Kids Program (7-11)

​Training Philosophy & Approach

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The dojo is a place where differences are respected, individual progress is celebrated, and every student matters.

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Traditional Foundation, Modern Application
Our Kids Program is rooted in authentic Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu—nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools unified under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. While the techniques have centuries of history, we adapt our teaching methods to meet children where they are, building strong foundations through age-appropriate practice.

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Classes are taught by Rob Flanagan, 12th Dan with over 35 years of training in Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. Your child receives direct instruction from a highly experienced adult—not a teenage assistant or junior instructor. This depth of knowledge ensures that even young students receive authentic, high-quality instruction from day one, taught by someone who understands not just the techniques, but how to teach them effectively to children.

We believe martial arts training offers children more than self-defense skills—it provides a structured way to develop body awareness, mental focus, and character. The discipline learned in the dojo naturally carries over into school, home, and everyday life.

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How We Teach
Classes are designed specifically for the developmental stage of 7-10 year olds. Every child is recognized as an individual with their own learning style, strengths, and pace of development. Instruction is adapted to meet each student where they are—whether they learn best through visual demonstration, hands-on practice, or verbal explanation.

Training is cooperative, not competitive, emphasizing safety and mutual respect through fun games, movement challenges, and partner work. Students progress at their own pace in a supportive environment where different learning styles and abilities are respected and accommodated.

Foundational Movement Skills
Students develop exceptional coordination,  balance, and body awareness through fundamental taijutsu (body movement) training. Rolling and tumbling practice (ukemi), training in the fundamental techniques, and basic footwork systematically builds proprioception (awareness of body position in space) and external spatial awareness.

Training naturally enhances hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body equally). Through consistent practice, students cultivate integrated balance—physical, mental, emotional, and social—developing stability, clarity, confidence, and presence.
This integrated development of body and mind extends into all areas of life, helping students feel more centered and confident in social, academic, and physical pursuits. The foundational skills gained in training directly enhance performance in sports, dance, music, and daily activities, often leading to noticeable improvements in overall coordination and athletic ability.

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A Welcoming Environment
Every student is welcomed and taught as an individual. Some children are naturally athletic; others are still developing coordination. Some focus easily, others need more engagement and movement breaks. Some learn quickly through watching, others through doing. Our teaching approach adapts to each child's needs and meets them where they are, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully and experience success.

We believe martial arts training has something valuable to offer every child, regardless of their starting point or how they learn. The dojo is a place where differences are respected, individual progress is celebrated, and every student matters.

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Class Structure​

Kids classes last for 1 hour and follow a balanced structure:

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Warm Up:

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• Jūnan Taisō (柔軟体操) — stretching, breathing, and body awareness

• Ukemi (受身) — learning to fall, roll, and move safely

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Class begins with warm-up exercises that 'wake up' and focus the body and mind.  Games and fun activities are incorporated into rolling, tumbling, and breakfall techniques that develop coordination, spatial awareness, and safe falling skills—essential foundations for all martial arts training.

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Foundational Techniques:

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• Kihon (基本) — introduction to foundational techniques and partner work

• Lesson Focus — study of a principles and techniques drawn from one of the nine Bujinkan schools

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This core instruction time incorporates games, partner interaction, and movement challenges to teach the fundamentals of the art.  Students learn martial forms and build on essential physical coordination and control in a fun cooperative environment.  

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Cool-Down & Reflection: Classes wind down with a review of what was learned, insights gained, and supportive open discussion.  Student questions are answered and they may chose to show what they learned that day.  

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Pricing​

$150/month - Unlimited Training

• First Class Free

• Attend as many classes as you want

• No contracts - No additional fees

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Kids Schedule

• Tuesday: 5:00 - 6:00 PM (60 minutes)

• Thursday: 5:00 - 6:00 PM (60 minutes)

• Saturday: 9:30 - 10:30 PM (60 minutes)

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Ready to Get Started

We welcome new students year-round. Your child can start training any time, we'll help them integrate smoothly into the class regardless of when they join or their previous experience.  

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Visit The Dojo

• Contact us to schedule a visit to the dojo.

• Attend a class so you and your child can meet the teacher and other students. Here's what to being:

  • Wear something comfortable (athletic clothes/sweats)

  • Wear Socks (no shoes on the dojo mats)

  • Water bottle

• Experience the fun of training, make new friends, and see if our dojo is a good fit for your child.       

• Contact us if you have any questions.

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Basic Dojo Etiquette

• Be respectful to other students, teachers, and yourself.

• Be respectful of the dojo.  Remove all items, including any trash, that you brought with you. Help cleaning up after class is appreciated.

• Phones should be left with personal belongings off the training area.  Ringers can be left on to ensure you don't miss an important call.   

• Training weapons are not to be used unless directed by a teacher.

• Forgetting your Gi or Belt is not an issue.  Come to class anyway and try to remember next time.    

• Running late to class or leaving early is never an issue.  Always come to class if you can, regardless of personal conflicts or issues that may interfere.

• The dojo is a place of peace and balance.  Never have anxiety about 'getting there', 'being late', 'forgetting you belt'.  None of these things will matter - so don't tell yourself a story that they do.

• Participate at your comfort level.  Communicate with training partners and teachers. It's healthy to step aside and watch, take breaks, and find your balance regardless of the instruction or perceived expectations.    

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If you're on your way to the right place, everyone will be happy to see you, regardless of when you arrive or how you got there.

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 Additional Questions?
We'd love to hear from you.  Don't hesitate to contact us directly with any thoughts or questions you may have.