Kids love to learn martial arts, and it's no wonder. Martial arts provide a place where there is structure, friendship, great role models and lots of new things to try.
We have helped hundreds of kids lose weight, learn self protection skills, and change the way they think about themselves. And, we offer year round physical activity with no winners and losers.
The skills your child will learn at Kodokai come straight from Japan. As the only school in the state with this type of training we are very different from "karate" schools. In fact, we do not teach karate at all.
When you enter our doors you will see this difference. There is no yelling, no loud music. We don't have the kids mindlessly shouting "yes, sir!" You won't see acrobatics or plastic trophies. Instead of chaos we have an atmosphere of respect and support where kids can learn to be focused and calm.
Our classes are non-competitive, our focus is on the traditional values of martial arts- respect, cooperation, focus and self-control.
Here are some things that you will NOT see at the Kodokai.
High pressure sales tactics
Emphasis on getting a black belt
Acrobatics, toy martial arts weapons, plastic trophies
Board breaking, cheerleader trampolines
Striped belts, camouflage belts, masters clubs, black belt clubs
Payment contracts
Lastly, you will never see us cutting a birthday cake with our swords!
About Self-defense You shouldn't have to choose between self-defense training or personal development when choosing a martial arts school. Martial arts should provide both. In many schools trampoline jumps, board breaking, and acrobatics are games and gimmicks that keep self-defense skills perpetually on the back burner. By making martial arts all play and no work, your kids lose. Healthy self-esteem, confidence and self-control should be by products developed through the process of learning useful skills.
All the tricks, gimmicks and colored belts in the world can't work around the fact that there are is no short cut to developing skill. Belt stripes, black belt clubs and back flips do not help in self-defense situations. They are just a type of bribe to keep your child interested. Bribing kids isn't the same as teaching them.
Our martial arts specialize in self-protection requiring a minimum use of force. We do not depend upon size or strength or aggression. Our method teaches one to have a calm mind and discourages aggressive behavior. We absolutely do not condone fighting and always encourage students to walk or run away as the first line of defense.
Classes range from 50 minutes to 70 minutes in duration providing enough exercise to help kids stay healthy. We work on improving strength, flexibility and relaxation, as well as cardio-vascular fitness. And, of course, agility, balance, posture and improved coordination are an important part of our practice.
About Your Child's Fitness
Kodokai Dojo is a participating supporter of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans".*
Students meeting our sensei from Okinawa
The DHHS has determined that children should engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily. Our youth classes are designed to help you meet these objectives. Many schools offer youth classes that are only 45 minutes in duration falling far short of providing adequate exercise. In fact, they may interfere with activities that are far more beneficial.
Active kids have higher levels of cardio-respiratory fitness and stronger muscles. They typically have lower body fat. Their bones are stronger and they may have reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Come down and take a look. We'll never pressure you to join and you can watch as many classes as you like.
Click here for information on classes for Ages 5-7 .
*For information on the "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans" click here.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
