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A positive classroom environment is essential to a child's ability to learn. At Thousand Waves we present karate to children as a body, mind, and spirit practice. The mental and physical elements of Seido Karate improve their fitness, concentration and coordination. They also learn the Five Fingers of Self-Defense, including age appropriate skills for dealing with bullying and other forms of violence.
We are committed to maintaining a classroom culture of discipline, cooperation, and respect where young people can practice asserting themselves, taking on leadership, working as part of a team, and solving conflicts non-violently, while they become fit and learn skills to keep themselves safe.
Throughout its history, Thousand Waves has been in the forefront of developing martial arts and personal safety curricula for children. We provide learning experiences that are age and developmentally appropriate. The spirit building and non-competitive environment at our Center enables every child to be proud of doing their best and feel successful with their effort.
The skill building Seido Karate syllabus introduces material through a step by step process. Students' effort and progress is rewarded through a ranking system of earned patches, belts, and certificates. When a student has memorized the curriculum and demonstrated commitment by taking the required number of classes, they are invited to promote to the next level in a celebratory public recital.
Over 200 children currently study martial arts at Thousand Waves. More than thirty youth and teens younger than 15 have trained the five-plus years required to earn the junior black belt. Two of our senior adult black belt instructors, now in their mid-20's, began training in the children's program when they were six and 10 years old.
Thousand Waves is truly a school where children grow up together and become positive forces within their families and communities.
Beginner Program
All our children's classes have two or three instructors assigned to them. This enables us to ease each new child into training slowly and safely. You do not need to have any previous karate experience or to be in good physical condition. Classes are interchangeable, so you can participate without locking yourself into a fixed schedule.
Free Trial Class
Call us to schedule an appointment for your child to take a FREE TRIAL CLASS to try it out. He or she will be in a small group with other visitors and our newest members, and an instructor will take them through the basics and answer questions about our Center and its programs. To sign up for your free trial class, please call us at 773-472-7663. We require a parent or guardian to be present during the trial class.
Becoming a Member
Membership entails making a two month commitment and paying two months of fees at the time of joining. After two months, members pay monthly on either an Auto pay plan (discounted) or on a Non-Auto pay plan.
If you join on the day of your trial class, you will get your $85 registration packet (which includes a uniform, Seido patches, and a one-year membership in the World Seido Karate Organization) for FREE!
Fees for children under the age of 18
Up to 10 classes per month
$80/month [auto pay]
$95/month [non-auto pay]
Unlimited classes
$95/month [auto pay]
$110/month [non-auto pay]
Scholarships
We have a scholarship fund for families that need financial aid in order to participate.
Teens enjoy Seido Karate as a fun, vigorous fitness program they share with their peers. At Thousand Waves, in addition to fitness, teens get important tools for violence prevention and conflict resolution that can help them during their school years and beyond.
Teen Class Schedule
Beginner Karate Classes for Younger Teens
(Ages 12-14)
[Minimum of 2 classes per week recommended]
Monday 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Teens 12 to 14 years old may also take Youth karate classes
Monday through Friday 4:30-5:30pm
Saturday 11am-12pm
Beginner Karate Classes for Older Teens
(ages 15-17) and Adults
[Minimum of 2 classes per week recommended]
Monday 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 - 8:40 pm
Friday 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturday 12 - 1 pm
Older teens may also take karate classes for younger teens.
If you visit Thousand Waves any afternoon at around 4:25, you will find a diverse group of kids from many different schools working feverishly in the lobby to finish their homework before class. By 4:35, they have meditated briefly to leave aside their work and worries from school, and are running jumping, sweating and laughing their way through the famous karate obstacle course. The vigorous exercise makes their bodies strong and flexible and gives them the stamina to lead an active, healthy life.
Youth Class Schedule
Beginner Karate Classes for Youth
[Minimum of 2 classes per week recommended]
Monday through Friday4:30 - 5:30 pm
Saturday11 am - 12 pm
Young school age children build strong healthy bodies along with self-discipline, confidence, and social skills through the study of Seido Karate.
Junior Class Schedule
[Minimum of 2 classes per week recommended]
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday3:45 - 4:30 pm
Saturday10:15 - 11 am
In the Little Kicks Program children are encouraged to have fun while improving concentration and coordination. Little Kicks are taught the skill building curriculum of Seido karate with a game-based teaching methodology which is suited to the developmental needs of this young age group and inspires them to enjoy the challenges of learning.
Little Kicks Class Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday 3:45 - 4:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 - 10:15 am