Gakusei Chiiki
Free Week

KOGEN NINPO Traditional Youth Martial Arts Program

A Legacy of Experience

With over 35 years of teaching experience, our Traditional Youth Martial Arts Class draws from the rich heritage of Ninja and Samurai arts. This curriculum offers a profound and enriching path that stands apart from the modern focus on points and trophies. Our approach emphasizes both academic achievement and practical self-defense, reflecting the origins of these arts in real-life scenarios centered on survival, discipline, and self-mastery.

Commitment to Personal Growth

At our dojo, students are transported back in time, embracing an environment that prioritizes respect and personal development. Rather than focusing on competition, our program fosters growth through the cultivation of confidence, mental discipline, and traditional values.

Timeless Techniques and Skills

Unlike sport martial arts, which often center on a point system and trophies, our traditional training highlights the importance of learning techniques passed down through centuries. Students practice evasion, balance, throws, escapes, awareness, and non-aggressive conflict resolution. These skills not only enhance their martial arts abilities but also provide valuable benefits in everyday life.

Benefits of Traditional Training

Focus: Through consistent practice, students develop the ability to remain calm and concentrate on tasks at hand. This heightened level of focus can positively impact their attention span and academic performance, whether they attend public school or are home schooled.

Respect & Courtesy: Students are taught to show respect and courtesy, not only to their fellow classmates but also to themselves and their families. These values are woven into every aspect of training, reinforcing positive interactions both inside and outside the dojo.

Confidence: Repetition of techniques allows students to build self-confidence. As they become proficient in martial arts skills, they gain the assurance that they can protect themselves in real-life situations, fostering a sense of personal security.

Resilience & Patience: Progress in traditional martial arts is achieved through consistent effort and dedication, not instant rewards. This process instills resilience and patience, teaching students the importance of perseverance and earning their achievements.

Fitness: The training emphasizes physical health, allowing students to develop strength and improve their fitness at a pace that suits their individual needs. This focus on well-being supports their growth and learning throughout their martial arts journey.

Who Can Benefit from Our Program?

This program is well-suited for individuals of all ages who are seeking martial arts experience that goes beyond physical training. It is designed to nurture character development and encourage a deeper appreciation for cultural traditions. Participants benefit not only from improved physical health but also from strengthened mental well-being, as the program emphasizes lasting values and holistic growth.

What You Will Learn

  • Techniques for escaping chokes and various forms of body grabs
  • Methods for evasion, striking (punching and kicking), blocking, and pressure point control
  • Instructions in proper breakfalls, rolling techniques, and ground defense strategies
  • Japanese terminology and etiquette
  • Proficiencies in throwing and takedown maneuvers
  • Skills in joint manipulation
  • The development of situational awareness
  • Management and assessment of appropriate distance during engagement

Little Ninjas (Ages 5-9)

The Little Ninjas program is tailored for children ages 5 to 9. These sessions provide foundational instruction in self-defense, Japanese etiquette, and discipline. Each class combines educational activities with engaging movement to promote body awareness, mutual respect, and interactive partner exercises. The curriculum prioritizes self-defense skills while fostering a sense of respect and personal responsibility. Through participation, students cultivate discipline, enhance coordination, and build self-confidence. The program further encourages perseverance, challenging participants to strengthen both their physical and mental faculties and supports their development as individuals and emerging leaders.

Youth (Ages 10-15)

The Youth program accepts students from ages 10 to 15. Participants deepen their understanding of body mechanics and coordination through traditional self-defense training. Students are expected to demonstrate increased commitment, concentration, and discipline as they advance within the curriculum. Those who progress may be invited to join the Weapons Class, offering further skill development. The program includes practical self-defense scenarios, enabling students to explore the responsibilities and lifestyle associated with dedicated martial arts practice.

Upon reaching age 9, students transition from the Little Ninjas program to the Youth program. After their 15th birthday, students become eligible for adult classes. Placement in either the Goshin or Ninpo program is determined by students’ rank, ensuring everyone continues their martial arts education in the most appropriate setting.

Parent Policies

Supervision and Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child arrives at class on time and is picked up promptly at the end of the session. This shows respect for the Dojo and Instructors.  Students should not be dropped off more than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of their class. Similarly, parents are expected to pick up their child no later than 10 minutes after class concludes.  The Dojo is not a babysitting service for parents. If a parent is late for pick-up, a late fee of $3.00 per minute will be charged, beginning after the initial 10-minute grace period has passed.  Late fees are due at the beginning of the next class.

Observation and Participation Guidelines

Parents are welcome to observe their child’s class from the designated waiting or viewing area. To preserve an optimal learning environment, parents are respectfully asked not to interrupt the class or communicate with their child during instructional periods. Should a student experience challenges in adjusting, staff may request a private meeting with the parent prior to the next class to discuss concerns and provide appropriate support for the student.

These guidelines are in place to ensure that all students can focus on their lessons without distraction, fostering a positive and productive classroom atmosphere. By observing from the waiting area, parents can understand how their child engages with peers and instructors, which can be valuable when supporting learning at home. If questions or concerns arise, parents are encouraged to speak with staff before or after class to maintain clear and constructive communication. The program values collaboration between families and educators and provides resources such as adjustment plans, follow-up meetings, and personalized strategies for students who may benefit from extra support during transitions or periods of difficulty.

Student Requirements

Restroom Requirement

All children enrolled in our classes must be able to use the restroom independently. We do not provide diaper changing or managing restroom accidents due to limited staff and facilities. This policy ensures a safe, comfortable, and focused learning environment for everyone.

Expectations in the Dojo

We are committed to fostering a respectful, productive, and inclusive training atmosphere. To achieve this, all students are expected to abide by the following behavioral standards while participating in class activities:

  • Demonstrate Respect: Students must consistently show respect to both instructors and fellow classmates. This includes attentive listening, using polite language, and refraining from any form of disrespectful behavior.
  • Maintain Appropriate Physical Boundaries: It is essential that students always keep their hands and feet to themselves, except when specific physical interaction is required as part of an exercise or activity and only with explicit permission from the instructor.
  • Follow Directions Promptly: Students are expected to listen carefully to instructions and comply with them without unnecessary delay. Prompt compliance is crucial for maintaining class flow, ensuring safety, and maximizing learning.
  • Exhibit a Positive Attitude: A willingness to learn and a positive outlook are highly valued. Students should approach all activities with enthusiasm, openness to feedback, and perseverance, even when facing challenges.
  • Avoid Disruptive Behavior: Excessive talking, disruptive movements, or any conduct that distracts others or interrupts the learning environment are strictly prohibited during class sessions.

Should a student exhibit repeated disruptive behavior, the following protocol will be followed: First, parents or guardians may be asked to remove the child from class for the remainder of that day. If behavioral issues persist, the student may face temporary suspension or, in severe or ongoing cases, permanent dismissal from the program. These measures are enacted to preserve the quality and integrity of the educational experience for all participants.