To develop a confident, competent, and complete martial artist. Our children's programs build a solid foundation for martial arts mastery as an adult. Our students gain the physical skills to defend themselves while learning the importance of courtesy, respect, and good citizenship.
Method
Combine the standing techniques of Tang Soo Do (Korean karate) with the self-defense techniques and anti-bully strategy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
At Norfolk Karate Academy, we supplement tang soo do (a
standing/striking art) with Gracie jiu-jitsu (a complete martial art in
itself that relies on taking your attacker to the ground then
neutralizing them using leverage rather than strength or speed). In the
Children's Programs, we orient training toward self-defense applications
rather than sport competition. We also stress memorization and
application of forms (kata), respect and courtesy toward training
partners, and physical fitness.
Curriculum
The three children's programs are CHILDREN'S KARATE (with classes each week for two levels of beginners, intermediate, and advanced students), CHILDREN'S GRACIE JIU-JITSU (Gracie Bullyproof Course and Jr. Grapplers), and THE PEEWEE PROGRAM.
See the detailed descriptions of each class in the following
paragraphs. You may attend all classes that are appropriate for your
skill level. A beginner, for example, the two beginner CHILDREN'S
KARATE classes, two GRACIE BULLYPROOF classes, and the make-up all-ranks
class on Friday for up to five classes a week. We award a "student"
black belt at age 16, but require students to turn 18, earn a Gracie
jiu-jitsu blue belt, and graduate from high school for award of the full
1st degree black belt.
Class Structure
Classes last between 45 to 60 minutes and consists of a warm-up;
striking and blocking drills; form practice; self-defense/sparring;
conditioning; and cool-down/stretching. Time allocated for each part of
the training depends on individual needs.Classes focus
on learning to pay attention to detail with greater emphasis on
free-sparring and using basic Gracie jiu-jitsu self-defense techniques
geared toward escaping an attacker.
CHILDREN'S KARATE
In our Children's Karate classes, we use Tang Soo Do (Korean
word for "karate") to teach how to strike with power, move with balance
and coordination, and avoid being hit. We employ traditional training
methods (forms/kata, repetition, emphasis on proper technique and body
mechanics) while stressing the practical application for self-defense to
develop a solid foundation for martial arts proficiency as an adult.
Each class consists of a brief warm-up stretch followed by striking
drills (kicking and punching bags/pads), sparring drills, and forms
(kata) practice. Forms (kata) serve as our link to traditional training
methods and is a proven method for developing powerful stances and
understanding of body mechanics. We supplement the standing techniques
of karate with Gracie jiu-jitsu;(a complete martial art
in itself that relies on taking your attacker to the ground then
neutralizing them using leverage rather than strength or speed). This is
NOT a mixed martial arts class. The focus is on self-defense, not
sport.
Curriculum
The program encompasses approximately 196 hours of instruction divided
into two levels of Beginner, one level of Intermediate, and one level of
Advanced classes. Classes last 45 minutes and consists of a warm-up;
striking and blocking drills; form practice; self-defense/sparring;
conditioning; and cool-down/stretching. Time allocated for each part of
the training depends on individual needs.
CHILDREN'S GRACIE JIU-JITSU
In our Children's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes, we use teach the Gracie Bullyproof and Gracie Jr. Grapplers
programs. The focus is on self-defense, not sport. The Norfolk Karate
Academy and Bushin Martial Arts Academy in Williamsburg are the
exclusive providers of these exceptional courses developed by the famous
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California. For more information
about the programs, visit https://graciekids.com
or visit the Gracie Academy website and listen to the program's
co-creator, Rener Gracie, talk about Bullyproof in this short video.
Here's more from Rener Gracie on Gracie Bullyproof, filmed during his annual visit to Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Norfolk:
PEEWEE PROGRAM
School Objective
To introduce young children, ages 3-5, to martial arts in a way that will encourage them to stay the course throughout their lives.
Method
Use games and fun exercises to build a foundation for martial arts proficiency.
Curriculum
Consists of lessons 2 times per week, on Monday and Wednesday from 5:00-5:45, supplemented by individual practice
until the child graduates to the NKA Junior Program. The program
integrates elements of karate with the Gracie Bullyproof program to
provide a well-rounded introduction to martial arts.
Class Structure
Classes last 45 minutes and consist of a warm-up and stretching, listening and gross
motor skill exercises, striking and blocking drills, Gracie Games, and an obstacle course to aid in further developing gross motor skills. Time allocated for each part of
the training depends on individual needs.
*See our Contact Us page for pricing information.
Why should you train at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Norfolk or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Chesapeake?
Norfolk Karate Academy has brought together a community of martial arts practitioners from all walks of life who share a passion for learning. There is something for everyone here, with classes for kids and adults at all levels and a self-defense program specifically for women. Whether you start as a complete beginner to martial arts as I did, or have many years of experience under your belt, you will find the atmosphere supportive yet challenging enough to keep you growing and improving. -- Gabriel Robinson
Everything they claim and more. If you are looking for practical martial arts instruction, look no further. -- Drew Stephenson
State of the art instruction, and no ego in this place; it feels like family. Very proud to call this my dojo. -- Ryan Mekkes