The Ultimate Martial Arts Q&A Book (Contemporary Books c2001) written by two leading karate experts, John Corcoran and John Graden, had this to say when asked, “What is the best martial Way for children?”
“Judo, unquestionably. If it is properly taught and supervised, judo will teach them balance, coordination, self-control, and an awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their personalities that encourage healthy maturation in young people. It also allows youngsters to expend their energies in a safe way: ‘fighting’ in situations where injury is reduced to a minimum and self-confidence is constantly built.
Judo does not involve the rapid contractions of muscles seen in karate practice or the joint manipulation in Aikido. These are two very fine (martial arts) forms for adolescents and adults but are really inappropriate for children below puberty.” (p58-59)
Judo was developed in Japan from traditional jujutsu to make a safer art for the education of their youth and to introduce “modern educational concepts” into the teaching of Martial Arts. Our Kids Judo program is for students between the ages of 6 and 14. We have a clearly defined program, however each student is viewed as an individual and progress is monitored against his or her own capabilities, strengths and weaknesses and not against those of others. As well as teaching martial arts skills and techniques we focus on life skills that will help a child's overall development and help them in school and in life in general.
Students begin learning the kihon (fundamentals) of Judo supplemented with child friendly aspects of Happou Taijutsu. Happou Taijutsu teaches effective ways of self-protection using timing, distance, and angling. Our non-competitive perspective on the teaching of Judo allows the practitioner to focus on developing the mind and body through a whole-body movement martial art, not just using speed and/or muscle training. This allows practitioners of all abilities to excel within the art.
As time goes by, and a deeper understanding of Judo is reached, the student realizes that the physical movements open the door to the betterment of oneself. This takes time, perhaps years, and has many levels. Ultimately, training in Judo transcends the thought of mere mechanical movement, and moves into the growth of becoming a better human being.
WHY JUDO INSTRUCTION WILL BENEFIT YOUR CHILD
Judo is fun. Most kids who try judo love it, even the small and timid ones. They love the camaraderie, the ritual, and the controlled mayhem. And the colored-belt promotion system provides a sense of accomplishment, even to those kids who don’t compete or who don’t do well in competition, so that no one comes away feeling like a failure. Because it is so much fun, it is very easy for judo to become the habit of a lifetime.
Judo improves physical fitness, something that is sadly missing in many children today due to inactivity and poor eating habits. A strong body, focused mind and balanced spirit are benefits that can last a lifetime. And, because judo emphasizes using and developing the whole body, unlike many other sports, it can provide the major element of a complete fitness program.
Our Judo program works hand in hand with a child's school work, providing improved self-discipline, self-confidence, mental alertness, and goal setting skills. Young people are taught at Bushikai that through dedicated, intense work, all worthwhile goals in life are possible. Parents have attributed our program with improved grades and improved behavior as a direct result of the increased achievement, motivation, self-direction, and self-confidence provided by the program.
GOAL SETTING
It is important for each child to learn to set short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals. At Bushikai Martial Arts, every student's goal is the BLACK BELT. BLACK BELT is the symbol of excellence in martial arts and an important tool for instructors and parents to use for developing desire, tenacity, and for teaching the importance of follow-through in any activity. Black belt is more than the color of a strip of cloth around the waist. It is not given with a pre-packaged course but is earned through years of dedication and struggle with the challenges and obstacles life can place in front of you. It is striving everyday to live up to the principles of Black Belt Excellence which are:
1. Courage 勇気 Yuki
2. Perseverance 根気 Konki
3. Loyalty 信義 Shingi
4. Courtesy 礼儀 Reigi
5. Humility 謙虚 Kenkyo
6. Honesty 誠 Makoto
7. Benevolence 仁 Jin
Through this method the student is taught that every goal and thing of value in life can be gained through applying the first two principles. These benefits are kept and maintained through the use and application of the five others.
EXAM EMPHASIS ON SCHOOL WORK
All young people in the program are required to bring copies of their grades from school, complete parent/teacher intent to promote forms, and complete exam qualification forms prior to testing. Our instructors work hand-in-hand with school teachers and parents to insure a well-balanced and focused development process for each child.
