Martial Arts for Children

Mission Statement

All Star Movement Educators' Developmental Martial Arts Curriculum introduces beginning concepts of Martial Arts to children ages 3 to 12 in an entertaining environment. We motivate children to try their best, challenging themselves physically and mentally through a balanced combination of movements, skills and games. We introduce life skill concepts such as: working in groups, listening, self control and discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child required to wear the Martial Arts uniform during class?

It is not necessary to dress your child in a Martial Arts uniform to participate in classes. It does, however, offer a few advantages. The uniform provides them a sense of being part of a special group, and helps your child understand that it is time to practice. At minimum, we request that your child be dressed in comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Please, no dresses, skirts or dress shoes. Important note: Full uniforms must be worn for participation in the Stripe Test.

How do I tie my child's Martial Arts belt?

1.	Find the center of the belt.
2.	Place the center of belt across the waist, and wrap it around, crossing the belt in the back and bring the ends around to the front.
3.	Cross the right end under the left side, over both wraps of belt and through, between waist and belt wraps.
4.	The right end now becomes the left end and vice versa.
5.	Cross the right end over the left, bring it under and through the hole, making sure the belt ends do not get twisted.
6.	Pull both ends tight to finish knot.
7.	Make sure the ends are even.

Should I wash my child's Martial Arts belt?

Some traditional Martial Arts stories of the colored belts state that each student is only given a white belt. Years of hard training progressively darken the white belt; therefore, each student can tell the skill of a particular student by the degree of discoloration on his/her belt. Martial Arts belts should be treated with respect. Such as: not dragging them on the ground or playing with them. They shouldn't need to be washed unless absolutely necessary, as this will weaken, if not remove your child's stripes from belt.

What if one of my child's earned stripes fall off his/her belt?

If possible, please bring the old stripe to the next test and we'll replace it. Please note: This is for previously earned stripes not "make up" stripes.

How do I get information on the Stripe Test location and time?

We make every effort to communicate testing information to our schools and parents through Newsletters, flyers, web site, and our computer-automated phone messaging system. No system is perfect, so we offer several ways for you to obtain the information you need to make the Stripe Test a positive, memorable experience for you and your child. Refer to the Newsletter section of this web site, which contains the most up-to-date information on Stripe Testing. Please contact the ASME office if you do not have the User Name and Password for online Newsletter access.

Can my child make up a Stripe Test?

Stripes are awarded to students for participation in our structured group testing. We are not looking for technical expertise to award a stripe, but more for your child's ability to perform in front of, and as part of a group. Our instructors are looking for coordination, ability to follow directions, and basic technical knowledge. For these reasons we have elected not to provide in-class (make-up) stripe testing opportunities. Stripe tests are included in your tuition and allow parents/guardians to participate in their child's training.

When does the Martial Arts belt change colors?

It doesn't. We provide 45 minutes of quality instruction on a weekly basis, which is equal to about 6 hours of instruction per stripe test. The average Martial Arts School has a three month cycle for belt testing, and requires around 39 hours of instruction to test. Under our current class structure, it would take about 1.75 years, or 7 Stripe Tests to award a belt color change. Our experience shows that more frequent rewards for effort and participation keep the children motivated to learn and challenge themselves.

Does my child have to participate in the Stripe Test to benefit from these classes?

No. Our curriculum is designed to challenge, motivate and provide a fun environment for your child; however, we would like to add that our Stripe Test structure is designed to further develop your child's skills related to teamwork, group participation, self-control and confidence. Since the cost of Stripe Testing is included in your tuition, we strongly recommend all children participate. It is a fun and exciting time for them, as most kids are eager to show what they have learned. The ones that are less eager to perform can benefit even more by expanding their horizons and letting go of their inhibitions.

Enroll my child now!