The optimum age range for the children's course would be from age 7 to 17, unless circumstances prescribe a variation to this age category.  The belt levels are white, yellow, orange (beginner), purple, blue, green (intermediate), brown, and black belt (advanced).  The beginning levels of the course would be referred to as the Junior Tiger’s position, while the more advanced range after purple belt level will be referred to as Junior Dragon’s status.

        The significance of the Tiger and the Dragon pertain to different areas of training and development of the student.  The Tiger is a symbol used in Kenpo to represent strength derived during the early stages of learning.  The Dragon is a symbol used in Kenpo to represent spiritual strength, humility, and self restraint.  Both levels are integral to the student, and in the end are just as important to their development.  Thus the designation within the children’s class:  to not only enable more confidence, and a sense of well-being in each level of learning, but also to give a focal point that the students would value and admire.

        All of the material to be covered in the children’s class will be geared more towards the physical fitness side of Kenpo then the self-defense aspects.  This is due to age and other factors involved in this range.  The self-defense techniques will be toned down in number and motion covered.  The number of the techniques will be reduced with specific techniques covered to keep the students attention span and to keep the students present physical traits while creating new traits.  There will also be extra motivational exercises beyond Kenpo training to keep the students at this age level concentrating on important aspects of their lives.  These activities will be discussed with the parents to ensure specific qualities are involved.

        The actions or motion covered will be decreased due to the fact that certain responses and levels of defense will be more detrimental to the student at this age then actual application.  A great deal of self-defense knowledge will be passed to the student to ensure the training will still be effective, however, the training will not be taken to the levels Kenpo can go at times.  Yet, the experience will still enable an easy transfer to the adult curriculum when the student is old enough to do so.

     The Adult Self-Defense/Kenpo Karate Course will be geared more towards the individual needs of the adult students.  The optimum age range for the children’s course would be from age 18 to an undisclosed age, unless circumstances prescribe a variation to this age category.  The low age was chosen due to the approximate age comprehension but is questionable, and the top age is undisclosed because anyone who wants to train in Kenpo can.  Kenpo isn’t hindered by higher age nor, within reason,  any other potential “handicap” once considered to inhibit training.

        Within the Adult Self-Defense Course we wanted to set a precedence in our studio that we haven't seen a lot of in other environments.  The precedence being freedom of choice.  Throughout the course of training taken by the head instructor at Golden Tempest, he found something interesting about those who studied with him and also those outside the martial arts.  He found not everyone wants to commit the years of study and commitment it takes to train under a martial arts studio.  Which is understandable considering it takes a lifetime to get started.  So with that in mind, since 1995, we've toyed around with the idea of creating a separate, straight self-defense class.  And after a great deal of thought and consideration, we've finished the development of this course.  No forms, no self-defense techniques as written, no formalities found in most Kenpo schools.  Just simple, direct study in self-preservation utilizing basic motion, drills, and training in a different direction then would be found in the American Kenpo Course.  Then, should the student choose to crossover to the American Kenpo Karate Course, the transition would be made and probably found to be fairly simple. 

        Information and training within the Adult Kenpo Course will differ greatly from the Children’s class in many ways.  For one, the self-defense material will be comprehensive and more along the guidelines set within American Kenpo.  The number of techniques will also remain constant within American Kenpo guidelines.  However, the format will be geared to fit the student individually.  For example, the younger students will be directed the same way as the children’s class, with less of an emphasis on self-defense and more towards physical fitness.  Should the adult student want to simply increase their own fitness level, learn effective self-defense, or simply want to broaden their horizons, then the class will be personally geared in that direction.

        Just as with the Children’s course, the white to yellow belt number of techniques will be ten, however, unlike the younger class, which will be 10 to 16, the future levels will be from 16 to 24 techniques per belt.  The different technique amounts for the adults has to do with the system of thought;  i.e.: 24 under the IKKA, and 16 under the AKKI.  The difference between the two is about condensing to achieve the same effectiveness in less time.
 
 

     The curriculum under either system will involve self-defense techniques relaying tactics utilized against various prescribed attacks.  Self-defense techniques are essentially a series of basics, i.e.: block, strikes, kicks, sophisticated motion against a specific attack such as punches, kicks, grabs, chokes, and others.  The contact level for both courses will, in the beginning levels, be next to nothing.  As the students progress, the level of contact will progress with the students consent, while ensuring the understanding that contact is a necessary evil and is there for your benefit, not punishment.  Contact WILL inevitably happen in a self-defense situation.  With this in mind, it is best to be prepared, but not at the expense of your personal safety in a learning environment.

        While Self-Defense Techniques are considered the "end-all" of Kenpo training by some, we prefer the "specific generalization" school of thought on the subject.  Please allow me to explain.  They are specific because they are give precise methods of execution and motion concepts to defend against a particular attack.  They are generalizations because there is so much that can go on in an exchange of energy, such as an actual self-defense situation outside of training, that may not allow such precise actions to take place.  Too often Kenpo students get locked up in the idea that "well if my opponent does this, then I have to do this."  A good example would be a Right Roundhouse (hooking) Punch to the face.  With this attack I would have to do Five Swords under the "end all" philosophy.  Under the "specific generalization" school of thought, I could do Five Sword, or I could do a opposite side Shielding Hammer, Calming the Storm, Defying the Storm, Returning the Storm, Circles of Protection, or even different elements of these techniques as long as the initial defense phase is executed correctly.  The idea is to flow with the action, attacking and defending when the opening arises, instead of locking into a specific response that may or may not happen.

