About the Course
Instructor Karl Kanthak provides a complete recreational Karate program and safety training. Beginning through advanced classes are offered. An All-Student Demonstration or tournament is held quarterly.
The goal in this recreational program is to build competency in several basic techniques, and familiarity with martial arts in general. Competitive level and serious self-defense training requires much more frequent and intensive classes.
Beginner classes are usually divided into two age groups; kindergarten and first grade students (Ninja Turtles), and second grade through adult students.
K-1 Students (Ninja Turtles) work on basic motor skills, coordination, following directions, and concentration. Students also learn martial arts manners and when it is appropriate to use martial art skills.
2nd-Adult Students develop basic movements, defense skills, discipline, and fitness as well as learning martial arts manners and when it is appropriate to use martial art skills.
Classes are held twice a week in the evenings at the school, generally M/W or T/Th. Classes are offered year round. A M/W (T/Th) student may make up missed classes by attending a comparable (or lower belt) class on T/Th (M/W). Fridays and Saturdays are for free introductory classes and special classes. Occasionally free Bonus classes will be held on a Friday or Saturday that may also be used for make ups.
You may also arrange with the instructor to attend 3 classes per week or 4 classes per week.
About the Instructor
Karl Kanthak has been involved in the martial arts since 1980. He has been an instructor since 1985. Mr. Kanthak has worked with Hazel Dell/ Clark College Community Ed., Vancouver Parks and Recreation, the Association for Retarded Citizens, Boy and Girl Scouts, and opened the Kanthak Family Karate School. Mr. Kanthak is dedicated to providing a high quality martial arts experience for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
The Academic Achiever Program
The Kanthak Karate Program recognizes students' efforts in school by granting good students the status of Academic Achievers. Students who achieve Academic Achiever Status have their names read at the Quarterly All-Student Demonstration, have their names printed in the Demo program, receive special Academic Achiever Certificates and have the right to display special Academic Achiever patches and stars on their uniforms.
To qualify as an Academic Achiever a student must earn a "B" average or above, or have his parents and teacher agree that his hard work and good attitude deserve recognition as an Academic Achiever.
To be recognized the student must turn in an application signed by a parent and teacher before each demo. The first time a student qualifies he can display the Academic Achiever Patch on his uniform under the school patch. Each subsequent term he qualifies he can add an Academic Achiever Star Patch under the Academic Achiever patch or under the US Flag patch.
All Student Demonstrations
About every three months an all student demonstration is held. This is an opportunity for the students to show off some of what they've learned during to their friends and family.
All students are invited to perform. First all of the students work together in a large group, then they split into class groups to demonstrate the skills they've been working on. Some quarters students put together entertaining skits involving defense techniques and appropriate use of martial arts skills.
Academic Achievers are announced at the end of the demonstration. Students are encouraged, but not required, to wear uniform or Karate T-Shirts to the demo.