PROPER USE OF SKILLS
It is constantly stressed to all students that Judo skills require them never to be abusive or offensive and are only for use defensively. This is an important aspect of training in our dojo and abuse of this rule results in a period of probation. Further abuse results in expulsion from the dojo.
As part of training, safe skills are allowed to be used in a competitive aspect with the instructors express permission, but only under supervision of qualified instructors, and never outside of a dojo environment such as school, home, etc.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Martial Arts lessons are an investment in your child’s future. The return on your investment is a happy, confident child with improved self-esteem, self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others, with real self-defense skills. More than any other activity you could choose for your child, martial arts brings lasting value, by combining physical fitness, goal setting and leadership skills that will enable your future adult to excel in whatever path their dreams take them.
The former President of Harvard University, Derek Bok, once said “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” and you have only to watch your evening news to see the results and costs of a child without the values taught in a quality martial arts program such as ours. Our programs are based on a rate of $20 per lesson. We offer significant discounts for families (more than one member of a family actively training) and for enrolling for 6 or 12 months. We also offer month to month memberships. We will happily discuss our program in detail with you after your first visit.
HOW DO I GET MY CHILD STARTED?
Your first step is to call 301-631-1136 and make an appointment for you and your child to visit the dojo. We offer a free trial program for you to see just how we can bring all of the benefits and values of Martial Arts training into your child’s life.
During the trial program we will be evaluating your child based on several factors, including attitude and our ability to work together. You will also be evaluating us on our ability to communicate with your child the benefits of Martial Arts training in our dojo.
We will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have at the conclusion of your trial.
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“I want to say again how very pleased I am with your class. You have a wonderful way with children,
even when they are inattentive… Your patience is inspiring. I also appreciate the lessons you teach “on the mat” and how it applies to “life.” I as a mother love the bigger picture of what you are teaching. Thank you for what you do.” – Michele Filyo, Frederick, MD
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“I'm sure you hear this a lot but you are absolutely wonderful with these kids and we all appreciate your hard work and dedication. I can't tell you how many times I hear other parents in the bleachers talking about how much they love the way you are teaching their children!” - Clayton Dutton, Frederick MD
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“Your program at the Bushikai Dojo has had a tremendous positive effect on my son Daniel. He is
learning self control, discipline, self defense and respect for himself and others. You have always
demonstrated excellence in your teaching as well as love and support to my child and truly all the people coming into the dojo for learning. I remember when Daniel was pretty new at the dojo and was sad he hadn’t won at a challenge, instead of chiding him for whining about loosing, you encouraged him that he should take that competiveness to win to help him do better next time. I was impressed.”
– MaryJane Harris, Frederick, Maryland
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“This is to express our thanks for the many ways that the Bushikai Dojo has helped our daughter,
Adrienne. She has been attending classes at the dojo for two years, and we have seen several positive outcomes. Adrienne is more physically fit, stronger, and more able to defend herself should the need ever arise. These physical accomplishments have led to improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence.
She has learned about many aspects of the Japanese culture through your teaching, among them the importance of respect, self-control, and tradition.” - Rebecca and Timothy Taylor, Brunswick MD
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“For the past 20 months, our sons ages 8 and 6 have participated in the children's class taught at the Bushikai Dojo. When choosing a martial arts program for our children, we decided to visit several studios. We were so impressed with the Bushikai Dojo that we never felt the need to continue searching.
During our time at Bushikai, we have seen our oldest son grow from impulsivity and restlessness to a
more settled and thoughtful child. Under their guidance, he has learned to focus his eyes, his mind, and his body. Classes are always well planned and structured in the format of a serious martial arts class, but Instructor Mackenzie never forgets that they are children. He demands discipline and control in all techniques, yet introduces skills in an age appropriate manner. Our son particularly loves the games and competitions that Instructor Mackenzie uses to close class. The children don't even realize that they are rehearsing martial arts skills.
Our youngest son, always more reticent than his brother, has also greatly benefited from Instructor
Mackenzie’s instruction. He has developed self confidence in his martial arts skills that has carried over into his personal and social skills. He has learned that even though he is physically the smallest student in the class, he can employ the techniques he has learned to grapple successfully with older students.
Due to the personal growth we have seen in our children, we plan to continue our association
with Bushikai Dojo for a long time.”
