"It is confidence in our bodies, minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures, new directions to grow in, and new lessons to learn - which is what life is all about."
– Oprah Winfrey.
Many people recognize karate from its collage of colorful belts, board breaking demonstrations and often aggressive competitions. True martial arts, however, uses these tactics as constructive learning tools to teach life lessons. These lessons show children how to approach demanding obstacles with a proper mind-set, teaching them to win and lose with honor and self-respect. Schools are not educating children in how to cope with stress and anxiety, which inundates today's fast-paced society; nor do schools ingrain healthy habits of the mind and body. These life-habits require deeper learning than simple regurgitation of facts and information. Children must develop and apply their mental, physical AND emotional I.Q. in order to succeed in this society. Besides great exercise and self-defense training, Karate teaches children how to approach stressful situations with a calm heart that exhibits confidence, focus and compassion. This attitude lays the foundation for positive wellbeing, as well as developing the attributes of an effective leader.
Kaikudo's Beginner White-Belt program is designed for new students to become familiar with Kaikudo's class etiquette and basic techniques. The Beginner's class develops a new student's physical coordination and mental focus so they can excel in the more advanced classes. In addition to karate techniques, the class also incorporates fitness games and low-weighted medicine balls to build their foundation for karate movements. Focus drills, listening skills and basic Japanese language are also used to enhance concentration and engage the mind. Students are welcome to join at anytime. Please 
The Hawk-Eye and Eagle classes are Kaikudo's traditional training programs for children. The Hawk-eye curriculum is for children 5-7yrs and is designed to develop self-control, concentration and mind-body coordination. The Eagle program for children 8-11yrs is similar to the Hawk-eye curriculum, however, with more emphasis on fitness, advanced coordination and self-motivation.
The Advanced Class is for students that are ready for higher level teachniques, sparring and leadership training. Advanced students should demonstrate great self-control, self-disipline and physical abilities that allow for advanced techniques. We do not allow sparring in the Hawk-eye and Eagle classes, because we need to test a child's understanding of self-control before they use their karate on others. Sparring and advanced teachnique training requires maturity and trust. As "upperclassmen," they are taught to lead by example with quiet self-discipline and active compassion for their peers. That is a baseline for all Advanced classes.
Kaikudo's Top Gun Academy is an advanced curriculum that exposes children to higher levels of martial arts training, as well as incorporating life skills that will teach students how to apply their martial arts in all walks of life. Children will learn leadership skills, public speaking and stress-management tools to control their emotions. Top Gunners are training to become "peaceful warriors" adept in the art of conflict resolution and peacemaking. In addition to martial arts, Top Gunners must understand Japanese culture. Classes will include lessons in basic conversational Japanese, Shodo (Brush Writing/Calligraphy), Sado (Tea Ceremony) and Origami (the Art of Paper Folding). Students will also study the Samurai (Japanese warrior) to better understand their way of life, code of conduct and their historical role in Japanese society. Finally, they will be exposed to Japanese cuisines as part of the off-campus experiential program.
