What is Dan Ranking?

How can you keep improving beyond black belt?

After receiving all your colored belts and moving on to a black belt, you leave the kyu class and enter the dan class.

Dan Ranking

Dan means “step” or “stage” in Japanese. When you first receive a black belt, you are at shodan - first dan - rank. 

Shodan - 1st Dan

Nidan - 2nd Dan

Sandan - 3rd Dan

Yondan - 4th Dan

Godan - 5th Dan

Rokudan - 6th Dan

Shichidan - 7th Dan

Hachidan - 8th Dan

Kudan - 9th Dan

Judan - 10th Dan

Not all martial arts use all 10 dan, and for some arts, the belts might change. For most martial arts, black belts are worn for all dan rankings, but in judo, 6th-8th dan may wear a red and white belt and 9th-10th dan may wear a solid red belt. 

What do the different dans mean? If you’ve received shodan rank, you’ve mastered the basics of the style. At sandan, you can start teaching with your sensei’s supervision. At godan, you can get your full teaching license. The higher the dan, the more leadership and teaching experience you’ll need to be promoted.

Learn more about the ranking system.

Measure Your Growth - Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Do you want to increase your strength, speed, and balance while working toward new belts?

Practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor has many non-physical benefits too! You will increase your confidence, focus, and self-discipline, all while having fun.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!

Why Are Colored Belts Used in Martial Arts?

Wondering what belt colors mean?

The majority of martial arts use a colored belt system to show your rank. It wasn’t always like this though. In 1883, judo founder Jigoro Kano founded the dan system which had students wear white belts and teachers and advanced students wear black belts. This system was adopted by numerous other martial art styles across different countries.

The colored belts came along when judo master Kawaishi Mikonosuke was teaching in France. Mikonosuke found multiple colored belts helped his students see their progress and gave them something to work toward. 

The exact order and number of belt colors depends on martial art or school. The general color order is:

• White
• Yellow
• Orange
• Green
• Blue
• Purple
• Brown
• Red
• Black

Learn more about the history behind the dan system.

Measure Your Growth - Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Do you want to increase your strength, speed, and balance while working toward new belts?

Practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor has many non-physical benefits too! You will increase your confidence, focus, and self-discipline, all while having fun.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!

What is Kumite?

Kumite means “sparring.” When you and another martial artist go up against each other to gain experience and test your skill, that’s Kumite. Kumite includes both free practice and structured fighting drills. Structured kumite includes drills like Ippon kumite – where one person steps in for a high punch and the other responds with a high block. 

Free practice kumite in Goju-Ryu karate isn’t about matching strength or overpowering your opponent - rather it’s about deflecting the attack intelligently. Because Goju-Ryu uses hard and soft techniques, you can meet your opponent’s attack, whether it be hard or soft, with the opposite. You can wear protective gear so you can strike with power rather than holding back. Free practice Kumite is also used in competitions. See kumite in action!

Read about kata and kihon.

Call or Email JMAC Today for Karate in Ann Arbor

“JMAC changed my life! The instructors are incredible - both as teachers and as people. Other students are supportive and fun. I couldn't ask for a better training atmosphere.” 

If you’d like to start studying karate in Ann Arbor, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (734) 720-0330 today.

How is Karate Training Broken Up?

Want to study karate in Ann Arbor?

What can you expect to learn?

Everything you’ll learn in karate can be sorted into three categories: kihon, kata, and kumite. 

Kihon

Kihon means “basics,” or “fundamentals,” and includes stances, strikes, punches, kicks, and blocks. These are fundamental to your success as a martial artist. By repeating these elements, you’ll learn correct body posture, breathing techniques, and build balance, stability, and concentration. Kihon also helps foster the correct spirit and attitude you’ll need to succeed. When you start karate, this is what you’ll begin learning, but Kihon training never ends! All martial artists practice elements of kihon while training. Advanced martial artists will often return to the basics to see how they can improve, in fact, it’s often said that “there are no such things as advanced techniques, only basic techniques done in different applications.”

Read about kata and kumite!

Call or Email JMAC Today for Karate in Ann Arbor

“JMAC changed my life! The instructors are incredible - both as teachers and as people. Other students are supportive and fun. I couldn't ask for a better training atmosphere.” 

If you’d like to start studying karate in Ann Arbor, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (734) 720-0330 today.

How Can Martial Arts Help with Mental Health?

