Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life-Skills

Program Overview

Our award winning Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life-Skills program is a hit with both kids and parents! The kids have a blast learning their punches and kicks while the parents appreciate the life-skills development from the training. A Martial Arts education from Calhoon’s gives kids the specific life-skills they need to get ahead in life, allowing them to grow up and be happier, healthier and more successful. Students learn that they can accomplish anything if they are willing to work hard enough and not give up. Martial Arts training in our program consists of much, much more than just punches and kicks. Our Black Belt Excellence motto sums it up best:

A Black Belt is about more than punches and kicks. It’s about the person you are, the choices you make, and the way you choose to live your life. A Black Belt is more than something you work hard to earn. It is something you work hard to become.

Students who work hard at Calhoon’s and eventually earn their Black Belts will possess all the skills they need to go on to be college graduates, business owners, doctors, scientists, astronauts, engineers, accountants, fire-fighters, social workers, teachers, and most importantly, effective leaders! A Martial Arts education develops the very skills that students need to be successful in regular school and in everything else they do:

Discipline, Self-Control, Respect, Patience, Responsibility, Goal Setting, Perseverance, Teamwork & Self-Confidence!

We are proud of our reputation for having high expectations of our students. Our students are expected to give 100% effort. Our program and teaching is structured, consistent, supportive and challenging.

Curriculum

Our Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life-Skills curriculum is built upon 5 pillars—Life-Skills, Kickboxing, Grappling, Karate and Physical Fitness.

Life-Skills

The first stripe of every belt, regardless of color, represents the Life-Skills component of our curriculum. In order to get their first stripe, students must have an understanding of the particular Life-Skill being studied at their belt level. During their test, they will be required to discuss the Life-Skill, give examples of how they can personally demonstrate that Life-Skill in different settings (at home, at school, in the gym, etc.), and answer questions about it. Students in the 8-12 year old program are also required to write a paper for their first stripe, discussing the Life-Skill that they are studying. Some of the specific Life-Skills studied in our program are: discipline, respect, teamwork, attitude, dedication, humility and integrity.

Kickboxing

The second stripe of every belt, regardless of color, represents the Kickboxing component of our curriculum (including all of our punching, kicking and blocking from standing). The techniques and philosophies studied draw mainly from Western Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing and American Kickboxing, with some JKD and Wing Chun influence.

Grappling

The third stripe of every belt, regardless of color, represents the Grappling component of our curriculum (working from standing clinch and all ground positions). The techniques and philosophies studied draw from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, American Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and different styles of Wrestling.

Karate

The fourth stripe of every belt, regardless of color, represents the Karate component of our curriculum. The techniques and philosophies studied draw mainly from JKD, Wing Chun, Kenpo, Aikido and Kung Fu. Techniques are studied from any position. It is at this stripe that we also learn specific self-defense techniques and escapes (from wrist-grabs, bear-hugs, front chokes, pinned up against a wall, etc.)

Physical Fitness

After a student has earned his fourth stripe at any given belt color, his next test will be for his next belt color. When a student is testing for his next color, he will also be required to perform various Physical Fitness exercises. Students are required to perform a certain number of push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, punches without stopping and a timed run before earning their new belt color. The requirements are increasingly more challenging the higher the belt level.

Students training at Calhoon’s are not limited by the particular strengths and weaknesses of any one particular discipline or style. Different Martial Arts disciplines have their own techniques, philosophies and areas that they seem to especially focus on, along with other areas that they do not focus on. For example, boxers focus on their punching, but not their kicking and take-downs. Wrestlers focus on their take-downs, but not their punching and kicking. Different karate styles also have specific areas that they focus on much more than others. Some focus on tournament sparring and associated techniques. Some focus on reality-based self-defense techniques. Some do a lot of weapons training. At Calhoon’s, we incorporate the best principles, techniques and philosophies from many different styles and disciplines. This enables us to be more complete and well-rounded than any other independent style or discipline.

Uniforms, Belts & Testing

Each student in our Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life-Skills program wears a karate gi and belt. During the summer months (June–Sept), youth students are allowed to wear a club T-shirt instead of their gi top if they wish. Uniforms and T-shirts are purchased in our Pro Shop when the student first enrolls.

