As a parent, you want to make sure your child is ready for the big, bad world. And what better way to do that than by signing them up for classes here at Strickland’s Martial Arts?

The Tiny Tigers program is designed for pre-school ages children ages 4-6 years old. This class is a preparatory class that focuses on our WHITE belt curriculum thus making the class a true beginners program at a decelerated rate of learning, thus making the class a more learning friendly environment for the younger children in mind. The program is designed to get them ready for our junior program.

Our Tiny Tigers program focuses specifically on developing eight different life skills. Skills that will help them excel in our Martial Arts classes, in the classroom at school, and at other sports. These skills are: Focus, coordination, balance, teamwork, discipline, control, fitness, and memory.

The Tiny Tigers also learn to memorize six different listening positions that are an important part of our martial arts class.

1. Standing at attention
2. On one knee
3. Kneeling/sitting on both feet
4. Sitting legs crossed
5. Laying on the belly/elbows hand under chin with BIG SMILES

6. Parade rest

Your tiger will be rewarded for learning these life skills and others by receiving stripes in class as a reward for hard work well done. We find that kids work harder for reward! Colored and black stripes are given for curriculum learned and positive attitude. When our Tiny Tigers earn a solid RED stripe on their belt they are ready for belt promotions.

The Tiny Tigers Belt Promotion gives your child the opportunity to show the instructors and parents how developed each skill has become. The Belt Promotion is an integral part of our Tiny Tigers Martial Arts Program, as it sets the stage for their eventual graduation to the junior’s white/gold belt class.

The real showstopper is when your miniature warriors put on their tiny martial arts uniforms an become a versions of Jackie Chan, ready to save the world one karate chop at a time. The look of pride on their faces is priceless, especially when they earn that new belt! Take the "Karate Kid" pose for instance. You know the one, where they stand with both arms extended and on one leg, ready to strike. It's the epitome of "I'm serious business" but on a pint-sized scale. And yes its a real thing and the tigers executing the kicks are pure gold.

But in all seriousness, martial arts for tiny tigers is a fantastic way for them to develop these important life skills. They learn discipline, focus, and respect, as well as get some much-needed physical activity. In addition to self defense skills, kicking and striking drills, listening positions and coordination drills, students also learn the beginner form (Do-San) in segments. The tigers also learn sparring combinations done on a target and with a partner. This curriculum is repetitive, as it is what is necessary to promote them to the juniors class.

Many of you may not be aware that several of our instructors started in the Tiny Tigers class.

In conclusion, the Tiny Tigers class is not only a great investment in their physical and mental development, but it also provides endless entertainment for the rest of us. So sit back, and watch your tiny warriors in action.