Martial arts, motor skills, and movement play, for ages 4 – 6
The Quarks program (ages 4-6) at Quantum is uniquely designed for our youngest students. Classes often begin with an obstacle course, include stretching and balance exercises, then target practice and martial arts line drills. Frequently, classes end with circle time where the class talks about the tenets of martial arts: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Class Description
Classes are 45 minutes long, and kids will be engaged in movement play, games and martial arts exercises tailored to the unique needs of pre-K students. Classes are designed to develop and strengthen both mind and body as kids discover where their body is, how to stay safe, learn right from left, and translate spoken directions into actions in their body. They will also learn soft social skills such as sharing, following rules, telling the truth, controlling emotions, taking chances, and much more. The Quantum Dojo has a large, open floor with a soft cushioned white mat. The space is well lit with both natural, and overhead lighting.
Martial arts classes provide excellent opportunities for kids to learn about boundaries and how to communicate needs to their peers, teachers and family. Martial arts can be great for shy, quiet, or reserved kids, giving them an opportunity to find their voice and express themselves with power through their bodies. Similarly, martial arts can also be a successful tool for kids who are showing signs of aggression or having trouble controlling their emotions through outbursts. The structure of the dojo facilitates creating clear boundaries, and gives kids a safe place to physically express emotions by punching and kicking heavy bags and targets.
Belts and Curriculum
The higher ranks are identified by stripes on the belt, indicating what the children have learned.
White Belt
Yellow Stripe – Step forward, front stance, single middle punch
Yellow Stripe – Step forward, front stance, execute all three blocks
Green Stripe – Rear leg front kick, rear leg side kick
Green Stripe – Rear leg round kick
Blue Stripe – First 4 steps of basic form
Blue Stripe – First 8 steps of basic form
Red Stripe – First 12 steps of basic form, shuffle forward
Red Stripe – First 16 steps of basic form, tito toro
Black Stripe – All of basic form, attack for one-steps
Black Stripe – Front kick, side kick and round kick in a row, one steps defense #1
Promotion to Yellow Belt – Perform all of these skills back-to-back, plus break rebreakable board with slide side kick.
Yellow Belt
Green Stripe – First 8 steps of Chon-Ji, Crescent kick
Green Stripe – Jumping Kicks! (Side, Front, Round) Knife hands, Palm heels
Blue Stripe – Defense One Step #3, block and counter in front and fighting stances
Blue Stripe – Defense One Step #2, back stance, basic blocks
High Yellow Belt
Red Stripe – Last 12 steps of Chon-Ji, turn side kicks, shuffle backwards
Red Stripe – Defense One Step #4, low-high kicks
Black Stripe – Using Front Leg side, round and front kicks in combos
Black Stripe – First 8 steps of Dan-Gun, slide round kicks
Promotion to Green Belt – Test on all skills so far, last 12 steps of Dan-Gun, + Break re-breakable board with jumping kick.
Green Belt
Blue Stripe – Defense one step #4, first 8 steps of Do-San
Blue Stripe – Spin crescent, spin hook, turn hook, backfist, hook punch
Fees and Specials
We know that kids will try many activities before settling on the right one, so no long term commitment is ever required at Quantum. No testing fees are charged in the kid’s program. Please see our pricing page for details. We offer reduced fees for children on free and reduced lunch programs. We also offer a multi-child discount.