The first class day of each month is Test Day. Students will not automatically test every month. Before students are allowed to test, they must demonstrate through the month that they are competent in their curriculum material, maintain a satisfactory level of discipline in classes and score satisfactory marks on their Progress Reports. Progress Reports are report cards that are filled out by the parents, grading the student in numerous areas including: current school grades, speaking to others with respect, getting chores done, getting along with siblings, attitude, honesty/trustworthiness, etc. Even if a student has learned their appropriate Martial Arts techniques, if they aren’t scoring satisfactory on their Progress Report, they won’t get to test. We talk about Black Belt Excellence in our program which encourages students to do their best at everything they do, inside and outside of the Martial Arts classroom. The Progress Reports help hold them accountable. A student’s belt level represents not only their punching and kicking abilities, but also their personal development of the life-skills mentioned earlier (discipline, self-control, respect, teamwork, attitude, dedication, humility, integrity, etc.).

Belt advancement is not automatic or easy at Calhoon’s. Students must work hard and be well prepared for Test Day, or they may not pass their test and get promoted. Students will spend a minimum of 5-6 years on their journey to 4th stripe Brown belt. Once a student reaches their 4th stripe Brown belt, they will then begin their Black belt training which will take an additional 1-2 years. We hold the Black belt in the highest regard, and believe it to be a huge disservice to all to award it to a student who is only 7 or 8 years old, or who has only trained for 2 or 3 years. Our belt system’s progression is –

White, Gold, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Brown and Black.

(with 4 different stripe levels at each color)

Freshmen are students who are in their White or Gold belt phase of training.
Sophomores are students who are in their Orange or Green belt phase of training.
Juniors are students who are in their Blue or Purple belt phase of training.
Seniors are students who are in their Red or Brown belt phase of training.

There are no Testing Fees for students testing for their next stripe level. When a 4th stripe student is testing for their next color, a $25 Testing Fee is charged. The Testing Fee includes the student’s new belt and an Advancement Certificate suitable for framing.

Equipment Requirements

Students will purchase a ‘Start Up’ package when they first join our program which includes their uniform, belt, club T-shirt, club gear bag, club notebook and a club drink card. Students are required to bring their gear bag with their equipment (notebook, sparring gear, etc.) to every class. Students should add some notebook paper and a pen to their notebook as they will occasionally have written assignments (for example—goal setting). As students progress through the belt system, they will eventually begin using sparring equipment (sparring gloves, headgear, mouthpiece and shin guards). All equipment is purchased in our Pro Shop.

Leadership Team

This elite team is for students who want to learn to be effective leaders, whether they already possess the skills or not.  Before a student will be nominated as a Team Leader, they will first be nominated as a Team Leader in Training.  Students who would like to work towards becoming Team Leaders in Training should communicate their desire to an Instructor.  The Instructors are watching for the students who try their hardest in class and who are serious about their Martial Arts training.  These are the students who help set the standard for the rest of the students in class.  One of the first lessons for future Team Leaders is to lead by example, not only with regards to working hard in class, but also by being respectful to others, following the rules and demonstrating discipline.  A student who is setting the best example for the rest of the class and that demonstrates patience and good communication skills may eventually be invited to begin attending an additional class to assist the Instructors and Team Leaders.  One of the best ways to really learn something well is to practice teaching it to somebody else. 

Team Leaders end up learning and understanding their Martial Arts curriculum more thoroughly through the teaching process.  They also practice their leadership skills—communicating information accurately and specifically, speaking up and speaking clearly, body language, listening, fielding questions, thinking quickly on their feet, keeping focused and tuning out distractions, encouraging, motivating and supporting their team, handling extra responsibilities, remaining patient and calm, portraying confidence, etc.  A student that demonstrates these skills while assisting may then eventually be nominated as a Team Leader in Training.  Their name will be added to the ‘Team Leaders in Training’ list next to the club Leadership Team banner and they will be able to begin attending the occasional leadership classes and team trainings.  After another period of time, when the student is ready, the Head Instructor may then promote the student to be a full Team Leader.  Each Team Leader gets their name and picture displayed on the wall next to the club Leadership Team banner.  Team Leaders and Team Leaders in Training earn the privilege of wearing the distinguished blue club T-shirts with ‘Team Leader’ embroidered on the sleeve in gold stitching.  To maintain an active status in the Leadership Team, members are required to continue attending at least one class each week to assist an Instructor and to practice their leadership skills in addition to their normal classes.  An obvious benefit of being a member of this elite team is that the student gets twice the hours of Martial Arts & life-skills training each month at no extra cost!  CPR and first-aid certification is encouraged for Leadership Team members.

