Kids Program at Shotokan Karate Jutsu

Classes will be in Traditional Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate Jutsu also places emphasis upon the original defensvie applications that are covered by our style of karate. These bring elements of ground fighting, joint locking, and throwing as well as the punching and kicking methods taught in most karate schools today.

Traditional Japanese/Okinawan-style Shotokan Karate, taught by a staff of highly experienced karate and fitness professionals in a health club environment

Zack Myles fresh off his victories in Kata And Kumite and the East Coast AJKA-I 2008 Championship in New Hope, PA

Karate: Fitness with a purpose… *Self Defense *Self Esteem & Confidence *Goal Attainment

Teaching Staff Profiles:

Sal Lopresti, Sr., Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt), Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1972, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1976 *Graduate of Instructor Training Programs from theISKF/JKA and Long Island University; Instructor for these programs as well *NJ State Champion, 1976 *Team Champion, 1980, Pan Am Games *East Coast Karate Champion in Kata and Kumite, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982 *International Kata Champion, 1985, at Long Island University in NY *Outstanding Instructor Award, Long Island University, 2003 *Owner of Body Max Health & Fitness in Sewell, New Jersey

Paul Lopresti, Godan (5th Degree) Technical Director of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1977, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1982 *Junior Kata and Kumite East Coast Champion *Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training from Glassboro State College *Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association *Served as athletic trainer for Moorestown High, Rowan College and as an intern for the Philadelphia Flyers *Graduate of the Long Island University Karate Instructor Program, Outstanding Student Award Recipient *Website addressWWW.SHOTOKANKARATEJUTSU.COM *Presently working on a series of instructional karate videos*Co-Author of Karate: Martial And Sport Vol. 7 * Recognized as Yudansha (Black Belt) in Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu

Linda Loeber, Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) · Children's Program Shotokan Karate Jutsu Academy · Mother of Three (Rebecca) (Salina) (Glenn)

What Is Karate?

Karate is an ancient fighting art passed down to the present from the East. Shotokan karate is of Okinawan origin. It is an “empty-handed” style of fighting; participants learn to use their own bodies for self-defense. Who can train in Karate? Shotokan Karate Jutsu is a karate school for all children! We offer classes for children ages 4-14! Our instructors strive to help each karateka (karate participant) achieve his/her personal goals, should they be physical or mental. Karateka are taught to perceive karate as a lifelong endeavor, thus enabling them to transfer their skills (improved self confidence/self esteem, improved coping skills, improved physical skills , etc.) to everyday life.

Karate for Children

If you ask most karate practitioners they would agree that they wished they started karate as a child! Children are capable of developing their bodies to their fullest potentials. Most children don’t get as much exercise as they should; our karate instructors enjoy enabling our younger students achieve physical -and mental- goals! Karate training is transferable to all sports and can be considered a sport itself! In fact, it is one of the few sports that helps develop both sides of the body simultaneously, thus being of benefit neurologically, as well! For youth who aren’t “into” team sports, karate is a personal achievement sport. Our young members are encouraged to compete in tournaments, giving them an opportunity to win trophies and socialize with teammates. Karate training helps children and teens develop a sense of commitment and responsibility. Seeing this commitment through to the black belt level is a lesson in achievement! Karate training for younger children (ages 4-7) is a great way to encourage physical, neurological and emotional development. Attention spans at this age are short so karate training is interspersed with engaging activities which further enhance a child’s understanding of self-control, fairness, cooperative and competitive play and fitness. Our instructors pay close attention to our young karateka and we encourage open communication with our students and their parents before the beginning or at the end of a class session. We care about our students and we want karate to be an enjoyable experience!

What do the belt colors signify?

The “obi”, or belt worn by karate participants signifies the student’s rank, or level of proficiency. Students progress by taking tests to assess their abilities. Students begin at White Belt and strive to achieve Black Belt rank. Traditionally belts are not laundered and students usually save their belts as they pass through their ranks. Karate Testing Students advance from ranking of 10 kyu (white belt) to Shodan (1st Degree black belt) through belt testing. The rate at which a karateka advances will vary from student to student although generally a student will need a minimum of classes or months training before testing. There will be an additional fee for testing and we will keep testing costs to a minimum. Testing schedules will be posted and students must receive permission to test prior to the test date.

Dojo Etiquette

Karate students are required to exhibit the utmost respect for their fellow karateka in class. Although karate is a contact sport, there will be no tolerance of unnecessary roughness and safety will be our priority. Our “Dojo Kun” is repeated at the close of each class to remind us of the guidelines under which we practice our martial art. Families pricing is also discounted. Parents of our younger students may stay to watch classes. Shower facilities are available at AFC and non members are welcome to make use of them. Programming Costs Price lists are available. We aim to provide excellent instruction at competitive prices. Karate “equipment” is minimal. One trains in a gi (uniform) and bare feet. However, should you wish to purchase protective hand or foot gear, etc., we can make them available to you at low cost. Call 856-589-3818 and ask for Sal or Paul for more details.