Kids class

Our Younglings class is our kids class. Our goal is to use realistic martial arts as a vehicle for social and emotional learning. Kids (ages 5 -11) will be taught the basics of techniques needed for their martial skill which they will more finely tune during the classes (we hope) they will continue in the teens and adults program. They will also, even more importantly, develop the character skills and personal discipline necessary to properly use these skills in real life. Testing will consist of 3 stripes (degrees) for each belt and the next belt in question. Each belt will require 12 months of training and each stripe will require 3 months. Kids will be taught a variety of techniques, including striking, grappling, and verbal skills (to assist in the respective character development and diffusion of conflict)

THE FOUR CLANS

Our kids class will divide the kids into separate groups called clans. Your child will end up into one of four clans, and will retain their clan posting until leaving Columbus Tactical Martial Arts or are promoted to the Adults Class

During their time in their respective clan, children will be awarded points for achievements (see Points Rewards guide below) and rule-breaking or unacceptable behavior will cost points. At the end of the month, the clan with the most points will be rewarded. The basic guide to the points system is highlighted below, though the instructor retains full autonomy to add or subtract points and the system is subject to change.

Points awards

Report card/ Proof of good grades

3 points for A average, 2 points for B average, 1 point for C average
0 points for anything else or lack of proof

Attendance

1 point for attending class
0 points for being absent from class

Respectability

Appropriate behavior towards instructor and fellow students

Appropriate Behavior at home (as reported by parents)
Experience

A student’s points will be multiplied according to how long they have been training with Columbus Tactical

The student’s multiplier will be increased by 1 for every increase in belt rank they earn e.g. all students will start as white belts and have their point score multiplied by 1, and after the successful completion of their first belt test will have their point score multiplied by 2, and so on.

Points Costs

Egotism
Excessive brutality during sparring
Bullying
Lack of Participation or Focus
Disrespect to the instructor or fellow students
Breaking dress code (after receiving your uniform)
Inappropriate Behavior at home (as reported by parents)

Rewards for Clan with most points

Possible rewards include but are not limited to

Dairy Queen coupons
Personalized patches for their Gi or jacket

Clans will have leadership, determined by the highest ranking member of the respective clan. If the highest rank in the clan is held by multiple people, they will share leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities will be first and foremost to set a good example for everyone.

Students are permitted to change which clan they are in, on the grounds that the difference in the number of students between the clans does not change. For example, if all clans have 10 students except one with 11 students, any change in clan membership must result in 3 clans with 10 members and a fourth with 11. No changes in clan membership can occur without the permission of the student’s clan leadership, the leadership of the clan to which they wish to change, and the instructor.

Class Format

1. Class will begin with the students and instructors bowing in and warming up with stretching and light exercise
2. After the warm-up, training will begin over some pre-planned set of techniques
3. Approximately half way through class, the students will gather around for a discussion on an important character lesson
4. Training will resume until several minutes before the scheduled end of class, when a second discussion will begin and the students will be issued some challenge or consideration on how to behave outside of class.