View tournaments and events
conducted by MODKA students
The Modified Karate Club (MODKA) is designed to provide youth ages
6-18 an environment which can assist in the development of positive values that help prevent the likelihood that negative influences will affect them as they grow older. The program is taught in a Martial Arts format. It is unique in that the program has demonstrated its ability to positively influence youth that have certain clinical and behavioral problems. Martial Arts assists in the development of one’s inner strength. In addition to being taught proper martial arts techniques, students develop and learn patience, humility and the importance of self-discipline, commitment and respect.
MODKA's system of teaching is designed to be an on-going program. The teachings extend into everyday activities and situations. Individuals learn how to cope with stress, peer pressure, and the normal pains of growing up. MODKA teaches the foundations of respecting one's self first and foremost, and is taught in an environment that fosters a caring attitude and respect for elders and teachers. The attainment of a black belt can take up to two and a half years. During this time, students are being taught how to become leaders not only in class but also in their communities. A Leadership Training Program has been established to further cultivate these qualities for students that have shown and demonstrated their commitment. This program is designed to develop Youth Leaders who will then foster and positively influence other youth in their communities. The Leadership Program is a peer-led component of the MODKA Program. On-going peer contact will promote positive peer influence and peer relationships. These values if developed at an early age can be carried out through the rest of their adult lives.
The Program is also designed to provide a positive on-going Mentor, child/family needs assessment to outsource additional resources and
gain collaborative support from other agencies.
Academics is a strong component of the
student's development in Modified Karate. The criteria for belting
examinations include academic performance. In order to assist the student
the JHP Community Center (JHPCC) established the After
School Program; providing academic tutoring and training in reading,
writing, and math. In 2003, MODKA became the teaching component of a comprehensive
learning system developed by the JHPCC called A-CLASS.
COLLABORATIONS
JHP Community Center (JHPCC) seeks to expand its MODKA Program through partnerships and collaborations with other community Centers and non-profit organizations that actively provide support and programs for youths in Chicago.
One such partnerships started in 2001 with the youth at Centro Romero,
in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. The JHPCC provided Modified Karate classes.
The classes grew from twelve students to 38 children from the ages of 6-13.
Our service ended in January of 2003 due to the growth of the classes at the
JHPCC Center. Many of Centro's students were able to transfer and continue
their training.
In February of 2003 a new partnership
was formed at Chappell Elementary School. Karate classes began in February 2003. The class started with grades 5th and 6th and have
opened to three additional grades; increasing the number of students. By adding
an educational component to MODKA; students'
belting examinations are now tied to not only Techniques and character but
also to academic grades. To better assist our youth in this
endeavor the JHPCC has established an after school program that not only
assists in homework tutoring but also offers other arts programs.
The program has also collaborated with Local Area Network 65 (LAN65)
and is actively involved with Mayor Daley's YouthNet 17. The MODKA
demonstration team perform numerous demonstrations for many community events each year and
the exposure has provided a very positive outlet for all the students.
It is the hope of the JHPCC to further this program for the benefit and welfare of the future of our communities - The Youth.
