Paterson's Karate Works on " teaching martial arts to children."

Originally, martial arts were developed by 'disciplined adults to be taught to other disciplined adults.' Times change, and the amazing character development qualities of a martial arts program started attracting a younger crowd. These new children came to learn and help develop into well-rounded, disciplined adults. The key words here are 'develop into…'. We recognize that children are children, and need to have age appropriate programs to help prepare them for the adult world. This is why Paterson's Karate Works offers different programs to different ages.

The earliest we start teaching children is at age 3. Students between the ages of 3 and 6 become members of our Little Dragons program and start working towards the very cool Dragon belt. Little Dragons do not learn the same martial arts that an adult would learn. It is an age appropriate program dealing with balance and co-ordination, listening and focusing, confidence and self-esteem building. The program also spends time teaching about the hazards of punching and kicking to solve problems.

Mr. Paterson presenting his daughter with her new belt.

Around 7 years old children move into our children's program. The techniques taught are more demanding than the Little Dragons program, however, it is still not adult martial arts. Remember the goal of our club is to help prepare children for adulthood, not expect them to automatically behave like adults. Upon attaining a brown belt, children are older and ready for some of the more demanding exercises our fun sport has to offer.

Adult and teenagers get to train together, since teenagers are always wanting to be treated like adults. Look on the schedule to see all the different classes available.

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