What makes a Culture of Safety Kids’ karate program different?
Our karate classes for kids focus first on the kids, then on the karate. At Culture of Safety/Jin Sei Ryu Chicago, we know that each child comes to us with their own 
unique strengths and challenges. For one child, they may struggle with flexibility and coordination, but have excellent focus and discipline. Another may have excellent physical abilities, but struggle with discipline or focus. Some kids might struggle with self-confidence, or emotional regulation. A child may be developmentally “behind” based on multiple (arbitrary) benchmarks, or “ahead”. Regardless of their individual strengths and challenges, all children deserve the chance to learn and grow, and all children deserve the chance to face their challenges in a supportive and encouraging environment.
There is no one-size-fits all approach to teaching that best supports every child. Instead of choosing one method (and watching while some children fall through the cracks), our karate classes for kids allow us to work individually with each child and their family to assess what is the best class to support their needs.
In addition to increased coordination, fitness, strength, and flexibility, our karate classes for kids also support our young students’ inner lives and mental and social development. Through Sensei Amy’s background in social work and Senpai Kyren’s background in mindfulness, together we create a space ripe for supporting kids as they practice important life skills: asking for what they need, standing up for others, mindfulness of space, how to handle strong emotions, and more!
Karate Classes for Kids at all Ages and Stages
We know that each student is different and may require more (or less) support. For this reason, our age/grade divisions are guidelines. Each program has slightly different expectations in terms of what they need to learn to progress in rank and how they show it.
Younger Kids
Peewees– Generally best program for 4-5 year-olds (or pre-K and K)
Juniors – Generally best program for 6-7 year olds (1st-2nd grade)
The PeeWees class is on Wednesdays at 4:15, the Juniors class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15. The Peewees class is first on Saturdays, followed by the Juniors class.
Older Kids
Youth – Generally best program for 3rd grade through age 12. Senior youth students have the option of becoming volunteers to support the younger kids classes.
The Youth class is after the Juniors class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Teens
Generally for ages 13-18. These classes are alongside either the adult or youth classes. Adult/Teen classes and are done in a format that creates structure for adults and teens to interact safely and with appropriate boundaries in fun, and mutually supportive ways. Teens have the option of to become volunteers to support younger kids classes.
What if my child has done karate or another martial art before?
Welcome! We’re always happy to support children who have trained in other arts. Reach out to us directly (info@cultureofsafetychi.com) and we’ll have a conversation to assess what class options are the best fit for you.
What are the costs?
We are committed to equity and transparency. We offer tiered pricing for students of all ages, and steep discounts for multiple members of the same household.
Over time, there are additional costs for uniforms (approximately $50), and promotion test fees ($30 in most cases). We will always be clear about costs and expectations.
Additionally, there will be annual international membership fees ($12 each).
Part of our commitment to equity means that we don’t turn people away because they can’t afford karate. We work with you to find a way. If our membership fees don’t work for you or your household, email us (info@cultureofsafetychi.com) we’ll arrange a time to chat to make it work.
Our commitment to health and safety
Our priority will always be the health and safety of our students and families. Accordingly, we craft our classes in strict adherence to current guidelines by the CDC in accordance with Cook County and/or City of Chicago guidelines . Email info@cultureofsafetychi.com for more info. Read more about our commitment to health and safety during Covid-19.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the form below to let us know you’re interested! Currently, we are only accepting rolling admissions (start anytime!) for kids.
Notice, Jan 9, 2023: We have recently become aware of an issue that caused our webforms to not deliver emails to us. We apologize if you’ve tried to reach us over the past few weeks. This issue has now been fixed, and we look forward to hearing from you (& responding) soon!