Do you want to relieve your stress and anxiety?

Martial arts training benefits your mind, body, and soul, and can improve your mental health. For some, it boils down to a change in perspective. Before beginning training, you might view yourself a certain way. After starting training, you’ll find you’re much stronger and resilient than you imagined! By feeling more confident and in comfortable in your abilities, you may notice a positive change in your mental headspace. 

Empower Yourself Through Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Martial arts can help your mental health by empowering you. Martial arts can help you become physically and mentally strong, which can help you challenge any feelings of powerlessness or inadequacy. You can be fearless, ready to take on anything that comes your way. This empowerment can also help you process lingering trauma. By increasing your confidence, you can remove your insecurities and learn to love yourself more.

Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

Exercise in general can also help your mental health. Exercise has been shown to help those with depression because adding it to your daily routine can help you become more motivated. It also produces endorphins - mood boosting chemicals – that can lift your mood and can help with depression. Physical exercise can help you relieve muscle tension, which can contribute to anxiety, and it can divert your attention from anxious thoughts. Martial arts are especially effective for relieving stress due to their focus on breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.

See other ways martial arts can help you.

Get Started with Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Contact JMAC today to begin practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor.

What to Expect When Beginning Martial Arts

Thinking about starting martial arts in Ann Arbor?

Don’t know what to expect?

Starting something new can make you feel uncertain and intimidated. This might be the case for new martial artists. You may feel intimidated by your talented sensei and dojo mates who will know more than you. New martial artists who succeed learn to work through this uncertainty and discomfort to become great at their craft. It’s easier than you think! All you have to do is show up to practice and be receptive.

You Don’t Have to be Unsure of Yourself When You Practice Martial arts in Ann Arbor

When beginning martial arts, you might feel unsure of yourself. Martial arts are different than other physical activities because they come from a completely different culture. Not only do you have to learn the martial art you’ve chosen, but some words in Japanese, dojo manners, and traditional customs. It’s a whole new world! This could overwhelm you and make you feel self-conscious.

You may also be unsure about your physical ability. Martial arts may seem like they are only meant for fit, young people. If you don’t fit the bill, you may think you’ll be out of place. Perfectionism is also a common struggle. If you’re not good at your martial art immediately, it may be tempting to give up.

All great martial artists have been in your shoes. The only difference is that they stuck it out and worked through their discomfort. Over time, they got the hang of the warm ups, the practice routines, and dojo culture. They listened and applied critiques from their sensei. They attended class regularly and got stronger. They didn’t compare themselves to others – only focused on their own personal goals. Overall, the key to being a successful martial artist hinges on your desire to grow and live into your potential, no matter how uncomfortable that may be at first.

See what else to expect on our website.

Ready to begin?

Contact JMAC today to begin practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor.

Who Created Seisan Kata?

Are you a martial artist who wonders where kata comes from?

Or where it comes from?

Seisan kata can be traced back to Okinawan karate, which actually originated in China. During this time, many martial artists were traveling to China and bringing back new and different moves to Japan, so it’s unclear who exactly created Seisan kata. This form was also practiced by all three style of Okinawan karate – Shuri-te, Tomari-te, and Naha-te. Each style credited the kata to a different person. As time went on, the exact moves of the Seisan kata became different for each style of karate, so it’s also unclear which version of Seisan kata is the original.

Seisan kata is difficult and meant for more advanced students, sometimes being taught at the black belt level. Many modern styles of karate use Seisan kata, such as:

• Goju Ryu
• Wado Ryu
• Seidokan
• Uechi Ryu & more

Learn more about Seisan kata.

Learn Seisan Kata with Goju Ryu Karate in Ann Arbor

Start your karate journey at JMAC!

You’ll learn Goju Ryu Karate that will help you improve your concentration and create more orderly thinking, as well as help you develop social mindedness and feel a sense of community in the dojo.

Don’t worry if you’re not in shape right now. Our program is systematic and will help you build fitness as you progress. All you have to do is attend class! If you stick with it, you can move through the ranks and eventually learn Seisan kata yourself!

To begin practicing karate in Ann Arbor, contact us today!

What is Seisan Kata?

Are you a beginning martial artist?

Looking for a goal to achieve?

Work towards learning one of the oldest katas – Seisan kata!

