Kid’s Program Many martial arts schools claim that a certain “…psychological study found that children in Martial Arts…” have positive psychological benefits. However, few instructors mention while marketing their school that the psychological benefits begin with the instructor and the manner of instruction. (Please see summary Psychosocial Benefits of the Martial Arts: Myth or Reality?, Brad Binder, Ph.D.) http://www.fearknot-martialarts.com/Potentials/PsychosocialBenefitsoftheMartialArts.pdf According to Dr. Binder, “…it is likely that inclusion of the non-physical aspects of the martial arts during training or the instructor acting as a positive role model or both play a role in promoting long-term changes.” For this very reason, the Martial Arts Fitness Center (MAFC) incorporates into each class the importance of respect to self and others, achievement at home, school and the dojo, and the amount of contact allowed during training. The overwhelming goal at the MAFC is to help children grow and mature to the best of their abilities. In order to offer the best Martial Arts program, the Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Cypress has developed an extensive program for children of all ages that emphasize the traditions of the masters. Pre-Junior Class (Ages 4 to 8) Children will be introduced to self-defense using basic karate techniques. However, we teach children to go beyond what they think they're capable of and challenge them both physically and mentally. Among other things, this class emphasizes communication and discipline training as well as focus and coordination skills. Instructors achieve this through a special blend of martial arts drills, games, obstacle courses, and matt chats. Students will also improve flexibility through various stretching exercises. Monday: 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Wednesday: 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Friday: 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Junior Class (Ages 9 to 14) Students learn various kicking, punching and blocking techniques while learning how to apply those techniques in controlled sparring sessions. However, the emphasis will be on developing the child’s self-esteem, self-discipline and confidence through practicing traditional Karate techniques. It is the instructor’s hopes that these psychological benefits transcend all of their activities including those at home, school and sporting events. To accomplish this, the MAFC has a student rewards program that emphasizes and rewards exceptional behavior both at home and in the dojo. Tae Kwon-Do Class Monday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Shotokan Karate-Do Class Tuesday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Adult Class This class is designed for adults of any age group who share a desire to learn a traditional martial art while at the same time, achieve physical fitness, health and overall well-being. Each class starts with warm up and stretching followed by basic karate techniques. Students also learn Kata (pre-arranged series of moves) and sparring. In order to achieve best results members are expected to attend a minimum of two classes per week. Tae Kwon-Do Class Monday: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Shotokan Karate-Do Class Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Weapon Class This class introduces students to various Martial Arts weapons such as; Nunchaku, Bo, long and short staff. In addition, students will develop better eye – hand coordination expanding their overall understanding of Martial Arts. Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Women’s Self Defense Class Class will be tailored towards how an average woman can effectively deal with real world dangers without having to devote years of her life to the study of Martial Arts. This class will introduce basic self-defense strategies and series of self-defense techniques, which can be applied regardless of the persons’ size or physical condition. Defensive tactics along with hands-on practice of a variety of prevention and self-defense methods on evading attackers will be discussed in this class. Friday: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Yoga/Pilates meets Tai Chi and Fitness Class This class is open to ages 14 and up. It focuses on achieving physical balance and coordination. It helps to reduce stress and increase strength and flexibility. Yoga poses and stretching exercises is combined with the ancient art of Tai chi and its gentle flowing movements. It's designed to reduce the stress of today's busy lifestyles and improve health. Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.