Kids love to learn martial arts, and no wonder. Martial arts provide a place to belong, a comfortable club where everyone is respected, where there is structure, friendship, great role models and, of course, lots of new things to try.
Our youth classes have helped hundreds of kids lose weight, learn self protection skills, and change the way they think about themselves. And, unlike sports, we are not seasonal and offer year round physical activity with no winners and losers.
We don't teach kids how to fight, we teach them how to protect themselves. Our methods, straight from Japan, are non-competitive and focus on self-defense rather than acrobatics or sport.
Education First
We care about teaching, not simply entertaining. We aren't for everyone and differ in many ways from nearby schools.
Our classes are calm and peaceful. There is no yelling, no gimmicks. By providing a dignified and respectful environment, kids learn to be calm, disciplined and focused.
We focus on self-defense. We do not teach sport karate, jumping kicks or acrobatics. We want our students to have effective skills rather than the false confidence that comes from the illusion of having effective skills.
We focus on substance rather than superficial. There are countess commercialized schools where you can bring your child. The emphasis will be on colored belts and entertainment. Special clubs, embroidered patches, striped belts and countless other gimmicks will be "awarded" (sold) to keep your child motivated. We are not one of those schools.
We don't guarantee that your child will receive a black belt, we don't have pizza parties and we don't use our "samurai" swords to cut birthday cakes. We are a martial arts school of quality and integrity. Our objective is to instill a good work ethic, teach practical self-defense skills and to provide a wholesome atmosphere where the traditional values of respect, working together, focus and self-control are more than buzzwords.
We have many fine examples of students who started as children and have grown into highly skilled teens and young adults- still enjoying their training.
Classes are non-competitive and our structured format keeps things organized and safe. We cover a wide variety of skills including grappling, kicks, punches and throwing. We also share stories of Okinawan culture and history and have cultural artifacts from our many travels to Japan. More than punching and kicking, our teaching is meant to inspire.
Our classes for this age level range from 50 minutes to 70 minutes in duration providing enough exercise to help kids stay healthy, resist illness and grow strong. We work on improving strength, flexibility and relaxation, as well as cardio-vascular fitness in each class. And, of course, agility, balance, posture and improved coordination are an important part of our practice.
Self-defense skills, especially skills that allow children to protect themselves while using a minimum of force, are our specialty. We encourage non-violence but teach skills that give students a wide range of capabilities should there be no alternative but to protect oneself.
About Your Child's Fitness
Kodokai is a local supporter of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Fitness Guidelines for Americans.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that children should engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily and "vigorous-intensity" physical activity at least three days a week. Our youth classes are designed to meet the objectives of the program and to develop fit and active kids. If fitness is an important reason to enroll your child in martial arts avoid schools that offer classes shorter than 50 minutes in duration.
Active youths 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. We want this for our students so we take our responsibilities seriously.
You can choose Kodokai with confidence knowing that you are investing in a meaningful and substantial educational activity for your family. We are uniquely qualified to help your child achieve success.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
