Little Dragons, Big Minds
Fostering confidence, body awareness, and responsible citizenship for our kids!
Big Minds. Strong Bodies.
Confident Hearts.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Little Dragons is a 40-minute lunchtime karate program that blends authentic martial arts with fun, fitness, and character development. Designed specifically for elementary students, the program introduces two traditional styles, Shotokan and Goju Ryu, through safe, non-contact training.
WHAT WE TEACH
Each class combines three key elements:
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Martial Arts Foundations: Real techniques rooted in Japanese karate traditions. Students learn balance, coordination, and discipline while studying the art’s deeper philosophy.
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Fitness and Movement: Engaging activities that build strength, flexibility, and endurance through games and structured drills.
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Character Development: Lessons inspired by Gichin Funakoshi’s precepts, which teach respect, humility, perseverance, and integrity; values that extend far beyond the dojo.
WHY LITTLE DRAGONS
Our approach goes beyond physical skill. Students explore why we train, how we apply martial arts in everyday life, and how to carry ourselves with confidence and respect. Progress is recognized through leadership opportunities, belt stripes, and individual encouragement that helps every child feel seen and valued.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Classes take place once per week during the lunch hour, over the course of 10 weeks. The program fee (approximately $200 plus HST) includes a Little Dragons T-shirt, karate belt, and graduation ceremony, where students proudly earn their next belt stripe.
UNIFORMS
Students will be provided with a Little Dragons T-shirt and belt, which they're encouraged to wear each week to promote teamwork, belonging, and school pride while celebrating their growth as young martial artists.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Every Little Dragons session is led by a third-degree black belt (Sandan) with over 20 years of martial arts and teaching experience. Not only are they certified martial arts instructors who have operated their own dojos and summer camps, they're also certified Ontario Teachers! This ensures our lessons are safe, engaging, and educationally sound.
Depending on class sizes, additional black belts and trained fitness instructors are added to our classes to ensure safety and student support.
FAQ
Program Details
How long is the program?
The Little Dragons Karate program typically runs for 10 to 12 weeks depending on gym availability. Program fees are adjusted accordingly.
When and where are classes held?
Classes take place once per week in the school gymnasium, scheduled during the lunch-hour recess or nutrition break (depending on your school’s timetable).
How long is each class?
Each session is 40 minutes long, with at least 25 minutes dedicated to active, high-energy movement and skill development.
Which grades can participate?
The program is open to students in Grades 1 through 5. Some schools may choose to offer the program to grades 6 through 8 as well, depending on interest. Information about availability will be sent home when the program launches at your child’s school.
How many students are in a class?
A typical Little Dragons class includes 30 to 40 students with two certified instructors. For larger classes, we maintain a 1:20 instructor-to-student ratio to ensure personal attention and safety. Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Will my child miss lunch?
No! Students will have plenty of time to eat either before or after our Little Dragon's class, depending on their school’s lunch schedule.
What should my child wear?
Students should come dressed in comfortable athletic wear (T-shirt and pants or shorts) and indoor shoes.
Within the first few classes, students will receive their Little Dragons uniform, which includes a team T-shirt and karate belt, both included in the program fee.
The Little Dragon's T-shirt can be worn all day on class day, and the belt should be brought to each lesson.
What happens if a class is cancelled?
If a class is cancelled due to inclement weather or a school event using the gym, we will make every effort to reschedule a make-up class within the session. While we do our best to accommodate these situations, make-up classes cannot be guaranteed.
Refund Policy
Withdrawing from the Program
If you need to withdraw your child, please send an email to info@littledragonskarate.ca or contact your Program Manager directly.
For accuracy and student safety, we cannot accept handwritten notes given to the school or instructors, as these are often misplaced. Students themselves are not permitted to withdraw without notice from a parent or guardian. Until that notification is received, students will continue to be expected in class.
Refund Policy
We want every child to enjoy their Little Dragons experience. If, within the first three classes, you find the program isn’t the right fit, you may withdraw your child and receive a refund for the remaining classes.
After the third class, refunds are no longer available.
One of our guiding principles is commitment. Helping students follow through on goals they’ve started. Each time a child practices perseverance, even when new interests or distractions arise, they strengthen their ability to stay focused and resilient. This habit of commitment is a life skill that supports success far beyond martial arts.
