The inaugural karate program is designed for students ages 12 through 18. It is the intention of the Totowa PAL to introduce karate to the younger ages once this program has been successfully established.
Students will build a strong foundation, starting with learning the etiquette of traditional Okinawa Shorin Ryu karate, which is based on respect and courtesy. The very important mental aspect, basic stances, striking, kicks and movement will be taught. Students will build upon that by learning the form of proper falls and self defense techniques from various attacks. Students will concentrate on kata (forms), as it builds the body and mind as well as focus and concentration. All teachings will be progressions, building on the basics. The overall belief that the quality of what the students learn is much more important than how much they know will be pervasive throughout all lessons with the knowledge that respect and courtesy is most important.
First session: Begins week of August 17th, ends October 2nd
Age Groups:
12 years old to 13 years old - Monday 7pm-7:45pm & Friday 6pm-6:45pm
14 years old to 16 years old - Monday 7:45pm-8:30pm - & Friday 6:45pm-7:30pm
Participants will be required to wear a karate gi. You will be contacted following registration with information on purchase (purchase is the responsibility of the participant).
COVID-19 Specific Information:
Please note that this program will be non-contact at this time, to comply with COVID-19 and DOH guidelines. Program size for each age group is limited to 20 participants to maintain social distancing in the gym. Masks will be required when entering and exiting the gym but will not be required when in class. No sharing of water bottles. Please bring hand sanitizer for personal use.
Participants, coaches, staff and officials should stay home if they present any viral symptoms. A health screening will be completed immediately prior to arrival of all staff, participants and volunteers (assessment questionnaire available on the Totowa PAL website www.totowapal.com); temperature will be taken at the entrance to the gym. This information will be maintained by the Totowa PAL as a private medical record.
If, due to State and/or Health Department requirements, this program is required to be shut down, participants will be refunded on a prorated basis. Otherwise, there will be no refunds. Please make sure you are prepared for the time commitment.
If you have any questions concerning the karate program, please contact Sensei Tom (bio below) at [email protected]
