Of course! You can take a seat and enjoy a cup of green tea as well. ☺️ Some children may need their parents to be with them, especially when they are just starting out karate (and if they are very young). We do ask that you keep the volume low when you talk, and refrain from speaking during meditation. Sensei Sheryn is always happy to answer questions after class.
In several ways: firstly, karate teaches your child self-control and to regulate emotions with thought. Children learn breath control which can help to assuage an oncoming temper tantrum. Lastly, karate is an excellent vehicle for release, which may be just what a child needs to burn off excess energy and overcome hot-headedness.
Yes. Through karate, children learn the power of persistence, discipline and diligence - attributes that are invaluable in life. Rewards may not be as obvious as a new belt colour; getting the hang of a new technique or being able to perform a whole kata without mistakes can do wonders to boost confidence. This in turn, encourages children to keep trying with any new pursuit. They now know the secret (practice) - and they know it works.
Yes! Karate teaches self-control. Children develop body awareness and learn to coordinate and control their movements. If emotions are behind their tendency to destroy things, karate teaches children regulation through breathing, as well as thinking things through (when they’re mature enough).
No, karate won’t make your child violent. (It’s actually quite the opposite; true martial artists are usually pacifists.) Children are taught that the physical side of martial arts is only to be used as a last resort, and at school, they should diffuse a situation either through talking or simply walking away. Young children are taught to practice their techniques within the confines of the dōjō, or with siblings or friends only when a grown-up is watching during a dedicated practice session. This message can be reinforced by parents, eg: ‘Punches and kicks are only for karate time.’
No. Through games, exercises and the actual practice of karate, children are provided with a safe and productive vehicle for their excess energy. They may bounce home, but they usually sleep well afterwards!
Yes. Respect is intrinsic to martial arts. In the dōjō, respect is frequently shown to partners and teachers through bowing, shaking hands, acknowledgement or simply paying attention. Through karate, a child soon comes to understand that respect for others (and oneself) is pivotal to smooth relationships and a harmonious environment.
Karate is reputed for building confidence and esteem in children. When children feel confident in themselves and find their voices, they can stand up to bullies - and ideally, not attract bullies in the first place. A child who is confident is a child who shines, regardless of size, gender, colour or creed. Tanden Martial Arts is a positive environment that aspires to raise the confidence of every child.
Martial arts is a holistic pursuit and quite different to regular sports, such as ball sports and track and field. Karate at Tanden is predominantly an individual activity (although there is some teamwork), especially as it’s Budō style training. As a child progresses, they feel empowered and more and more confident in their abilities - and their bodies. And since karate is fun, they’re more likely to stick with it! The physical attributes of sport - fitness, strength, coordination and flexibility - are wonderful bonuses of karate.
A huge part of the way Sensei Sheryn teaches is for students to find and use their voices. This is not only imperative to self-defence and martial arts, but important in daily life, such as answering questions at school. Regular karate training will boost your child’s confidence and help them discover their voice. They will understand that their ideas and opinions are just as important as everyone else’s!
Absolutely! Sensei Sheryn is experienced with teaching kids on the spectrum; karate is a wonderful endeavour for them. Simply discuss your child’s unique needs with Sensei Sheryn before enrolling them.
Around the seventh or sixth kyū levels (Blue Belt with two stripes or Green Belt). Kumite is practised in a safe and controlled manner. Protective gear is required at this stage. Kumite packs can be purchased through us.
In most cases, yes. Simply inform Sensei Ross or Sensei Sheryn and exercises can be modified so that you can still practice to the best of your ability. Please note, however, that we have jigsaw mats in the dōjō thus we unfortunately cannot accomodate wheelchairs or crutches.
No! While exercise is part of karate and arnis, all exercises can be modified to suit your ability. Moreover, strenuous physical exercise is not how we practice as we value training in a way that is safe, sustainable and beneficial for our health for decades to come.
Not if you really don’t want to. Sparring (Kumite) is practised in a safe and controlled manner with protective gear, so it is encouraged. Serious injuries are uncommon. There is much that can be learnt from sparring, such as distancing, working with partners and facing your fears!
No. Sheryn has had more serious injuries from yoga than arnis! Controlling your cane is paramount in arnis. Freestyle play - which comes much later - relies on predictable (to your partner) techniques and clear commands to ensure safety.
One that you or your child practices frequently! Having said that, some martial arts are more well-rounded than others, and it’s best to do your own research to find what resonates with you. Gōjū Ryū karate for example, is classified as an atemi striking art. However, it includes many other techniques, such as locks, throws and takedowns, and strangulations. Such techniques are woven into kata forms and explored when deriving and practising bunkai applications.
‘Traditional’ is a term that’s commonly thrown around when promoting martial arts. Gōjū is one of only a few truly traditional karate styles hailing from Okinawa (although there are many derivative styles of Gōjū). Furthermore, Sensei Sheryn approaches ‘traditional’ from a lineage vantage point: a good martial art instructor should be able to demonstrate lineage tracing back to various grandmasters. Sensei Sheryn and Sensei Ross are 7th generation karateka as personal students of Kyoshi James Sumarac, who in turn, studied under Ohtsuka Tadahiko O’Sensei. This lineage can be readily traced back to Chojun Miyagi O’Sensei, founder of Gōjū Ryū Karate.
