Learning karate, self-discipline and self-defense doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. Instead of registering at martial arts studios, check out your local YMCA, which offers several martial arts classes, from beginner to advanced level, for young children, youth, teens and adults.
The Classes
YMCA karate classes focus on a variety of skills and areas of personal growth, such as self-defense, self-confidence, personal discipline, respect for others and physical conditioning. At the Wyckoff Family YMCA, instructors encourage older children to test mental and physical boundaries. Children increase fitness, flexibility and attention span. Older students -- teens and adults -- learn personal protection, total fitness and mental discipline. The Snohomish YMCA's Li'l Dragons classes focus on teaching real-life applications to personal safety. The instructors do not allow physical contact between students in the Li'l Dragons classes. The Cecil County YMCA focuses on teaching younger children to increase their developmental abilities.
Class Fees
Karate class fees range from $19 to $55 for members of the YMCA, based on location. For non-members, monthly fees range from $55 to $65, again based on the YMCA's location.
Individual YMCA contracts may include a late fee, to be paid in addition to the regular class fee, if a new student registers after class registration has ended.
Populations Served
YMCA community centers reach out to serve children, youth and adults. Karate instructors work with children as young as 4 years of age; older children, teens and adults can also join various karate classes, according to the YMCA of Snohomish County.
The Cambridge Family YMCA offers family discounts, allowing entire families to join and participate in available programs.
Based on the philosophy as stated by the YMCA, anyone from almost any age group is welcome to register for karate classes given at a YMCA. Check with the YMCA in your community for class availability, registration information, fees and class times.
Karate's Advantages
The YMCA works to reach out to community residents, offering classes that benefit individuals intellectually, physically and emotionally. In this spirit, the YMCA offers martial arts and karate classes so class members gain self-confidence, learn self-discipline and self-awareness.
Students -- adults, teens and children -- learn respect for others while they are learning physical fitness and the precepts of karate, according to the YMCA of Snohomish County. Teens and older youth learn to set individual goals and achievement at their level of capability.
The YMCA of Cecil County helps its karate students grow physically and mentally while they learn to develop sharper focus, increase self-esteem and self-discipline.
Member Comments