Kata means “form” in Japanese. In martial arts, a kata is a set of choreographed movements used for practice. Seisan kata is a type of kata with its own distinct movements and is one of the oldest kata that is still taught today. Its history can be traced back to Okinawan karate in the 18-19th century.

The way “seisan” is written in Kanji can translate to the number 13, which is a lucky number, or as “10 hands and 3,” referring to Seisan’s 10 fighting sequences that are usually repeated 3 times. Seisan has a range of techniques, consisting of punches, kicks, locks, throws, and strikes. The sequences of Seisan kata flow together like a musical composition. There are slow, melodic segments that allow you to reflect and fast intense moments that challenge you.

Learn more about Seisan kata. 

Learn Seisan Kata with Goju Ryu Karate in Ann Arbor

Start your karate journey at JMAC!

You’ll learn Goju Ryu Karate that will help you improve your concentration and create more orderly thinking, as well as help you develop social mindedness and feel a sense of community in the dojo.

To begin practicing karate in Ann Arbor, contact us today!

How Safe is Iaido?

Do you want to start iaido?

Don’t think you’re ready for a sword?

From an outsider’s perspective, iaido might seem scary. People wielding deadly sharp swords all together in one room? Sounds like one accident away from disaster, right?

In actuality, iaido is quite safe. You aren’t handed a katana on your first day. You start with a bokken – a wooden sword – to practice the basic movements. You’ll use this bokken until you and your sensei are confident that you’re ready to use a dull metal sword called an iaito. After doing well with the iaito, you can move up to a real sword. Every martial artist moves at their own pace, and there’s no shame in using the bokken or iaito longer than some of your dojomates. Iaido is about personal growth and development rather than competition.

While iaido is safe, it’s always important to remember no physical activity is completely free of risk. At JMAC, we train in a safe and systematic way to help reduce risk, and we can proudly say our dojo has never seen a serious injury!

See why iaido is for everyone on our website!

You, Yes YOU, Can Start Iaido in Ann Arbor

What will you learn when you start iaido in Ann Arbor?

Iaido will teach you precision, efficiency, attention to detail, focus, and confidence. Still unsure about iaido? JMAC holds iaido classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. See our full schedule. Drop by a class and observe to see if it meets your expectations.

Don’t be intimidated! You won’t be locked into a contract immediately. You can take two free private lessons to try iaido out, and if you like it, you can sign up for a 2-month trial membership. You can opt out anytime within those 2 months.

Iaido is for everyone! Contact us today to begin iaido in Ann Arbor.

Why Anyone Can Practice Iaido

Think iaido is cool?

Scared you’re too clumsy to do it?

Iaido might also seem like it’s for young, fit, skilled individuals, but that’s not the truth. Just like with any new activity, when you begin iaido, you aren’t immediately going to be good at it. Don’t let that discourage you. Even your skilled dojomates and sensei had to start from square one! If you feel like you’re too clumsy to practice iaido, just give it some time. You won’t hurt anyone or yourself with a bokken and iaido’s precise movements will teach you focus and control. Iaido is also great for older people and non-athletes because it involves relatively slow movements that don’t challenge the cardiovascular system as much as other martial arts.

See other reasons why anyone can practice iaido on our website!

You, Yes YOU, Can Start Iaido in Ann Arbor

What will you learn when you start iaido in Ann Arbor?

Iaido will teach you precision, efficiency, attention to detail, focus, and confidence. Still unsure about iaido? JMAC holds iaido classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. See our full schedule. Drop by a class and observe to see if it meets your expectations. 

Don’t be intimidated! You won’t be locked into a contract immediately. You can take two free private lessons to try iaido out, and if you like it, you can sign up for a 2-month trial membership. You can opt out anytime within those 2 months. 

Iaido is for everyone! Contact us today to begin iaido in Ann Arbor.

The Benefits of Nihon Jujitsu

Do you want to gain more confidence?

While getting in shape at the same time?

Philosophically, Nihon jujitsu shares with judo the principle that martial arts should be practiced as a catalyst for personal growth. We teach Nihon jujitsu at JMAC and believe you can develop yourself by practicing regularly. Here are some ways jujitsu can benefit you:

Jujitsu is a great method of self-defense because it doesn’t focus on strength, rather it attacks the already weak points of your attacker. Once you’ve memorized the kata or individual forms, you’ll be able to react more swiftly to attacks, which could save your life. 