- Cherri Kennedy, Frederick Maryland
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“The dojo is a place where our children can come and ask any question, or have any concern, and you Mr.Mackenzie, have always been there to help them sort out a soloution. For instances, we had bully issue, and you took your personal time to help my oldest daughter understand how to deal and cope with that kind of situation, and she has since had a conflict with that individual. Steven and I am very happy with the decision to sign our children up at your dojo, and The Bushikai dojo has done so much for our family.
Starting down the line - you have really helped improve the control and discipline in our four children. Our son Stevie could not sit still while in line, but in the few months that he has been in your class, he is able (90% of the time) to sit completely still for those 30 seconds in the beginning of class. Stevie is working harder in school and at home. He has really improved on keeping his hands and feet to himself with his sisters. That might not seem like a lot to many people, but for us, it has made a world of difference. Stephanie, Courtney, and Gabriella have all been lifted by you and your wonderful spirit. They come home refreshed and more focused. For us as parents, we have come to love, respect, and honor all that you do for our children. We completely trust all that you do with them. Thank you for all that you do, and for being a remarkable friend and teacher."
- Kellie Cirko, Frederick, MD
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“My daughter Hali, age 8, has been in the Bushikai program for almost three years now and she
absolutely loves it. Since her involvement with the program she has learned many things that will help her to grow and be a well-rounded person.
She has learned the importance of responsibility and the reward that comes from accepting those
responsibilities. This leads to a greater respect from others. More importantly she has learned the
meaning and importance of respect and has a greater understanding of what is expected of her as a
respected member of society. Since joining the program Hali is excited about helping her father and me around the house and expects no reward. She now understands and appreciates that being proud of yourself and your achievements should be reward enough. She takes pride in herself and doesn’t
question her ability to do the impossible. She has more confidence and is no longer as shy as she used to be. She has more friends because of her newfound confidence and seems to be happier with herself. Shehas a better understanding of discipline and consequences and utilizes the “stop, think, and make a good choice” method in everything she does.
A lot of this I owe to Renshi Mackenzie because of the morals he reinforces in class. His classes aren’t just about learning to defend yourself. It is about respecting yourself, your class mates, your elders, your uniform and it’s meaning. She can also defend herself and make good judgments as to when it is appropriate to use what she has learned. She has also learned a lot about another culture other than her own. This alone gives her a wonderful jump-start above other children in her grade. She can speak words in another language and follow directions, which are given in a different language. Her comprehension of these things has been phenomenal. Mr. Mackenzie is always very clear in his demands and this helps them understand better and better with each class.
Bushikai is not only beneficial for the children but also the parents. They reinforce the rules that we try to teach our children everyday. They stay involved with the child’s life outside of the dojo by requesting reports from the teachers and questioning the parents about how the child is doing at home. I have even utilized Mr. Mackenzie as my confidant in regards to a problem I was having with my daughter and he was more than willing to be there for my child and me. He provided wonderful feedback and was willing to listen to our problem and provided different suggestions, which lead to a better understanding of a child’s mindset. He discussed the issue with Hali and this alone had great impact on my daughter because the great respect Mr. Mackenzie has earned from her.
I can’t say enough about Bushikai. They have helped us in more ways than I can write about. It is a
wonderful program for children and if more kids were involved with a program like this, there may be no need for a place like Heather Ridge, school for kids with behavioral problems. Mr. Mackenzie has earned the respect of my child, as well as my husband and me. His patience with the children and his teaching skills are unbelievable, and I admire his willingness to be so involved with other families’ issues.
I look forward to seeing Hali grow with this school, and seeing the well rounded adult that Bushikai
helped raise.
Sincerely,
Misty Crist
Frederick, MD
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"We can not thank you enough for everything Aubrey has learned; her self-confidence and self-reliance were formed, I'm sure, in significant part because of her time at Bushikai. I hope that sometime in the future she will be able to return to practice and maintain the skills she has so carefully developed. It has been a wonderful experience for her and I wish she could continue for her Black Belt, but she is going on to Towson University in a little more than a week's time. If she can return in the summer or sometime in the future we would be happy to see her do so and achieve the Black Belt.
Again, thank you for everything; Aubrey is a wonderful girl and this has been a formative part of her life. Her time with Bushikai has helped mold her into someone any parent would be very proud to call their daughter." - Stuart Garwood, Middletown MD
