| Tiny Tigers Program |
The Tiny Tiger program was developed specifically for preschool age children ages 3 through 6. This program offers children a strong foundation in essential character qualities such as courtesy, respect, and discipline. In addition, the program is designed to improve children's motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions. All classes are taught using the most safe, fun, and exciting instruction methods available for this age group. This program works in conjunction with the Karate for Kids program, thereby emphasizing the same important monthly themes and value system.
Tiny Tigers have their own unique victory patch and "Victory Stars." Stars are earned for various achievements with recognition of the preschool age of the child. Four different colored victory patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Tiny Tiger. The first patch has a white background with a blue outline. The second patch has a white background with silver stitching. The third patch has a white background with gold stitching. The final patch has a blue background with gold stitching. Once a student has earned at least 15 stars, they can "trade in" their patch for the next higher patch. Students are allowed to keep their old patch but it must be removed from their uniform and the new patch put in its place. Upon graduation from the Tiny Tigers program into the "Karate for Kids" program, Tigers are rewarded with the new, larger "Karate for Kids" patch.
The rank and testing system used by the Tigers is slightly different than that of the other programs. Because most of our Tiny Tigers have trouble just remembering how to tie their shoes, we don't require memorization like we do with other students. Instead, the instructor or a "helper" will complete the requirements with the tigers.
Each form is taught in three sections. The first thing each student learns are the basics. This is when we learn what techniques will be used in the form and how to properly execute these techniques. The second thing we learn is the first half of the form. Techniques must be done with the correct arm or leg and in the correct order. The final thing each student learns is the whole form. Again, techniques must be done with the correct arm or leg and in the correct order.
Depending on when they begin classes, the section they learn may be from the white, orange or yellow form. We will always teach the basics first for every new student before they learn the first or second half of that form. The instructor keeps a record of each student's progress to be certain that students don't miss any of their color belt material. After a tiny tiger has done all three parts of a single color belt material, they will receive the corresponding animal patch for that color to wear on their collar.
Animal Patches and Ranks:
Tiger for completion of white material
Cheetah for completion of orange material
Lion for completion of yellow material
Eagle for completion of camo material
Phoenix for completion of green material
Dragon for completion of purple material
Cobra for completion of blue material
Panther for completion of brown material
There is no animal for completion of red material because Tiny Tigers will then receive their first degree
recommended black belt and will automatically move into the Karate for Kids class.
When testing a Tiny Tiger, we take into account their age and abilities when deciding their promotional achievement. For most Tiny Tigers, this process is merely a formality, since their instructor has kept a close eye on their progress during their regular classes. For Tiny Tigers, testing is an important step in boosting the child's self-esteem and confidence levels by rewarding them for their hard work and perseverance.
Each promotional testing will progress a Tiny Tiger through three belts for each rank. The "Basics" rank will count like a midterm and they will receive the next color stripe around the full length of the belt. The "Recommended" rank will be for completion of the first half of the form and they will receive a belt which is half their current rank and half their next rank. The "Decided" rank will be for completion of the entire form and they will receive a solid colored belt for their new rank.
Please speak with an instructor if you have any additional questions.