioned throughout a lifetime to submit to an authoritative person. This type of teaching tends to build false confidence, which crumbles when it is needed most. 


Why we don't need gimmicks:

Well, to put it simply, because we know how to teach!
I have a B.A. in communication, extensive martial arts training in Japan, learned a quite a few things while raising my own kids, and spent thirty years teaching everyone else's. And, I do not teach alone.

My wife, Kimberly, with twelve years of martial arts, a degree in education and certification to teach at the secondary education level in Rhode Island, brings a great perspective to our teaching. You won't find any other school with better qualifications to teach your children.

Parents choose Kodokai because they trust us. We've nurtured students from elementary school through the college years helping them grow into healthy, confident teens and adults.

Parents stay with us because they receive value and see results.
Kids stay with us because it's fun and they feel good about their accomplishments.

*Permission from sensei is required for participation in these classes.

Ages 5- 7

These classes introduce young children to the practice of martial arts. While classes are fun, our emphasis is on learning and not simply playing. Many schools take young children into "karate" lessons but instead of providing an educational experience, they turn it into playtime. We, instead, provide this age group with challenging drills, a structured environment, and skills for groing into a more advanced practice.

Our classes for this age group are a half hour in duration because years of experience have shown us that this length of time is ideal for teaching. Since we are teaching and not playing we want the kids to have a positive feeling and finish class before they are too drained.

Our Focus-

At this age we focus on developing strength and improving balance and muscle dexterity while learning to focus. We do not teach kids of this age how to use techniques on other people. Instead we develop a foundation to make skills quickly functional once the children reach a higher level of maturity. 

These classes provide a strong foundation for preparing children to enter our classes for older kids. Many of our students, now in their teens, began with us as five year olds in these very classes. They continue to grow with us into healthy, skillful and refined teenagers.

These classes meet Mondays from 5:00-5:30 and Saturdays from 12:40-1:10.
Please call for further information.