Childrens Programs
Join the martial art that creates confident, happy children. Kids learn effective self-defence in a non-violent, non-competitive atmosphere that fosters strength of character and self confidence in its students with a moral foundation of loyalty, integrity and good sportsmanship. It's lots of fun, great for fitness and great for growing responsible human beings.
Hoshin has four levels of classes for children and teenagers before they progress to adult classes.
Snap Dragons (where available)
Snap Dragons range in age from 3-7 years old. Any time from 6 they may be promoted to the next level at the discretion of their Instructor. Snap dragons wear a white uniform to differentiate from more advanced students who are learning more serious martial arts techniques. They continue to wear a white uniform in the next level until they turn 8, to allow instructors to quickly identify beginners from more advanced students.
Snappies learn basic motor skills, balance and concentration. Child Safety Awareness (what we would have called 'Stranger Danger' in the olden days) and respect for others is taught in this class. Snap Dragons are not being taught how to punch, kick and attack others. Rather they are learning about self-control, using their words to deal with bullies and how to communicate effectively with their peers. Basic postures, stances and ground work such as rolling and break-falling is taught to build their confidence in preparation for promotion to the next level. These little ones are given more licence in gradings than the older kids, as they cannot be expected to have the same fine and gross motor skills.
Little Dragons
This group is the beginner group for children 8 years and older. Wearing black uniforms to signify they are learning a combat style, they concentrate on meditation, striking, kicking, break falling, kata, rolling and basic self defence. More advanced child safety is taught, along with more complex techniques for coping with bullying and defence situations. Once children have reached their orange belt with stripe, they may be invited at the Instructors discretion into the intermediate class.
Golden Dragons
The Golden Dragons are in training for senior classes. Their syllabus resembles the adult syllabus as closely as is appropriate for their age. All aspects of Hoshin Jutsu are taught including more advanced kata, basic weapons defence, as well as meditation, respect for self and others and dojo etiquette. This is the intermediate level, where they also have the opportunity to study first aid, and attend our leadership program. Taking turns each week, two or three of these children will attend the beginner classes as "Kohai" (teachers helper) and assist with teaching and controlling the class.
Fire Dragons
Early to mid Teens. Students enter Fire Dragons after participating in our 'Teen Camp'- a coming of age ceremony to celebrate and recognise their entry into the adult world (Teen Camp differs from dojo to dojo). These students are preparing to move up to full adult classes. Students now wear adult belts and study the full adult syllabus. They are permitted to train in specific adult classes. Great emphasis is placed on awareness of alchohol and other drugs, serious risk situations and first aid as well as leadership skills. Many students undertake volunteer work in our various school holiday programs at this level as part of their Duke of Edingburgh Awards.
