This is number 16 in my series of articles about how to best parent when you are parenting alone in in Naples, Florida. My hope is that these locations will provide you with productive and fun activities when you are with your kids alone. You might be divorced. You might be separated. You might just have the kids for the weekend. When I’m not doing lawyer stuff, I’m usually doing dad stuff.
Kids need activities that keep them active and that’s hard to do in the heat of the Southwest Florida summer. Karate classes are the perfect solution.
Just east of I-75 off of Immokalee is the Academy of Martial Arts Naples. The focus is on Goju Ryu style of Karate and the primary audience is kids. The emphasis is on developing self-discipline, confidence and focus while not taking themselves too seriously.
In a world full of distractions, a Karate class is the perfect solution for today’s children. Just think of the benefits:
- Self-discipline
- Boost self-esteem
- Increased listening skills
- Non-violent conflict resolution skills
- Teamwork
- Physical activity
There are different classes for different ages and experience levels of children
Little Ninjas
For children between 4 and 6, little Ninjas focuses on improving motor skills and practicing listening.
Kids Martial Arts
For children ages 7 to 14, these group classes become much more formal. The classes require learning the various Japanese karate commands, poses and maneuvers but also allow for some games at the end.
Tournament Team
If your child really takes to Karate, the Academy of Martial Arts Naples, organizes a team that travels through the Kick USA Tournament circuit. Karate only looks like a solitary activity.
Kids Masters Program
Your child’s karate skills may expand to go beyond just karate. The kids masters program allows children to learn about
- Kobudo, a system from Okinawa that uses a variety of weapons
- Escrimai, a martial arts system from the Philippines that introduces students to basic weapons
- Double stick, a weapon that forces students to improve hand eye coordination
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial arts style whose focus is removing an opponent’s weapon. This is clearly the most practical martial arts skill in this dangerous and often scary modern world.
The Academy of Martial Arts Naples, like every kid-focused business, provides itself as a venue for birthday parties and has special kid focused events like a Halloween party.
Being right across from Laurel Oak Elementary and Gulf Coast High School, the Academy of Martial Arts Naples provides after school programs that kids can walk directly to.
You and your child can test the waters with two weeks of free classes for $ 29. This is not a big commitment. This means your child can go at least twice to determine if they are “into it” before you purchase the outfit and commit to a longer class schedule.
While your child is in his or her Karate class you are welcome to watch but you can also walk over to Dunkin Donuts or Zookies. They both have wifi and you can catch up on emails during the karate class.
Academy of Martial Arts Naples is just 7 miles from my Naples, Florida family law office. Directions below.
