SEIDO KARATE
at McBurney YMCA
125 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
212-741-9210 www.ymcanyc.org
212-741-9210 www.ymcanyc.orgCHILDREN'S CLASSES
Children's classes include all ranks, ages and levels of experience and ability. No experience is necessary and each child progresses at his or her own pace.
Through the practice of Seido karate, children learn the fundamentals of traditional martial arts which promotes coordination, balance, flexibility and strength. At the same time, we also teach confidence, focus, teamwork and respect for themselves and others.
Children ages 4 and up may attend any of the 4 classes taught by Kyoshi Dwayne. In addition, we offer 2 classes per week specifically geared towards children ages 4 to 6. This "Peewee" class is shorter and teaches our younger children the basics of traditional karate and may help a younger or shyer child prepare for the "regular" class. The peewee class is taught by Senpai Melissa Rapoport (2nd Degree Black Belt).
Kyoshi Dwayne Roberts is the chief instructor for the McBurney YMCA Seido Karate Children's Program.
His first brush with Seido Karate was at home while watching his older brother diligently practicing the techniques he had learned in class and in 1983 he also become a Seido student. In 1989 he became an assistant instructor at Seido Headquarters. Kyoshi Dwayne's martial arts training spans more than 25 years and includes practice in kendo and iaido.
With more than 10 years teaching martial arts to mentally challenged children and adults, Kyoshi Dwayne was thrilled at being given the opportunity to once again teach children when McBurney launched its children's program in 2002. In addition to teaching four children's classes weekly, he also assists Kyoshi Pam with the adult program.
Kyoshi Dwayne is a stay at home father raising his son in Brooklyn with his wife, Kyoshi Pam, and their 2 dogs.
Tuesday
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
(Studio 1)
Thursday
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
(Gym B)
Saturday
9:00 am to 10:00 am
(Studio 1)
Saturday
10:00 am to 11:00 am
(Studio 1)
Children's Classes taught by
Each of the classes listed below may be attended by children ages 4 and up. With the help of Kyoshi Pam and other students from the adult program, children receive plenty of individual instruction no matter their age or rank.
Tuesday
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
(Studio 1)
Specifically geared towards children from ages 4 to 6, this class teaches our younger children the basics of traditional karate. Games are used to teach the children focus, team work and respect for each other.
Thursday
4:20 pm to 5:00 pm
(Studio 1)
Peewee Classes taught by
Senpai Melissa has been training since December, 2001. She is a lifetime athlete (playing volleyball at the University of Iowa) and is an avid competitor in kata and kumite as well as practitioner of meditation.
Senpai Melissa teaches the PeeWee children's class and assists with the overall children and adult program. She is also a certified instructor of Rape Prevention and, with Kyoshi Pam, and teaches a not-for-profit Rape Prevention / Women's Street Self Defense course designed to empower women .
Senpai Melissa earned her 2nd degree black belt from Kaicho Nakamura in March, 2008. She owns a coffee house in Brooklyn and lives in Manhattan with her two daughters, both of whom are black belts in Seido, and their cockapoo.
(for FAQ with regards to children's classes, click here)
