The Youth program is designed for students ages 9 to 14. It covers the same material as our Adult program,
but taught in a way more geared toward the age group. In addition, more emphasis will be placed on the
theories behind martial arts training, from self-discipline and the rewards of hard work, to training
ettiquette, to the appropriate use of force. And we always welcome parents to train with their kids!
Boulder Kodokan represents a classical martial arts learning environment, where students are encouraged to support and teach each other, rather than competing against each other. The student learns that martial arts training is about the bettering of oneself rather than the accumulation of trinkets on a shelf.
Like the Adult classes, a typical Youth class begins with warm-up stretching and exercises. We'll then work together as a group, working on basic techniques, followed by some lower-level kata. We'll then move off into groups, working individual material. We always try to strike a balance between having fun and working hard.
In terms of curriculum, students will begin their training by learning our most basic punches, blocks, and
kicks. These are then combined into kata. Kata are predetermined sequences of these and other techniques.
Through kata, a student is able to to train their techniques with full intent and force, rather than with
the reduced force that one would use with a training partner. Once a couple of basic kata are learned, our
beginning students begin learning some partner drills. Starting slowly, the student learns the timing and
distancing that is needed for Karate techniques. After learning a few more kata and drills, the student
moves on to bunkai, which is working our basic kata with a partner. In time, they eventually apply their
techniques with more force as their trust in their training partner's ability to block increases, as well
as their own control should their partner fail to block. Eventually, the student explores more advanced
kata in determining the intent in the movements on their own.
Classes are taught by Jim Campanell Sensei, with the help of other Boulder Kodokan Senseis and Adult students.
Jim Sensei has been training in Karate and Kobudo for over 10 years, with the first four of those years training
in the style Shorin-Ryu - a close cousin to Goju-Ryu. While studying Shorin-Ryu, he helped teach students of all
ages, but in particular he worked with students in the Youth program age range. Jim Sensei is thrilled to be
teaching the Youth Class at Boulder Kodokan, and looks forward to the fun and hard work that he'll share with
the students who train here.