Kids Karate Program at the YMCA

Traditional Tang Soo Do Karate with True Martial Arts
Join our family-friendly Beginner Karate Program!  Our style of Martial Arts is Tang Soo Do.  It focuses on strong blocks, fast strikes, and high kicks, all with the goal of Self Defense application.  The program teaches the fundamentals of traditional Tang Soo Do in an inclusive and supportive environment. Students of all abilities will learn:

• Basic Martial Arts Actions: Develop foundational skills and techniques.
• Self-Defense: Build confidence and practical skills for safety.
• Fitness & Coordination: Improve strength, flexibility, and overall physical well-being.

This is a 6 week session, but students can continue their martial arts journey afterwards with our Continuation Program.  Your karate kid can progress to higher belt ranks and build on their skills at the YMCA. Continuation program classes will be separate from Beginner Sessions.  In these Beginner Sessions, your student will learn new curriculum each week. The curriculum is building off of previous skills, so good attendance is recommended. Students can earn the foundational belt ranks of Yellow, Orange, and Orange Green Split when eligible.

True Martial Arts is a long standing studio active in the Plum School district and community.  However our Tang Soo Do affiliation reaches globally as we are part of an international federation.  We are proud to be a part of a larger community of students practicing Tang Soo Do and know that it is a safe and strong martial arts style right for everyone.  Our program fosters discipline, respect, and a sense of accomplishment, while providing a fun and engaging activity for all ages. Come be part of our martial arts family!

For more information, please contact Ben Carlisle, [email protected]

Don’t miss out on this empowering experience!

Little Ninjas Martial Arts Program at the YMCA

We’ve made a small update to our martial arts programming to better align with age groups. Our Little Ninjas class is now designed specifically for ages 5–7, creating a stronger foundation for skill development and progression.

This beginner program teaches traditional Tang Soo Do Karate, focusing on strong blocks, fast strikes, and controlled kicks, all rooted in practical self-defense. Students will learn in a structured, supportive, and high-energy environment.

Participants will develop:

• Fundamental Martial Arts Skills: Proper technique and beginner forms

• Self-Defense & Confidence: Practical skills while building self-esteem

• Discipline & Respect: Core martial arts values applied on and off the mat

• Fitness & Coordination: Strength, flexibility, and overall athletic ability

This is a 6-week session, 30 minutes, with each class building on previous skills—regular attendance is highly recommended. Students will have the opportunity to earn foundational belt ranks such as Yellow, Orange, and Orange/Green Split when eligible.

Following the beginner session, participants can continue their training in our Continuation Program, where they will advance their skills and progress through additional belt levels.

This program is offered in partnership with True Martial Arts, a respected studio in the community with international Tang Soo Do affiliation, providing a high-quality and authentic martial arts experience.

If your child is age 8 or older and still interested in martial arts, please reach out to our admin team for additional opportunities.

For more information, please contact Ben Carlisle at [email protected] or by calling 724-519-5433. Join us and become part of our martial arts family!

Tiny Ninjas Martial Arts Program at the YMCA

We’re excited to introduce an updated structure to our martial arts programming! Our former Little Ninjas class has been redesigned to better serve younger participants and is now offered as Tiny Ninjas (ages 3–4).

This beginner-friendly program introduces the fundamentals of Tang Soo Do, a traditional form of karate that emphasizes strong blocks, fast strikes, and basic kicks—all with a focus on self-defense. Classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for our youngest participants.

Students will learn:

• Basic Martial Arts Movements: Introductory skills through structured, active play

• Listening & Focus: Building attention, respect, and confidence

• Coordination & Fitness: Improving balance, movement, and overall physical development

This is a 6-week session, where each week builds on the last—consistent attendance is encouraged. Tiny Ninjas will begin working toward foundational achievements in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Our program is led in partnership with True Martial Arts, a long-standing studio in the Plum community with global ties to an international Tang Soo Do federation. We are proud to provide a safe, structured, and fun introduction to martial arts.

For more information, please contact Ben Carlisle at [email protected] or by calling 724-519-5433. Come start your child’s martial arts journey with us!