Our karate classes include short meditations at the start and end of each class. This helps students calm their energy to prepare for the class ahead, and to consolidate their energy and learnings at the end of class.
Oriental philosophy, such as yin and yang and five element theory, underpin virtually all oriental arts from martial arts to astrology Traditional East Asian Medicine. Basic Oriental philosophy is taught to children at Tanden Martial Arts as it helps them broaden their worldview and have a greater understanding of the natural world and their place in it. Oriental philosophy is not religious but simply offers a lens through which to understand oneself, life and the world.
Gradings are tests so that students may progress to the next level. In karate, this is indicated by a new stripe or belt with a certificate. In arnis, there aren’t any belts but certificates are awarded. Gradings at Tanden Martial Arts are typically 2 - 2.5 hours long, held at the end of the year. If students progress particularly well, they may be eligible for a smaller mid-year grading. Gradings for senior ranks in both karate and arnis go for several days, and students may have the opportunity to be graded under Kyoshi James Sumarac or Grandmaster Bobby Taboada.
We follow the belt and stripe system as implemented by Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, the founder of Gōjū Kensha Karate (our lineage). This is as follows:
10th Kyū: White Belt
1st Blue Stripe (Little Samurai students only)
2nd Blue Stripe (Little Samurai students only)
9th Kyū: Blue Belt
8th Kyū: Blue Belt, one Green Stripe
7th Kyū: Blue Belt, two Green Stripes
6th Kyū: Green Belt
5th Kyū: Green Belt, one Brown Stripe
4th Kyū: Green Belt, two Brown Stripes
3rd Kyū: Brown Belt
2nd Kyū: Brown Belt, one Black Stripe
1st Kyū: Brown Belt, two Black Stripes
Shodan/Shodan-Ho: 1st Dan Black Belt/Junior or probationary Black Belt
While belts and stripes are great for goal-setting, bear in mind that martial arts is essentially an inward journey. Belts were originally only used to keep the dogi uniform jacket closed!
It is typical for young karate students to attain Shodan-Ho junior black belt in five to eight years. Adult students can reach Shodan black belt in four or five years with committed training.
In Balintawak Arnis Cuentada, Level 6 Completion is equivalent to black belt. This can take anywhere between four years and a few decades to reach!
Please note that black belt simply indicates a mastery of foundations: true learning starts after black belt!
Gōjū: Hard-Soft
Ryū: Style
Karate: Empty-Hand
‘Karate-do’ is often used; it means ‘The Way of the Empty Hand’.
Balintawak: Cries for the Heroes of Freedom
Arnis: A Filipino martial art that features the use of single or double rattan canes. Also known as eskrima or kali.
Cuentada: Counter to counter.
Wherever possible, you or your child can take part in a make-up class if you’ve missed your usual Small Group Class due to illness, school commitments, holidays, etc. For example, if your family is part of a Family Karate Program, adults who miss a class can jump into the regular Adult Karate class for that week, while kids can do make-up classes in Kid Instinct. If several students from the same class have missed a few classes due to illness, at the instructor’s discretion, we can potentially book in a make-up class at an agreed date and time. As Tanden grows, we will be offering more Small Group Classes, and therefore, more opportunities for make-up classes.
We don’t offer sporadic casual classes. Being a small dōjō, we choose to teach committed students (which is also why our programs run for six or twelve months). If you’d like to try out Tanden Martial Arts, you can take advantage of our 1:1 + 1 Intro Offer for just $27, which is less than most adult casual classes!
As with any endeavour, private lessons are invaluable in cementing learnings, focusing on corrections, amplifying strengths and ultimately, building confidence. In our 30min 1:1 Sessions, we’ve seen students make progress equivalent to three or four Small Group Classes! Small Group Classes have their own benefits of course, such as the chance to socialise, learn with peers, exercise good sportsmanship, and practice techniques with people of different sizes and strength. For this reason, our programs offer the best of both worlds: 1:1 Sessions and Small Group Classes.
Yes! 1:1 Sessions are included in our programs at heavily discounted rates from stand-alone 1:1 Session prices. We price our programs according to what we would be happy to pay for our children (or ourselves!) when it comes to quality extra-curricular activities with excellent student care.
Yes. Additional 1:1 Sessions can be purchased at regular price for non-members and a discounted price for members.
Simply give us at least 24 hours’ notice and we can reschedule your 30min 1:1 Session. Please note that if less than 24 hours’ notice is given or if you don’t show up, your session is forfeited.
Several reminders are sent to encourage you to book in 1:1 Sessions, and it is the student’s (or parent’s) responsibility to book them in. Failure to do so will mean the 1:1 Session is forfeited for the program’s duration.
After your Starter Program finishes, you can move onto either a six or twelve month Ongoing Program to continue your martial journey with us. Ongoing Programs are more cost-effective as items such as dogi uniforms and rattan canes have already been paid for.