What We Offer Your Children

• Classes are available 6 days per week at convenient times
• Owning our own facility along with the non-profit status of Shotokan Karate of America allows for lower monthly rates for our members
• A level of discipline is maintained which maximizes the training experience, keeps the classes enjoyable, and helps the child develop the disciplinary skills necessary to function in a group environment
• Leadership and self-expression are developed as students gain such privileges as counting for the group and occasionally assisting instructors
• Competition is kept in perspective. Mental focus, effort, and application of controlled behavior can be just as valuable as natural ability
• All instructors have been personally awarded their black belts by Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima (the originator of traditional karate in the US) and work with children in their community as well
• Belt tests are held twice a year during a formal presentation in front of the Garden Grove Black Belt Council - no additional fee is required
• Along with karate instruction at many colleges and YMCA's in our area, Shotokan Karate of America has over 140 schools in the US and Canada (also schools in 18 different countries). This allows for continued training if your family relocates.

 

Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing A Dojo

Shotokan Karate of Garden Grove has provided this information to help you in deciding on a martial arts school. Before choosing any school please keep the following in mind:

1. Observe a few classes to see if your expectations are met

2. Be cautious of contracts and excessive belt test fees

3. The facility should be clean and well cared for

4. Look at the neighborhood where the facility is located.

If you keep these in mind, you should be able to find a reputable martial arts school.

If we can be of help, please call us at 714 539-5161

Participation Guidelines

The following guidelines have been established by Garden Grove Shotokan to aid in maintaining an environment indicative of a traditional karate school, which is also safe for participants and spectators. These standards will also help us to continue with a level of discipline that allows the students to develop skills necessary to cope with challenges they may face at a young age.

Please review and adhere to the following:

GUESTS/PARENTS:

• Do not sit on the training floor edge during the class
• NO CHILDREN are allowed in weight training area (they may sit on the spectator mat and watch quietly)
• Keep noise and talking at a low level during the class
• Tell the instructor if you will be late to pick up your child
• Playing is not allowed in the parking lot

STUDENTS:

• Try to use the restroom before class. Ask for permission during the class to use the restroom
• If you come early, work on kata, bags, etc. Anyone causing a disturbance will be asked to sit and watch until the class begins
• All equipment shall be ONLY used properly
• NO students are allowed on or near the weights. If you are serious about a lifting program, see the instructor.
• If waiting for a ride home, do homework, sit and watch the following class, or quietly practice karate on the side

I hope this is not too harsh. Kids should understand that this is one place they go where behavior resembles that of an adult. Please explain that it is okay to be 'a kid' most of the time. However, in our communities, school age kids can face serious challenges, altercations, and peer pressure. Young people shouldn't have to deal with these, but when they do, their best tools are confidence, a disciplined attitude, and positive role models. Students must be able to distinguish the 'fun times' from serious times on our training floor. A child not willing to accept these, or who is too young to begin assimilation of their meaning, is not quite ready for the study of karate.

Testimonials

 

"I was impressed from the first time I took my two sons there. The dojo with the special wood floors and organized instruction were very impressive. The dojo is always immaculately clean. My children have been attending about 4 years. The school is very accommodating when different levels of instruction takes place.

While Kenny is more dedicated, it is Steven who benefited dramatically from the program. He was initially diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and Ritalin was recommended. School officials almost insisted on it. We were opposed to this medication and believed karate was the cure. Karate requires discipline and self-control, the two things Steven needed. Garden Grove Shotokan was the place. While Steven's behavior didn't change overnight, it was the instructors' patience and concern that ultimately worked. This became the key to opening Steven's life to new possibilities.

My older son, Kenny, has become a dedicated musician, motivated by the self-discipline karate has taught him. While he enjoys practicing his music, his martial arts training has been the key to his consistency." - Mom of 7 and 9 year olds.

"I'm a school teacher and often see kids picking on others. I didn't want my daughter to be picked on or be a bully.

Shotokan has helped her to be stronger and more confident. Now she wants to stay and earn a brown belt." - Dad of 11 year old

"As a teacher (and ex-cop), I see children desire to learn extra-curricular activities. My daughter was no exception. I gave Nikki the option to choose her own style.

We visited numerous schools in our area. We noticed what Garden Grove Shotokan offered that others didn't: discipline, friendly instructors, and flexible hours. She chose this school even though we commute from Ontario." - Mom of 13 year old

"Training at Garden Grove Shotokan keeps my two children healthy and aware. Their training supports our teaching as parents. The instruction here is respectful, high-level, and challenging.

We recommend this facility without reservations." - Parents of 5 and 8 year olds

"We've had three kids enrolled here a few years now. The quality of the instructors has made them excellent role models. As we were hoping, the training has had a positive influence on their behavior away from the dojo." - Parents of 7, 9, and 12 year olds

"My daughter Caroline is benefiting greatly from her study of karate at Garden Grove Shotokan. It has helped her confidence, her ability to handle difficult situations, and she enjoys the lessons. The instructors instill in her the desire to practice hard and improve. They know how to work with kids, and it shows. Thanks for creating a great environment for her and the rest of the kids to learn in!" - Dad of 12 year old

Referrals available upon request