Do you want to be more fit? Jujitsu is a great way to exercise. By training regularly, you’ll develop better speed, balance and power. 

As previously mentioned, jujitsu can help with personal development. Practicing kata can help you become more focused, and training consistently can help with discipline. Your confidence is also expected to improve! Not only will performing well and getting new belts help your confidence, but overcoming your weaknesses will literally make you mentally stronger.

Practice Nihon Jujitsu in Ann Arbor

While training at JMAC, you’ll learn the fundamentals like stepping, striking, and parrying combined with the techniques above. Once you have the basics down, you’ll do "live" training, where one or more opponents attack and you’ll respond, gradually increasing in complexity and speed. With the many benefits of jujitsu, your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!

To start studying Nihon jujitsu in Ann Arbor, contact JMAC today!

Nihon Jujitsu Techniques

What is Nihon jujitsu?

What techniques will you learn?

Nihon jujitsu is a modern system of jujitsu (sometimes spelled “jujutsu” or “jiu-jitsu”) that focuses on using power and force to control an opponent. Created by Sato Shizuya after WWII, Nihon jujitsu uses techniques mixed from ancient and present-day martial arts, as well as Japanese self-defense methods. Here are some techniques you’ll learn:

Takedowns & throws – If you can’t avoid fighting, a throw or takedown will put your opponent down quickly. Throws and takedowns will have you manipulate your opponent’s balance and take them to the ground. Examples include Ude Hineri Nage (forearm twisting throw) and Ago Ate Nage (chin hitting throw). Ude Hineri Nage pulls your opponent forward, while Ago Ate Nage pushes them back, causing them to fall.

Joint locks & chokes – Joint locks and chokes manipulate the weak points of the body and can disable your attacker or force them to submit. Joint locks extend the joint almost to inversion. Your opponent will realize if they move further, they’ll be severely hurt, which is why they usually shut down and end their attack. An example a joint lock is Ude Kujiki Osae (elbow locking takedown), which puts pressure on the back of the elbow, causing your opponent pain and allowing you to bring them to the ground. The neck is a weak point of the body, too. Chokeholds are meant to cut off blood supply to the brain or air to lungs, forcing your opponent to tap out or become unconscious. Remember these techniques should be used in responsible ways, so we’ll teach you how to do a chokehold without causing serious injury to your opponent.

Practice Nihon Jujitsu in Ann Arbor

While training at JMAC, you’ll learn the fundamentals like steppin
g, striking, and parrying combined with the techniques above. Once you have the basics down, you’ll do "live" training, where one or more opponents attack and you’ll respond, gradually increasing in complexity and speed. With the many benefits of jujitsu, your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!

To start studying Nihon jujitsu in Ann Arbor, contact JMAC today!

Judo As a Form of Self Defense

Looking for a physical challenge that requires mental discipline?

Want to be able to protect yourself?

Compared to something like jujutsu, judo is a more physically demanding style of martial arts, combining throws, groundwork and conditioning. Judo is made up of three different facets: randori (free practice), kata (forms) and competition. Randori includes throws, pins, grappling, and joint locks, and allows judo players to try their techniques in real time. Kata practice focuses on predetermined techniques to increase your mental focus, discipline, and understanding of movement principles. In competition, you can enter tournaments and test your skills against others. JMAC has produced local, regional and national champions. 

Some skills from judo can be used to protect yourself as well. In a close-range combat scenario, an attacker might find themselves on the ground, looking up at the judo player they tried to injure!

See how jujutsu can help with self defense!

Self Defense Ann Arbor

If you’re ready to begin your self-defense journey, check out JMAC today!

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, you’ll learn the conditioning, focus, and discipline judo teaches. You’ll improve your mental and physical strength and become calmer and more disciplined. As a result, you’ll be better able to effectively defend yourself.

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us via our website to begin practicing judo and effective self defense in Ann Arbor. 

How Jujutsu Teaches Effective Self Defense

Are you looking for a practical form of martial arts?

Do you want to learn how to defend yourself?

During ancient combat, running out of arrows or losing a sword was a possibility, so combatants sometimes had to defend themselves without weapons. According to Survivor’s Fortress, “jujutsu thus was developed for the samurai to protect themselves if they were ever unarmed against an opponent.” Used correctly, jujutsu could be nearly as powerful as armed combat.

