Gima-Ha Lenham & Maidstone Karate Clubs run a ‘Tiny Tigers’ class.This is a fun based karate lesson for girls and boys aged 4-8 years. The emphasis is on learning through play and Karate related games to build co-ordination.
We teach the basics of karate mixed with some fun and games to ensure that your child will enjoy the 45-minute-long class.
Through this we aim to:
- Increase self confidence
- Teach self-awareness and self-discipline
- Improve co-ordination, strength and flexibility
- Learn to respect others
All children have the opportunity to grade through a structured special belt system.
Historically many of our young students in our dojos started as Tiny Tigers and after working through the syllabus have been eager to move on to the main lesson.
We welcome new students and parents to come and watch a class.
As stated the Lenham Shidokan Tiny Tigers program is aimed at children aged 4 – 8 years that allows them them a ‘less pressurised and fun’ chance to learn basic Karate techniques and progress gaining ‘gross and fine motor skills’. They learn motivation, and self discipline through a specialised programme of ‘striped belt progression’ until they are ready for the mainstream ‘Kyu Syllabus’.
We care and nurture these ‘Tigers’ along a path that will hopefully bear lifelong benefits. It has been proven that with this less strict approach, combining karate movements with fun games, progression is rapid. Many Tiny Tigers have gone on to become Regional, National, and even International Champions.
TINY TIGER GRADINGS
The Tiny Tigers grade through a structured syllabus.
After a minimum of 8 sessions (since their last grading) a child can take a ‘pre-grading assessment’. Successful completion will see them awarded a ‘belt badge’ to be worn on their Do-Gi (karate uniform). This indicates to any instructor that this child is deemed ‘ready to grade’. Any instructor seeing this badge will understand the child has proven competency, and is in final preparations for the next grade, and will be able to offer any necessary advice to assist that child with their aspirations. Your child will be able to take the official qualification at the next grading.
The ‘belt badge’ and ‘official belts’ follow a progression system shown by the colours of the rainbow i.e., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, followed by brown and black.
Tiny Tigers belts are white with a horizontal coloured stripe running along its length.
TINY TIGER MERIT BADGES
Merit badges are achievable by each student. Again, these are to be worn on their Do-Gi. (Usually on the left arm)
GRADUATION
Tiny Tigers on attaining the black stripe will be offered the opportunity to graduate to Karate Kubz, and remain amongst their Tiny Tiger peers in the role of demonstrator and assistant.
This is intended to give them higher self-esteem and develop leadership qualities.
Tiny Tigers who show exceptional talent will be offered the opportunity to graduate to the Karate Kubz earlier than age 9.
A graduation ceremony will be held in the dojo where a special achievement certificate will be awarded.
Merit badges are designed to give the students more determination within the dojo as well as promote motivation, pride and self-esteem Each student has the chance to choose what badge they wish to complete and then wear on their karate gi.
Tiny Tiger Grading Syllabus
| White Belt | Red Stripe | Orange Stripe | Yellow Stripe |
| Front Stance Horse Stance Face Punch Face Block Count to 5 | Front Stance Horse Stance Back Stance Downward Block Face Punch Face Block Count to 5 | Horse Stance Knife Hand Block Step Face Punch Step Face Block Outside Block Front Kick Count to 10 | Horse Stance Knife Hand Block Step Face Punch Step Face Block Step outside Block Step Front Kick Kihon Kata Count to 10 |
| Green Stripe | Blue Stripe | Purple Stripe | Brown Stripe |
| Knife Hand Block Face Block, Punch Bely Block, Punch Front Kick, Punch Round House Kick Heian Shodan Count to 10 | Face Block, Punch Bely Block, Punch Front Kick, Punch Round House Kick Side Snap Kick Heian Nidan Count to 10 | Face Block, Punch Bely Block, Punch Front Kick, Punch Round House Kick Side Snap Kick Side Thrust Kick Heian Nidan 5 Step Kumite Count to 10 | Face Block, Punch Bely Block, Punch Front Kick, Punch Round House Kick Side Snap Kick Side Thrust Kick Heian Sandan 5 Step Kumite Count to 10 |
| Black Stripe | |||
| Face Block, Punch Bely Block, Punch Front Kick, Punch Round House Kick Side Snap Kick Side Thrust Kick Heian Nidan Heian Sandan Heian Yondan 1 Step Kumite Count to 10 Dojo Kun |