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Our Teen Programs

Kendo & Taiko for Kids & Teens

Talking Points on the Arts of Kendo & Taiko and their relationship to Anime & Manga :
 TAIKO: THE HEART BEAT OF JAPAN – shrouded in the mists of time, the sound of the Taiko has been long associated with various activities in the temples, villages & Samurai castles of Japan. The participants will learn: How the Samurai used the Taiko on the battlefield and in their castles.  How the Monks would strike the drums to ‘wake up’ the gods.  How festivals throughout the year celebrated with the sound of drumming.  How these festivals developed a rich body of traditional taiko rhythms which are now a never-ending source of inspiration to modern players.  HOW MUCH FUN IT IS TO PLAY TAIKO!  We teach the basics of hitting the drums & an easy to learn traditional piece.
The Art of Kendo & it's relationship to Anime & Manga :
 Our program introduces the arts of Kendo & Taiko to the Teens; and shows the relationship of theses arts to Anime & Manga that they are familiar with. Anime & Manga that have Samurai &/or Kendo themes, such as Rurouni Kenshin, Bamboo Blade, etc. How “Kendo” makes these Anime & Manga more about the principles & virtues of Bushido and not just the “Sword play”. How Kendo develops one’s character & discipline to succeed in school and beyond HOW MUCH FUN IT IS TO DO! We supply Bamboo swords to teach the basic swings & techniques of Kendo  At no time do the teens hit each other.
Duration
60 minutes
Format
Group sessions with demonstration and hands-on exercises led by an experienced Kendo & Taiko Instructor
Price
$300 1-hour presentation (30 minutes of Kendo, followed by 30 minutes of Taiko) 16 maximum participants
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Teen Self-Defense

Description
Our Teen self-defense class integrates the mind-body-spirit into developing skills for self-protection and avoidance of danger. Physically, students practice full force drills against the padded 'assailant' that include the art of verbal self-defense and conflict de-escalation.  Mentally, we address the tactics predators most often use to lure and then victimize young teens. We focus on both deception and pressure lures that predators and manipulators apply to isolate their victims.  Emotionally, we merge the physical and mental into the fighting spirit needed for effective self-protection. When students understand the ploys and tactics, they simultaneously begin to build their fighting spirit.
Duration
60 minutes
Format
Practical sessions in small groups with individual attention to each participant.
Price
$300 for the 60 minute program. 12 participants, maximum
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Origami for Teens

Description
Origami is the art of paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture.The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.The Teens join Hiroko as she guides them from folding simple shapes and animals to the more complex and beautiful Cranes. For holiday workshops, she will teach origami representing that holiday. Halloween and Christmas are two examples of holiday origami.
Duration
60 minute class
Format
Practical sessions in small groups with individual attention to each participant.
Price
$200 for the 60 minute class, 15 participants, maximum
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