TIGER TOTS

Tiger Tots" Program

"Tiger Tots" is a pre- martial arts program specifically for 3 and 4 year olds. Our program provides a fun and nurturing atmosphere in which we work to develop the children’s’ capacity in several areas that are important foundations for the child’s individual growth and development. These areas are: developing the child's self-control, balance & co-ordination, flexibility & strength as well as the ability to interact with other children in a group setting.

The program is a mix of drill's or activities designed to enhance a variety of skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Class duration is 30 minutes and and meet once a week. Class size is limited to 10 children only (no exceptions) and two instructors run each class. The children are given a free uniform with their initial sign-up.

Many of the children that have taken our "Tiger Tots" program and subsequently move on to our Childrens Martial Arts program usually display skill levels above the other children in the program that have not participated in the program.

"Class Structure"

Before class begins the instructor will informally chat with the children, as a group, inquiring about their day in order to work on their verbalization skills and to make them comfortable with the environment. The children then "line up" in response to the "formation" command. We proceed with basic warm up exercises and with stretching, sit-ups and push-ups. Here the children are exposed to "exercise" as a way of life at an early age - A habit that will hopefully stay with them through their lifetime.

Self Control & Discipline
Teachers facilitate the development of self-control in children by using positive guidance techniques such as modelling and encouraging expected behavior, redirecting children to a more acceptable activity and setting clear limits. Teacher’s expectations match and respect children’s developing capabilities.

National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

In the Tiger Tots program, we focus on discipline while the children are having fun. The children are introduced to "rules" to follow such as where to put their shoes before entering the mat, where to sit before class starts, how to line up on command in a "ready stance", bowing to the instructor, and others. These behaviors become part of the routine of the class that we reinforce each time. We know that it can take time for children to become accustomed to these new "rules" and we have many fun ways of reinforcing these skills.

"Quiet Time" - during class we randomly insert quiet time, a period where the children have to be perfectly still and quiet for 20 seconds. At first this is a new and "silly" game. Not long into the program, however, the children actually freeze where they are and patiently wait for the 20-second count! And they are proud of this newly developed self-discipline!

Balance & Co-ordination, Flexibility & Strength

Children have opportunities to use large muscles, including running, jumping and balancing.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

The class program is centered around "martial arts" which is widely recognized as an excellent way to instill and develop coordination, strength, discipline and self-confidence in children. Most exercises are set into a game format so the child has fun while learning.


We develop the child's coordination in a variety of skill-building games: punching and kicking a ball, teaching them basic forward rolls, traversing an obstacle course, dodging a "blocker" that the instructor swings at them. Children that have been in the program for more than one session and are in the 4 year old range are taught to jump rope

Working in a "Team Setting"

Children are provided many opportunities to develop social skills such as cooperating and helping,. Teachers facilitate the development of these positive social skills at all times.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

We have developed a series of exercises and activities, which give children the opportunity to work with each other. Sometimes children have to toss balloons to each other, sometimes they have to cooperate in trying to ‘clean up’ our class area. In addition, we celebrate each child’s accomplishments and encourage all the children to do the same.

"What don't we do outside?" is another popular "game" we play with the children. We are mindful of the need to constantly reinforce the idea that it is NOT O.K. to hit, punch, bite, etc. To that end we often ask the question "what don't we do outside?" Over time the children’s’ responses get longer and more detailed- proof that they are thinking about this while not in class.

If you are looking for an outstanding activity based program for your child with limited class sizes give us a call. Our program may be just right for your child.

For more information call us at (973) 422-1500