SEIDO KARATE
at McBurney YMCA
   125 W. 14th Street, New York, NY  10011               212-741-9210                           www.ymcanyc.org
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Welcome to the Seido Karate children's program at McBurney YMCA.  To help you and your child understand the basic rules of our dojo (school), we have outlined some dojo etiquette and frequently asked questions below.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask Kyoshi Dwayne, Kyoshi Pam or Senpai Melissa.
Equipment
The Uniform (gi):
  • In Seido Karate, a plain white uniform is required for training.
  • For information on purchasing the uniform (along with the beginner white belt, required patches and initial booklet) see Kyoshi Dwayne or Kyoshi Pam. Although you may purchase the uniform at any martial arts supply store, we receive discounts by purchasing in bulk and we pass those discounts onto you.
  • Please note that the McBurney YMCA does not sell uniforms and has no information on the sale or purchase.
  • We allow your child to take 2 classes before requiring a uniform.  This will give your child time to determine if he/she wants to keep training.  Please note we do this as a special favor to our parents to help you save money if your child does not continue.  However, we ask that your child has the uniform by the 3rd class. 
Preparing for Class
  • Coming to class:  Please endeavour to bring your child to class on time.  However, we understand it is not always feasible and we do allow your child to enter class late.  One of the assistant instructors will show your child what to do if he/she is late for class.
  • Jewelry:  Please remove and hold onto all jewelry.  No jewelry is allowed in class in order to avoid injuries, damage and/or loss.
  • Dressing for class:  Please use the family changing room or locker room if you need to dress your child for class.  Also, we ask that you do not tie on you child's belt.  We will teach each child how to tie the belt and would like him/her to be responsible for this.
Class Time
  • Please do not walk onto the floor or talk to your child during class.  We are working to instill focus and discipline amongst the students and interference by the parents undermines our control of the class.  If you need to leave early with your child, please let the instructor know prior to class.
  • You may stay and observe class or feel free to make use of the Y facilities during class time.  We do, however, ask that you meet your child on time at the end of class as we will be unable to supervise him/her due to overlapping classes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • How old must my child be before he/she can start?
We start children at 4 years of age.
  • Can my child and I train in the same class?
Children and adults train separately. Because the needs of children vary so much from those of adults, we feel it would be too distracting to have children and adults in the same class.
  • Can I stay in the studio while my child takes class?
Yes!  We actually prefer that you do when your child first starts with us.  This way if your child feels nervous or unsure of the class, he/she will be reassured to see you there.  Also, you know your child best.  You should always make sure both you and your child are comfortable with us.
Once you and your child feel comfortable, we do not mind if you want to work out elsewhere in the Y or run a quick errand during class.  However, please keep in mind that we cannot watch your child when class ends as there are overlapping classes.  Please be on time to pick up your child.
  • How long are children's classes and what do they consist of?
Children's classes are 1 hour long.  The specialized peewee classes are 45 minutes.  Class may consist of all or some combination of basics, pad work, kata (formal exercise), meditation and games that teach the children teamwork, focus and discipline.
  • Why do you often times end children's classes with games?
One hour of class is a long class for most children.  One reason we play games is to give them a break from the pressure of class.

However, the main reason for games is to teach the children without them realizing they are learning.  If you watch the games, you may note that we explain the rules first so each child has to pay attention (focus) and remember the rules (memorization).  If we are working in teams, they are instructed to encourage their teammates and are not allowed to make fun of or boo a fellow student.  Some games are a competition so they have to learn to be good winners and good losers.  Lastly, we often times incorporate movements to improve coordination and work in specific karate moves or teminology.
  • Are the children's rankings and syllabus the same as the adults?
Children are split by the following age groups:

4-6 years = Peewee7-8 years = Junior9-15 years = Youth

The syllabus is smaller for the younger students and becomes progressively larger for each age group.

Youth belts have a white stripe running lengthwise through the belt.  Junior and Peewee belts are white with the color stripe running lengthwise.  The belt colors for the Junior and Youth groups are the same as adults.  The Peewee group has an orange belt between white and blue belt.
  • How are promotions handled for children?
Kyoshi Dwayne or Kyoshi Pam will advise you when your child is ready for his/her next belt.  Children's promotion is held at our headquarters on 23rd Street.  We will provide you with all the necessary information in advance.

The promotion is always held on a Saturday morning.  Children in the Peewee and Junior age groups are usually separated from the Youth group and finish first.  The test consists of the basics that your child has been learning in class.  Questions may be asked during the promotion - if a child knows the answer, they raise their hand, if not, there is no pressure to respond.

Family is allowed to observe and take photos, however, you must follow dojo etiquette.
  • What age separates children from adult class?
At McBurney YMCA, we will consider a child for adult classes once they reach the age of 13.  Because we are a small program, we do not have separate teen classes and many teenagers feel uncomfortable training with other children who are much younger and smaller.
  • How do you determine if a teen is ready for adult class?
We first talk to the parent(s) to see if the child can arrange the time since the class times are different.  We also want to determine if you feel your child would want to join the adult class.  Then we speak to the child.

If the decision is made to switch, we slowly acclimate him/her to the class by having the child take a few adult classes while still being part of the children's class.   Over time, he/she will eventually move full time to the adult class.
The Booklet:  A booklet of terms (syllabus) your child will be required to learn is provided with the purchase of the uniform.  A fee will be charged if the booklet needs to be replaced.  We will provide a free syllabus for each new rank your child achieves to add to the booklet.
The Patches:  Instructions explaining how the patches are sewn onto the uniform will be provided upon purchase.  Please note, patches must be sewn on - they are not iron-on.