We can never reinforce enough how to protect our children from life’s dangers.  In our Lil’ Dragon Martial Arts classes, specially designed for pre-schoolers, we teach more than just kicking and punching.  

What separates the Lil dragons program from traditional children martial arts classes?

• We approach the physical portion of this class as a martial arts education class.  All skills and promotions are based on participation and course completion. 
• Our primary objective is to get the students involved, giving 100% effort, having fun and “playing.”  Of course, this Lil’ Dragon curriculum is age and ability appropriate so that their “play” is actually their “work”.  
• The primary focus in the Lil Dragon class is to develop fundamental basics, creating a solid foundation to build upon in the older years.  

Therefore, we teach very few of the martial arts skills that you will see in older children’s programs and instead focus on the skills they need BEFORE entering the older classes.  Then they are able to “listen to the teacher, follow instructions and zip their lips!  The key to Success! 

  

We provide a safe, family-oriented atmosphere for after school hours with supervised homework and study time. 

We also offer full-day and half-day days or holiday, spring and winter vacations. We will provide transportation for your child to be picked up from school daily and brought to our facility, 

• Hot meals are provided
• Tutors are available and computer access
• Students will be fully enrolled in a karate program and
• Creative activities 

Our Mind • Body • Spirit’s Martial Arts Program, will improve your child’s confidence, increase their focus, and develop more self-control. We can say this with overwhelming confidence because we have personally witnessed the positive effects our program have provided for children just like your own. We have customized the structure of our classes to fit the needs of our students.

Our program will help your child develop the “I CAN!” attitude, improve concentration, and learn conflict resolution and self-confidence. We also develop the confidence to say no to urban issues. Our enthusiastic instructors will coordinate age-appropriate activities to enhance your child’s motor skills and educate them on fitness, health and life skills.

Young Adults / Teenagers have to deal with challenges that are overwhelming. It is nearly impossible to shield them from these ever-present negative influences. As you know the benefits of martial arts have been well documented as providing a positive result with students. Martial arts program foster self-control respect, as well as physical fitness.

Our program has been shown to benefit difficult to reach, oppositional and even emotionally delayed young adults. Our mission is to promote positive attitudes toward learning and education and to teach participants to learn and internalize positive social norms relating to conduct, academic achievement, responsibility, leadership and goal setting. 

Our goal is to empower students to embrace education (learning), leadership and global concepts through core principles. 

• Reinforce the importance of learning and education 
• Provide  an academic support system for participants
• Increase peer cooperation and interaction 
• Teach respect and responsibility outside of the classroom 
• Encourage appropriate behavior and conduct by encouraging participants to follow rules and direction, and teach participants to understand boundaries and how to operate within a structured environment.  

We offer Adult / Senior AM  classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  

We have family classes for you to enjoy together.  Developing a skill for self-defense, focus, concentration, and self-esteem.  All great traits to build as a family.

Don’t become a self doubter and disqualify yourself before you start!

• Am I too old to get involved? (Our oldest student is 76 yrs of age)
  
• Am I too young to get involved?   (We start them at 3 yrs of age)
• Will my son or daughter become more violent? ( Karate is self-defense- not offense)
• Can I “try it out” to see if I like it?  Sure, we have a 3-day trial for 29.99 with a free uniform to get your feet wet in martial arts. 

We’ve heard many thoughts on why should you, but here are some as to why you should!.  Our Head instructor is 67, Master Woods, noted instructor in Isshinryu, Hall of Fame recipient,  Spirit of Isshinryu award winner.  

Our Senior instructor is 62 Master Reynolds, known as a good competitor in Isshinryu, Tang Soo Do, and Tae Kwon Do. Also a Hall of Fame recipient, and Spirit of Isshinryu award winner.  We practice our Art and the benefits are there to see.

Detroit Martial Arts Institute helps children with autism work thru their deficits in social situations.  You can note that there are two positive social outcomes in kids with Autism.  Interactions for children with autism should draw on rote and visual memory.  Concepts of proper etiquette and addressing the instructor, lining up for class and even non-instructional socialization can be found in our typical Isshinryu Karate Instruction class.

Motor coordination can be developed by practicing hand postures and foot movements.  So we provide a subtle intervention for children/adults with and without disabilities who lack balance, coordination, flexibility, and confidence.

Out training methods are continuous and improve with each and every class.  We promote continual attendance for years to come.  During this transition, the student is rewarded with personal accomplishments that are shown as progression to a higher rank in martial arts up to and exceeding black belt.

Come succeed in personal growth with us!  “Not just for the Young, but the Young at heart” —Grand Master Reynolds

BENEFITS OF MARTIAL ARTS

• Exercise can be positive.  It can relieve some symptoms related to disability as well as provide a better self-concept and healthier lifestyle
• Physical fitness and sport participation is important for children.  Positive benefits can be seen, psychological, self-concept, body awareness, motor development, and social interaction.
• Avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle as a child with a physical disability may increase further health problems.

We take great pride in helping our students with autism and ADHD learn critical skills to help them better navigate their worlds.  For some compelling data on how Martial Arts helps these unique students, consider this article by Susan Moffitt. 

“A recent and growing trend that has provided many benefits for children on the autism spectrum involves their engagement in karate and other martial arts. 

A 2010 research project conducted by the University of Wisconsin physical therapy department confirmed what parents were already reporting — in the course of learning martial arts, children with autism essentially came out of their shells and grew more socially assertive and cooperative. They exhibited better balance and motor coordination, eye contact improved and play skills were further developed. Greater self-esteem was also reported, with the added bonus of these kids being able to defend themselves if need be.

Karate and martial arts assist kids on the autism spectrum with the ability to concentrate and focus their attention in a consistent and highly structured environment. Additionally, parents find that new skills carry over into home and at school. The release of energy in a safe and ritualized environment can bring a child to a new sense of calm. Friendships are formed around a shared activity and that sense of belonging can be the greatest reward of all.

If contemplating martial arts for your child, it’s always good to consult with his or her doctor prior to beginning any physical training. Observe the class before committing your child to it. It should be small and solely for children with autism, at least initially. Higher functioning children may be able to integrate into regular classes immediately. Confer with the instructor about your child’s needs and make sure you feel you can successfully partner with them.

Once your child is underway, have them practice at home in a no-pressure environment and offer encouragement and reinforcement for the moves they have already learned. A demonstration for siblings or other relatives will also go a long way in building confidence and self-esteem.

Martial arts offers therapeutic rewards and parents will enjoy the fact that their child can participate in activities that other kids take for granted. And with summer fast approaching, it just may be the perfect activity to consider.”

by Susan Moffitt