FAQ

Q: Is the beginning of a Little Dragons session the only time I can enroll my child in the program?

A: Not necessarily.   If the class is large then it would be best to wait until the next session as some students may be moving up to the youth class.   But in smaller classes, joining midway through a session may be fine.  Contact Sensei  Christensen to discuss it.

Q: My child can only come 1 time per week right now because of scheduling conflicts.  Is that OK?

A: Yes, students attend once, twice, or three times per week.   Dues are set for once per week or two or more times per week.

Q: Do you take the students to tournaments?

A: We participate in 3 friendly tournament/games each year where the emphasis is on friendship, sportsmanship, and athleticism.  There are a variety of events and most participants win ribbons.   We do not participate in other tournaments, but the student is free to attend on their own.

Q: How long does it take to get a black belt in your school?

A: It depends on the age when the child begins.  A typical student that begins in the Little Dragons programs and attends regularly will reach black belt in about 6 years.  A student starting at age 8 or 9 will be able to learn more quickly and will reach black belt level in 5 or less years.  There is no set time frame, though as students move at an individual pace.  The biggest predictor is class attendance.

Q: Does your program help children who are being bullied?

A: All of the principles that we emphasize in our classes relate to self defense.  In addition to physical techniques, we emphasize awareness, eye contact, speaking in a clear voice, and other methods of avoiding physical conflict.

Q: What school do the kids in your class attend?

A: We have students from a large variety of schools including local public and charter schools and private schools.  There are also students that are home schooled.  Many students form friendships in the club and enjoy training together over the years.

Q: How many instructors are there for the children’s program?

A: We have 4 adult black belt instructors.  In addition, each class has one or more youth instructors who participate in our leadership program.

Q: What is the Black Belt Club?

A: The Black Belt Club is our leadership program for advanced students that intend to achieve their black belts.   These students receive special teaching and leadership training and advance through Junior Leader, Junior Instructor, and Assistant Instructor levels.  They are the students that lead exercises, assist with equipment, teach juniors, etc.   Black Belt Club is open to all students that reached the advanced intermediate level.

Q: How does Karate training compare to other sports?

A: Karate training involves the use of all muscle groups, gross and fine motor skills, and both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.  In addition the there is a challenging intellectual component of memorization of patterns and exercises.  Training in karate will enhance performance in any other sport.

A:Karate training is good for both brain and body development.   We practice all types of exercises including cross-overs, jumping, dropping, extending, contracting, gross, and fine motor techniques.  In addition, we memorize patterns and sequences, and learn Japanese terminology and cultural practices.