Technically speaking, jujutsu is a combination of throws, strikes, joint manipulation, and counterattacks. By focusing on leverage, momentum, and balance instead of pure strength, you can learn a very functional system of self-defense. Applying force to weak points on an assailant’s body can render them helpless while minimizing injury. This responsible form of combat is simple but effective.

Learn how judo can be used as self-defense!

Self Defense Ann Arbor

If you’re ready to learn self-defense in Ann Arbor, check out JMAC today!

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, you’ll learn the focus, and discipline that jujutsu and judo teach while learning to protect yourself. You’ll be taught the fundamentals of evasion, strikes, and throws while effectively using force and reducing the risk of injury. 

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us to start your self defense journey.

What Will My Child Learn in Kids Judo?

Searching for a new physical activity for your child?

Want to promote discipline and focus while still having fun?

If so, you might be interested in kids judo! Martial arts are a wonderful way for your child to build strength and focus. At JMAC, we emphasize safe and systematic learning that is suited to any skill level! 

Here are a couple beginner throws your child might learn:

- O-uchi-gari – Move your right leg in between your partner’s legs and come from behind their left leg at the knee. Then, sweep their leg and push them down. 

- Deashi-barai – A sideways throw where you sweep your opponent’s feet off the ground. Start by sweeping the opponents left leg with your right foot then twist their torso slightly. They will fall sideways on the ground in front of you.

Learn about other judo throws for beginners.

Safe Kids Judo in Ann Arbor

We value your child’s safety. We first teach every student how to fall and we have Ann Arbor’s only fully sprung martial arts floor! We’re proud to say that our dojo has never had a serious injury!

Our Kids (ages 8-12) program will teach your child about basic movement, stances, and falling, all while having fun!

Help your child build strength and confidence in a fun and supportive setting! Watch a class and attend two free lessons with no commitment or obligation. If your child enjoys their lessons and wants to come back for more, sign up for JMAC’s one year membership with a two-month trial period!

Contact or call us today at 734-720-0330 to start practicing kids judo in Ann Arbor. We’re excited to meet you and your child!

Learn Four Beginner Judo Throws!

Are you looking for a fun physical activity for your child?

Are they interested in martial arts?

Judo is a prominent martial arts form with a long history rooted in Japanese culture. It emphasizes not just physical growth, but mental and spiritual development as well. 

Here are 4 simple throws that every beginner should learn:

1. Seoi-nage ‒ a forward throw

2. Deashi-barai ‒ a sideways throw

3. Tomoe-nage ‒ a whirling throw

4. O-uchi-gari ‒ a sweeping throw

Learn how to perform these judo throws on our website!

Safe Kids Judo in Ann Arbor

Kids judo at JMAC is a great way for your child to build strength and confidence in a fun, supportive setting! We train in a safe and systematic way that is suited to your child’s skill level and experience.

Watch a class and attend two free lessons with no commitment or obligation. If your child enjoys their lessons and wants to come back for more, sign up for JMAC’s one year membership with a two-month trial period!

Contact or call us today at 734-720-0330 to start practicing kids judo in Ann Arbor. We’re excited to meet you and your child!

What Should You Look for in a Karate School?

 Are you looking for a new place to practice karate near Ann Arbor, MI?

Are you wondering what the most important factors are in choosing a new dojo?

The most crucial thing to look for in any good karate school is high quality instruction. You need to be sure that the instructors are not only qualified and well-trained but also have solid interpersonal skills and are focused on your personal progress. A good teacher should maintain discipline in class while at the same time creating varied and fun lessons. At JMAC, you’ll find instructors with decades of experience who are committed to your personal progress and self-improvement goals. 

Karate teaches more than just physical self-defense. It instills a method for students to improve their mind and build focus. Many students find it hard or intimidating to get started—JMAC creates a supportive and inclusive environment where beginners can feel safe asking questions. We want you to feel comfortable in your time at JMAC and work hard to foster a disciplined and enjoyable atmosphere for all!

See what other elements make a great karate school!  

Enroll in a Karate School in Ann Arbor!

If you’re looking for a great Ann Arbor karate school, look no further than the Japanese Martial Arts Center! JMAC will strengthen you both physically and mentally and will put you on the path to achieving your improvement goals. We teach in a safe, systematic way, making sure our instruction fits your confidence level and your experience. 

