junior-classes
Junior Classes
Junior classes at Ikari Dōjō are targeted at ages 12 to 17 and focus on instilling ethics, discipline and confidence in students. Puberty is a difficult time in a young adult's life and martial arts offer a physical outlet for emotions and energy, but also develops a moral and ethical framework a young adult can rely on as they grow into adulthood.
Physical and emotional bullying or harassment can take a heavy toll on young adults during this developmental period in their lives, and having a method to defend themselves in a physical altercation or the emotional conditioning to shrug off verbal harassment can make a huge difference in these formative years.
The junior curriculum includes physical training, break falling, self-defence techniques, escape, evasion, anti-bullying/harassment strategies, leadership training, languages and social development. Together, these aspects of the curriculum create a holistic training regimen that not only develops a young adult physically, but also mentally and socially.
Physical training at Ikari Dōjō is delivered through athletics, body-weight strength training, gymnastics and agility drills. Using different weapons also develops dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The Junior classes use similar techniques and exercises to the adult classes, but tailored specifically for young growing bodies.
The most important aspect of Ikari Dōjō training is safety. Break-falling, called Ukemi (受身) in Japanese, is a system of rolling and falling safely that can protect a body from shock and broken bones. The added benefit of Ukemi is that it conditions the body to become more physically resistant against all other kinds of damage.
Self-defence is becoming an increasingly important skill for young people in the modern world. Taking the initiative and decisive action in a dangerous situation can be just as import as the actual techniques employed. Having techniques and strategies that work on bigger heavier opponents is also of great value, as young adults need to be just as effective against larger adults then people their own size.
Ikari Dōjō teaches that fighting is often the last resort. Escape and evasion against greater odds can often be the better strategy for survival. Being able to run fast and slip out of the grip of an adult are critical skills taught at Ikari Dōjō.
Bullying cannot be stopped because it is a natural behaviour, but it can be mitigated by intelligent strategies and a little social engineering. Bullies seek prey and will target young adults that appear weak or different. Ikari Dōjō teaches skills and strategies that can confuse the natural instincts of a bully and reduce the behaviour to tolerable levels.
Physical and technical skills are important, but in the real world leadership and social abilities can mean the difference between a dream job, a promotion or the perfect partner. At Ikari Dōjō, students are trained in bearing, leadership, etiquette, social graces and conversation which will serve them well in later life, when they are trying to get ahead in the real world.
Ikari Dōjō is more than just a martial arts training establishment, it is a place to hone skills and acquire all the knowledge and training that is not provided by schools or after school activities. In a competitive world, Ikari Dōjō offers an edge that will put a young adults ahead of their peers.
Class Structure & Pricing
Ikari Dōjō runs 10 junior classes five times a week from 1600 to 1750. Juniors on the Unlimited Junior plan can attend any and all classes during that time. Juniors may also attend fitness and self-defence classes from 1800 to 1850.
All Juniors are restricted from joining Adult classes unless they have prior permission from the head instructor.
The subscription payment model is the best value for money and is paid monthly in advance. Membership and insurance fees ($80 per year) are also waived on this payment plan. Subscription can be cancelled any time. First month is calculated pro rata.
The Junior Unlimited Plan is $120 a month, which grants access to all junior classes, fitness classes and self-defence classes.
Subscription
The subscription payment model is the best value for money and is paid monthly in advance. Membership and insurance fees ($80 per year) are also waived on this payment plan. Subscription can be cancelled any time. First month is calculated pro rata.
The Junior Unlimited Plan is $120 a month, which grants access to all junior classes, fitness classes and self-defence classes.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG)
The Pay-as-you-go payment model offers greater flexibility to members allowing payment for individual classes. All members on the PAYG model are subject to an $80 a year membership and insurance fee.
Junior Class - $8
Fitness Class (for Junior) - $8
Self-Defence Class (for Junior) - $8
Grading Schedule
Class Location
Junior students can expect to grade every 3 months attending 6 classes a week (54 contact hours per season). Gradings are conducted informally and are based on knowledge, experience and participation.
Grading costs are included in the monthly fee. Students are responsible for acquiring their own belts.
