In fun and high- energy classes, experienced and certified instructors teach children effective self-defense skills based upon the proven martial arts of Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BETA Academy's kids program provides children with a strong start on life because it develops positive characters traits based upon core values of the martial arts. The combination of effective self-defense an
d non-violent conflict resolution skills, character development, exercise and fun provided at BETA Academy makes our Kids Program one of the most effective programs in the country. Effective Self-Defense Skills
BETA Academy’s Kids Program is based upon a curriculum that was developed to effectively empower children to protect their safety in the face of danger, using Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu techniques that are adapted to their physical and mental developmental levels. In a fun and safe environment, qualified and experienced instructors teach children self-defense techniques that provide real, practical value in the face of an assault. BETA Academy does not use the valuable extra-curricular time that children spend outside of school to teach spectacular techniques that have little practical value. The safety of children is our number one priority. In addition to teaching effective self-defense skills, our instructors strive to help children develop into confident and capable young adults who are able to discern right from wrong and who know when to stand their ground and when to “yell, run and tell.” As such, we teach and practice non-violent conflict resolution; how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, and; how to escape a wide range of situations, including being grabbed, choked, cornered and tackled to the ground. Our students learn to take responsibility for their own actions and attitudes and are trained when not to use their self-defense skills to inflict unnecessary harm on others.
2. Character Development
BETA Academy instructors systematically incorporate character development strategies into each lesson, in order to instill in children the values upon which the martial arts were founded, including: respect, discipline, focus, confidence, integrity, courage, teamwork, responsibility, tolerance and family. At BETA Academy, we integrate an innovative character-building merit badge system into each lesson because we not only want to teach children effective martial arts skills; we also strive to provide them with invaluable career and interpersonal skills. Each month, BETA Academy’s Kids Instructors feature a different merit badge that our students have to earn. Through learning to earn each of these badges, students acquire the self-esteem that comes only from overcoming challenges to achieve their goals. This “learn to earn” character development system enhances our curriculum and learning environment. Teaching children important life skills is a collaborative effort that we wish to engage upon with our students’ caretakers. As such, each of the life skills are accompanied by support materials for parents and guardians as well as sew-on badges that children earn.
3. Exercise
Television, video games and fast foods present significant challenges to young people today. Research shows that one-third of all kids in North America are obese and that two-thirds of all kids are overweight and therefore at risk of preventable health challenges that could lead to early death. Most children are less active than previous generations and spend a significant amount of time in a sedentary state in front of the television or playing video games. These same children barely even have a structured physical education at school. Combined with easy access to fast food, it is easy to see why childhood obesity is a serious public health concern in our nation. At BETA Academy, we strive each day to deliver a program that builds a sense of balance for children and help to fight childhood obesity in Washington, DC. Our kids not only find a healthy alternative to television and video games but are also inspired towards a healthy lifestyle. Our high-energy program is designed to increase children’s endurance as well as strengthen and tone their muscles, all while they are having fun and learning valuable life skills that will help them to lead healthy lifestyles as adults. Our instructors are experts at motivating kids and teach them how to live healthy, active lifestyles; how to exercise, and; how to deal with stresses and challenges in a healthy, sustainable manner. We also team up with families to instill a non-quitting spirit in children that will help them to become champions in life.
4. Fun
At BETA Academy, we understand that martial arts lessons must be fun for children. This is why the core curriculum and lesson plans of our Kids Program include high-energy practice drills and skill-building games, which are designed to build and condition each child’s attitude, behavior and overall character development. Moreover, the duration of our classes are longer than those of most martial arts academies, so that we can use games as a reward for good behavior in and outside of class.
