Karate is an age-old art form that develops a person’s physical strength and mental endurance. This unique form of combat was originally practised on the Japanese island of present-day Okinawa. Though the true meaning of the word “Karate” is open for debate, the most commonly accepted definition is “Empty Hand.”
At UFMA-Dundurn, our Karate and Martial Arts Training is used by people of all ages. We offer classes for children aged three and up, and classes specifically for teenagers and adults. Students learn the importance of form, discipline, respect, self-defense and physical conditioning. Students can also test for belts once they’ve reached a certain proficiency, and instructors feel they are ready to move forward to their next phase of training.
Students attend training sessions with fellow students of similar skill levels. Classes offered at UFMA-Dundurn include techniques/basics, self-defense, sparring, kata training, various levels of weapons training, and more.
Our Karate and Martial Arts instructors are certified professionals who have dedicated years of training to the art. We offer multiple streams of karate to suit the needs of all of our clients.
Kinder Karate
At UFMA-Dundurn, we offer a specialized program for our youngest students. Starting at age three, our Kinder Karate students focus on the fundamental skills they will need for Junior and Senior Kindergarten. We help them develop coordination and confidence. Our program will help reinforce the listening, sharing and good sportsmanship skills that their parents are teaching at home. We also teach them basic self-defense techniques and stranger danger awareness. The Kinder Karate classes are 30 minutes in length and are offered four times per week. See our Schedule page for dates and times.
Evade Program
UFMA-Dundurn offers age-specific programs for children. All students focus on goal-setting, showing respect, and keeping a positive mental attitude toward their everyday activities. UFMA-Dundurn’s Evade Program is based on evasive self-defense and protection techniques. We help students develop the confidence needed to stand up for themselves in serious situations. Our program will help reinforce lessons on positive behaviours and peer pressure that parents are teaching at home. We also help students reach their fitness goals through our class warm-ups and stretching segments to promote a strong body. The Evade Karate classes are 45 minutes in length and are offered five times per week.
Traditional Program
The traditional side of martial arts also has a home at UFMA-Dundurn. Through our Traditional Program, students learn Japanese terminology, katas, history and fundamentals. Katas are ancient training tools used to reinforce proper technique and body mechanics and are a key part of this program. We help students learn more about the origin and traditional applications of the movements they are performing, in both a fun and inviting atmosphere. The Traditional Karate classes are 45 minutes in length and are split by belt rank.
Black Belt Member Classes
The Martial Arts is a discipline that involves the mind, body and spirit. The main goal of most participants is to reach their black belt, but this is only a stepping-stone on a path that lasts a lifetime. Our Black Belt Member Program is for those students who would like to learn every aspect of the art. They strive to reach their black belt and continue their personal journey to attain as much knowledge and self-perfection as possible. The BBM program gives you access to the Evade and Traditional programs, as well as our weapons and sparring classes. We also offer special BBM only classes for extra special material and techniques. As a reward for their continued commitment to excellence, all BBM members receive a 10% discount on all of their purchases at United Family Martial Arts facilities.
