In 2003, Sport Canada directed the national sports federations within its jurisdiction to develop their own Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) plans. The goal was to have guidelines in place to increase the overall physical literacy of children. They would train in overall sports skills, with specialization in a specific sport or physical activity taking place at a later time when bodies are mature enough to handle high-performance training.

Parents with children younger than 6 years old are encouraged to get them involved in activities like swimming and soccer to introduce fundamental movement skills, with the emphasis on FUNdamentals. A teacher/student ratio no higher than 1:5 is recommended at this level. 

Karate Canada (formerly National Karate Association of Canada) instituted its LTAD plan in 2007. Kuma Karate-Do follows these guidelines with a Skills Development Program for 6 & 7 year olds. Basic karate skills are mixed in with sports skills like pivoting, lateral movement, and hand-eye and foot-eye co-ordination. All Kuma Karate-Do classes are taught by an instructor with at least Level 1 NCCP certification.

Ages 8 to 15 see young people going through growth spurts and learning technical, tactical and strategic skills. The Kuma Karate-Do Junior Program addresses this with a challenging curriculum that develops the ability to focus and concentrate, physically and mentally. Students also acquire leadership experience as they move up through the karate belt system toward black belt level.

Each student is encouraged to proceed at his/her own pace. The most important elements in advancing in rank are frequency of training (hours per week/month) and commitment (training regularly throughout the year). Most students who reach advanced rank train at least twice a week, 10 to 12 months of the year.

At age 16, students who meet the requirements are sent into the National Coaching Certification Program (only Karate Canada members are eligible). Overseen by the Coaching Association of Canada, and recognized by Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, athletes are schooled in coaching theory and sports science. This transferable skillset is recognized by school boards and sports organizations, and looks good on a resume.

Parents are invited to ask questions about our programs. Please see the “Contact Us/Location” page.