Visit JMAC and watch a class to see if we are a good fit for you! When you’ve completed those lessons, you can then sign up for a two-month trial membership before committing to a year of training. If you’re looking for a karate school in Ann Arbor, JMAC can give you a quality martial arts education in a positive, supportive environment!

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us to schedule your free class visit!

Why JMAC is the Right Karate School for You

Are you looking for a fun way to get in shape?

Do you have personal fitness goals that you’d like to achieve?

If so, you should consider karate, a discipline that strengthens both the mind and body.  If you’re worried about a lack of skill or that “karate is not for you”, don’t worry! JMAC’s teaching style takes your goals and experience into account, teaching at a pace that is suited to you. JMAC’s instructors work hard to ensure that all students feel safe and treat each other with respect—we want you to look forward to coming back to practice!

Our highly qualified instructors have decades of martial arts experience under their belts, and are dedicated to improvement through consistent, long-term training. They are committed to helping you progressing towards your personal goals and leaving you with important takeaways that are valuable beyond the dojo.

See what elements make a karate school great!

Enroll in a Karate School in Ann Arbor!

If you are looking for a great Ann Arbor karate school, look no further than JMAC! The Japanese Martial Arts Center will strengthen you both physically and mentally and will put you on the path to achieving your improvement goals. We teach in a safe, systematic way, making sure our instruction fits your confidence level and your experience. 

Visit JMAC and watch a class to see if we are a good fit for you! When you’ve completed those lessons, you can then sign up for a two-month trial membership before committing to a year of training. If you’re looking for a karate school in Ann Arbor, JMAC can give you a quality martial arts education in a positive, supportive environment!

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us to schedule your free class visit!

Instill Good Values in Your Children Through Martial Arts

 Is your child disrespectful?

Do you want to teach your child good values?

Martial arts could be the answer! Your child can learn discipline and respect in a fun way that doesn’t feel forceful.

Martial arts is heavily structured. It focuses on perfecting routines through repeated practice. JMAC has clear and enforced rules about behavior that everyone must follow. Children can latch on to this discipline and use it outside the dojo!

When respect is taught in a fun, energetic way, kids learn it much more effectively! We try to earn respect rather than demand it, which can help with disrespectful children.

See other benefits to kids martial arts!

Enroll in Kids Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

If you think kids martial arts is right for your child, visit JMAC!

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, your child can learn karate or judo in our kids program (ages 8-12) or learn the fundamentals in our Little Dragons program (ages 5-7).  They’ll learn basic movement, stances, and falling safely, all while having fun!

Your child will be in a positive and safe environment. The risk of injury is low. We train safely and systematically, and we can proudly say we’ve never had a serious injury!

Visit JMAC to watch a session before you and your child commit. If you like what you see, then you’ll get two free intro lessons to make sure your child enjoys it (just one for Little Dragons)! After this, we’ll ask you to sign up for a one-year membership, but you can opt out anytime during the first 60 days. We want to make sure kids martial arts in Ann Arbor meets your expectations!

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us to schedule your free class visit!

How Can Martial Arts at JMAC Benefit Your Child?

 Is your child shy?

Do you want to prepare them for success?

Martial arts is much more than just fighting! It’s an activity that engages the mind, body, and spirit and aides in self-development.

The largest change you may see is in your child’s confidence. The dojo is a very accepting learning environment.  Your child will receive praise, encouragement, and help when necessary. They increase their skills in a non-competitive way that focuses on pushing themselves to be the best martial artist they can be.

They can also get experience working toward goals. Your child can improve as quickly or as gradually as they’d like! Belts act as specific goals they can complete and are great motivating tools to encourage their growth.

See more benefits to kids martial arts!

Enroll in Kids Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

If you think kids martial arts might be right for your child, visit JMAC!

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, your child can learn karate or judo in our kids program (ages 8-12) or learn the fundamentals in our Little Dragons program (ages 5-7).  They’ll learn basic movement, stances, and falling safely all while having fun! 

Your child will be in a positive and safe environment. The risk of injury is low. We train safely and systematically and we can proudly say we’ve never had a serious injury! 

Visit JMAC to watch a session before you and your child commit. If you like what you see, then you’ll get two free intro lessons to make sure your child enjoys it (just one for Little Dragons)! After this, we’ll ask you to sign up for a one-year membership, but you can opt out anytime during the first 60 days. We want to make sure kids martial arts in Ann Arbor meets your expectations!

Call us today at 734-720-0330 or contact us to schedule your free class visit!