Bill Conley's School of Karate - Kids Programs
Ages 5 (4 ½ yrs accepted) - 12 yrs
St Stephen & St Andrews Dojos
Instructor Staff
Bill Conley, 6th Dan / Shihan, Commanding Chief Instructor St Stephen & St Andrews Dojos
Patrick Shannon, 1st Dan/Sempai, Second in Command, St Stephen & St Andrews Dojos
Keith Jesso, Senior Student Brown Belt, St Stephen & St Andrews Dojo
The bond and respect between teacher and student is developed and re-enforced throughout a student’s time in the Dojo. It is this developmental aspect that carries over into the student’s life, at home, in school, and the outside world. Confidence is built up, and the student’s ability to interact appropriately with others is nurtured.
In an age where fitness is missing in the lives of most, students in the Dojo are taught the importance of physical conditioning. Proper discipline and order is instilled into the students from day one of their participation.
Leaders and Mentors
“We don’t just make great martial artists, we make great leaders!” - Bill Conley, 6th Dan/Shihan
Adults and students alike as they progress through our ranks are encouraged and given responsibilities, at times, of leading a group, or the whole Dojo.
When you learn to be a leader, you learn to properly do so by your own example. This builds character and awareness of effect on others.
Frequently Asked Questions
(And much of below can apply to Adult students too!)
Can I join anytime? Yes!
Do you run classes year round? Yes!
Who can join? Ages five and up. Students from other Shorin Kenpo Karate schools and other martial arts styles are welcome.
Do I need to be in good shape or have an athletic ability? Absolutely not! In fact karate is ideal for those who are not athletically inclined. There are no physical restrictions!
Is everyone required to achieve the same results? No! Karate training takes into consideration the physical make-up of everyone. The method of our training is devised so that each individual can progress and develop within their own abilities.
How will I benefit from taking Shorin Kenpo Karate? You will learn to defend yourself, get in shape, gain self-discipline, and most of all, develop awareness of things around you.
Will I get hurt? No! In fact, our injury rate is lower than an aerobics class.
How does traditional karate differ from sports karate? Sports karate, like other sports, is governed by a set of rules with emphasis on winning or defeating the opponent. In traditional karate, the attitude of winning or defeating the opponent is overcome by self-control and perfection of one’s character. Traditional karate is a defensive style not offensive, although in our system we do teach and have students participate in tournament Karate. Some have competed on a National, North American, and World arenas of competition! However, tournament Karate is presented and viewed as just one aspect of Karate training, and can be beneficial so long as it is represented as one part of the whole of Karate training. Tournament participation is not mandatory.
Can Karate benefit a child with behavioral challenges? Absolutely, children with behavioral challenges thrive in the structured setting offered in a Karate class run by a well-trained instructor (Sensei). The class environment will help the student engage in activities that which will:
Promote self discipline
Enhance physical development
Provide opportunities for positive peer interaction
Increase attention span
Promote respect for authority figures
Assist with weight loss
Students consistently show a marked increase in self-esteem, which provides the foundation for future success. HOWEVER, we are not miracle workers. We cannot replace good parenting, nor can we be of benefit to students if they do not come to class on a regular and frequent basis, and that applies to adult students as well! Karate is not a sport! It is as much a lifestyle as it is a martial art. Karate is something you carry inside you day to day. It is with you, in your heart. If it is not in your heart, then it has become something like a hobby or sport. If it has, then you should reflect on why you are even taking Karate, and perhaps replace it with something else more appropriate to your expectations and goals. Further, our Dojo is NOT designed to be: a daycare service, a place just to meet and socialize, or find someone to date. Our Dojo is not for the light devoted…. BUT, if you, or your child, are looking for something that will instill discipline, good workouts, self confidence, motivation to succeed, positive mentoring, all in a non-threatening environment, then Shorin Kenpo Karate and New Brunswick KO maybe one of your best decisions you make as a positive step in your life or your child’s! Our Dojo is open year around, and our doors are always open to potential new students!
Ranking System
Junior Karate 5 - 13 Years Old
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt is worn.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt is worn.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt is worn.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt is worn.
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt is worn.
First Kyu (Ik kyu) Brown belt is worn.
Also, between each color belt, stripes are earned in both Junior and Adult Karate programs. The stripes signify required techniques and/or Kata at each belt level. A stripe can be also awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding performance, or overcoming great adversity in their training. A maximum of two stripes per belt level is structured in the rank system. One stripe represents the Kata(s) required at that belt level, and the second represents the required Kumite, Kata application, or Kenpo technique. The color of the stripe(s) corresponds with the next belt color. There is no cost or test fee for the striping.
In the New Brunswick KO system of ranking, the minimum age for someone to be promoted to certified first degree black belt (Shodan) is 16 years old. However, in some instances, at the discretion of the Chief Instructor and no younger than 13 years, a student younger than 16 years could be fully certified Shodan. In the event the student is under the age of 16 years and has passed all the qualifications for black belt, that student would be promoted to junior black belt, a black with white stripe belt. Upon reaching the age of 16 years, student at the discretion of the Chief Instructor would be tested for full black belt, first degree/Shodan, New Brunswick KO certified.
