MODIFIED KARATE CLUB

A Club of the JHPCC Youth Development Program

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 4 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 child and 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 Learning System.