Black Belt Club

Students that consistently go the extra mile and possess a great attitude and perseverance may be candidates for our most prestigious, elite club—the Black Belt Club.  Before a student will be nominated into the B.B.C. , they will first be nominated as a B.B.C. Member in Training.  To be nominated as a B.B.C. Member in Training, a student should not be satisfied with just meeting the minimum requirements set in class.  When the Instructor calls for everybody to do 25 pushups, the potential B.B.C. Member in Training should gladly be willing to perform 50 pushups.  Whatever the drill or assignment given by the Instructor, the student should demonstrate a “Yes Sir/Ma’am” attitude and quickly and happily perform the exercise with a whole-hearted, sincere willingness to exceed all expectations.  At the same time, these students are humble, not expecting extra recognition or reward for their performance.  These students give an honest 110% effort not for extra praise from others, but for the personal satisfaction of knowing they gave their best effort.  They wouldn’t be able to live with themselves if they didn’t give it their all.  For the potential B.B.C. Member or Member in Training, there is not even a question as to whether or not they will make it all the way to their Black Sash.  Members of the B.B.C. never give up until they reach their goal or objective, and nothing can stop them from doing so. 

Once a student is nominated as a B.B.C. Member in Training, his name will be displayed on the ‘Black Belt Club Members in Training’ sheet under the club B.B.C. banner.  B.B.C. Members in Training are allowed to attend all B.B.C. workouts and training sessions.  After some time, when the student is ready, the Head Instructor may then promote him to be a full member of the Black Belt Club.  Once the student is a member of the B.B.C. , earning their eventual Black Sash will not be automatic.  They must continue doing the things that got them there in the first place.  Members of the B.B.C. get their names and pictures displayed on the wall around the club B.B.C. banner, as well as the right to wear the coveted blue ‘Black Belt Club’ T-shirts in classes.  Members of the B.B.C. also get to wear gold sparring gear if they wish instead of the red gear that all of the regular students wear.  One of the most exciting rewards of being a member of the B.B.C. is that the student’s own future Black Sash, embroidered with their own name in gold stitching, is displayed on the wall next to the B.B.C. banner for them to see every day.  It serves as a constant reminder to the student to stay focused, have a great attitude and never give up!  In the meantime, until the student earns his embroidered Black Sash, he will get to have his name embroidered on his current sash in gold stitching, further distinguishing him as a member of the prestigious Black Belt Club.

Academic Achievement Program

As mentioned before, we encourage students to strive for Black Belt Excellence in everything they do.  That includes doing their best in school and working hard to get good grades.  For those students who are working extra hard to get those good grades, we reward them with the special recognition of being an Academic Achievement Program member.  These distinguished students get a special ‘Academic Achievement’ patch to sew on their uniform and their name displayed on the Academic Achievement Program members list.  At Calhoon’s, we genuinely want to do everything we can to encourage and support our students to be successful in their academic educations.  This is not only for the obvious benefits, but also because we feel it is their responsibility as Martial Artists in training to apply themselves 100% to whatever it is they are doing and to always give their best effort. 

My son’s participation in classes at Calhoon’s has been a tremendous boost to his self-esteem. — CA

I like Ryan’s classes because the expectations are high and the kids really excel.  The skills the kids learn in these classes carry into life outside of the gym. — J.E.

If I didn’t train at Calhoon’s , I wouldn’t train!
— Youth Student

Ryan Calhoon is a positive role model for youngsters. — B.T.

Martial Arts is a positive means for teaching discipline and focus. — Anonymous

A great place that teaches discipline, and reinforces a positive attitude and accountability.  I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else. — K.P.

We are thrilled our kids have had the opportunity to be involved in Calhoon’s program for the last 6 years and especially for the emphasis on respect and confidence building.  We have seen these character traits displayed in their everyday interactions. — D.E.

Ryan Calhoon has taught my son self-discipline, self-control and to respect others.  And that consistency with all of the above, is the only way he has the opportunity to earn a higher rank belt. — K.T.

I like the self-esteem building this program provides. — H

The emphasis on discipline, hard work and respect for others has been great reinforcement for the values I have been teaching at home!
— CA

Martial Arts students learn in areas of attitude, dedication, excellence, integrity, patience, responsibility, discipline, respect and confidence.  In the year our grandson has been involved, we have seen major strides in all areas.  It’s amazing to see continual improvement in the children.  We would recommend Martial Arts for children of all ages. — C.H. & B.H.