        The course will also go in-depth into sets and forms which are designed to go over similar basic motion concepts as the techniques.  Sets and forms simply expand on this information in different and more systematic directions.  No matter your personal opinions on the subject of forms and sets, we at the Golden Tempest feel they are important learning tools within American Kenpo Karate.  They directly reflect what we are doing within the system, and at different levels teach different concepts.  Sets such as Blocking, Striking, Kicking Set, etc., teach beginning to intermediate level basics to ensure proper form, and motion utilization which will later be used in self-defense training.  The second level sets, such as Blocking Set 2 and so forth, teach advance and more sophisticated motion.

        Forms teach the same, just in a more comprehensive manner.  Within the IKKA Short and Long Form 1, and 2 teach stances, blocking, and striking basics in a flowing, encyclopedic process.  Short and Long Form 3, and Long 5 teach from more of a self-defense technique standing which are executed in a strange order from different angles of attack.  Long Form 5 and 6 are similar in this way, yet they teach more specific motion concepts.  Long Form 5 teaches Takedowns, and Long Form 6 teaches Defense Against Weapon Attacks.  Long Form 7 and 8 teaches the use of weapons, 7 teaches the use of 2 Escrima or Kenpo Clubs, and 8 teaches the use of 2 Knives.

        The AKKI is set up a little differently, but the same ideas are covered.  Just in a more systematic and condensed fashion.  Please don't misunderstand, the only aspects that are condensed are the separations between Forms such as Short Form 1 and Long Form 1, and the usage of sets.  What this means is Short and Long Form 1 have been combined into Form 1, and so on down the list of forms, while the set material has been put into the forms themselves.
 
 

        The cost of the course will fluctuate depending on specific circumstances, however, notification will be given if there are any monitory changes.  Given that this Kenpo Karate course is not being sanctioned for the money involved, there will be every attempt made to make sure money is not an issue for students.  We are here to train you, not make money.

        As for equipment, we take a slightly different stance on the issue of apparel and other equipment.  We feel, for several reasons, that the piece of martial arts equipment known as a gi should be optional for the student.  Our requirement in training is that you simply wear loose fitting, appropriate clothing that you can move around in and have no real concern for wear and tear.  Your clothing will not be in jeopardy with the exercises, however, it is better to be safe on this issue.  There is a lot of "rough-housing" in Kenpo, so while every effort will be made to avoid wear and tear on clothing, there is a chance it may happen.   Given that we are teaching a self-defense based martial art, the idea of wearing a gi may not be practical due to the fact the student will not be wearing their gi all of the time.  So more normal clothing may be in order.  However, we also believe in freedom of choice.  Should any student want to purchase a gi, we can help them to this end with cost information and appropriate sizing.  The best way to go with a gi purchase would be a heavy weight gi, anything less would be counter productive.  We can speak from experience on this.

        Another consideration towards purchasing a gi is that, while we are interested in freedom of choice, there may be a time when a gi may be required.  These times would be seminars, tests outside of the studio or dependent on rank, or other specific times.  So you may wish to consider purchasing a gi at some point.  We prefer to do a gi purchase upon graduation from white belt to yellow belt as an award, or any time after.  Should you already have a gi, feel free to wear it to the studio, there will be no problem in this area.  In fact, it would be encouraged.

        The only piece of equipment we encourage without cause would be for any male participants to purchase groin protection with the plastic protective piece (the reason for this will become clear once the course is initiated), any student uncomfortable about contact to have a plastic mouth guard, and perhaps a small notebook for note taking.  These can be purchased at any local sporting good store for a fairly nominal price, while the small notebooks can be purchased anywhere for even less.  If anyone needs explanation behind the need for groin protection, please speak with an instructor for more information.  However, the notebook might be necessary for note taking on the lessons covered in class to aid in retention of the material covered.

        Should there, in the future, be a need for any further equipment to be purchased for the course, there will be ample notice for every student.  Information will be given to aid in the obtaining of any additional equipment to make it as easy as possible.  There will also be advice given for possible options around any additional equipment, should there be a method of purchase other then the conventional.  Such as purchasing Kenpo Clubs, we sell Lightning Gear merchandise, or other outlets are available for this type of equipment.  However, any additional equipment should be a rare necessity or personal purchases, and will be covered as needed.

        In closing, we would like to thank you for your interest in the Golden Tempest Kenpo Studio and the initial teaching plan for the classes held with the studio.  Hopefully this plan has helped you gain a greater understanding of American Kenpo, the material we teach, and some of the ways we intend to impart this teaching.  Just to clear things up on the different courses and teaching methods found within these sections.  We at Golden Tempest have developed these ideas and teaching methods to work within the AKKI, and have been instated from our own personal teaching style.  They should not be considered competitive, nor strictly used within the AKKI, for neither are the case whatsoever.  These are just our personal teaching methods.  In the event any further information is needed on any of the topics covered in this plan, feel free to ask any of the instructors within Golden Tempest.  They would be more then happy to help with any questions you may have.