Welcome to the Lil' Dragon Program at Family Karate Academy! This program is tailored for children aged 3 to 6, helping them develop essential skills early on to excel in various pursuits. We're excited to support your child's growth and prepare them for advanced training. 

Most children can start when they turn three years old. We assess three key qualities in a child during their first introductory class:

1. Listening and Following Instructions: We check if they can listen and follow basic instructions, even if not perfectly. For example, if we ask them to put their left leg forward, and they put their right, it's still considered following instructions.
2. Attention Span: We look for an attention span that allows them to stay engaged in the 20-25 minute class. Full focus will develop over time.
3. Correctability: We observe if a child is reasonably correctable. This means they make an effort to correct themselves when they're doing something wrong, even if they don't always remember or get it right.

Our instructors will assess your child's readiness during the introductory lesson.

Most children around 7 years or older and at least in first grade are ready for our regular family karate program. However, there's no fixed age requirement, and children in the Lil' Dragon Program may progress faster.

If you notice that your child finds Lil' Dragon drills easy and seems a bit bored in class, it's a sign they might be ready for the next level. When your child demonstrates a strong memory for what they've learned in previous classes and seeks a greater challenge, it's time to consider advancing.

Don't hesitate to talk to the instructor when you observe these signs. Instructors are often watching for such cues and want to see children move up when they're ready. We believe that offering more challenges to children at a young age helps them excel faster.

This is a basic outline of the Lil' Dragon Program curriculum, including the belt ranking and stripe system. Children typically graduate every eight weeks, aiming for at least 8 stripes on their belt. With consistent attendance (two classes per week), they can earn up to 16 stripes in that period.

To earn a stripe, participation in class is essential. Occasionally, stripes may be delayed to motivate the child to excel in the next class. It's not a punishment but an opportunity for improvement. We maintain a positive and motivating atmosphere, fostering a child's best efforts without dampening their enthusiasm.

Our program emphasizes spaced repetition and positive motivation to encourage children to do their best. We prioritize long-term benefits over quick results. Remember that parents tend to be their child's harshest critics.

Here's a summary of the stripe meanings:

• Week #1: White Stripe - Focus: Concentrating on a goal with eyes, mind, and body.
• Week #2: Yellow Stripe - Teamwork: Collaborating to achieve a goal.
• Week #3: Orange Stripe - Control: Exercising self-control.
• Week #4: Green Stripe - Balance: Maintaining physical balance.
• Week #5: Blue Stripe - Memory: Recalling information.
• Week #6: Purple Stripe - Discipline: Physical and mental self-control.
• Week #7: Brown Stripe - Fitness: Keeping the body in top condition.
• Week #8: Black Stripe - Coordination: Moving the body correctly.
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The belt ranking corresponds to the stripe colors and progresses as follows:

• White Belt
• White Belt / Yellow Stripe (Week 8)
• White Belt / Orange Stripe (Week 16)
• White Belt / Green Stripe (Week 24)
• White Belt / Blue Stripe (Week 32)
• White Belt / Purple Stripe (Week 40)
• White Belt / Brown Stripe (Week 48)
• White Belt / Black Stripe (Week 56)
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Now, we introduce the Double Stripe Belts:

• White Belt / Double Yellow (Week 64)
• White Belt / Double Orange (Week 72)
• White Belt / Double Green (Week 80)
• White Belt / Double Blue (Week 88)
• White Belt / Double Purple (Week 96)
• White Belt / Double Brown (Week 104)
• White Belt / Double Black (Week 112)
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Our karate training incorporates various activities and games alongside repetitive techniques, which keep children engaged and help them progress faster. While some material repeats, we introduce new coordination skills and abilities. Each graduation involves reviewing the previous four weeks' material while introducing new content.

Most children will advance through the Lil' Dragon's Program before completing all the belts. Graduating every eight weeks motivates children and acknowledges their progress. We're excited to have your child in our program and look forward to their continued success in whatever they set their mind to achieve.