United World Martial Arts ©

Terms and Conditions                                          17 Buffalo St. Hamburg, NY 14075 (716) 648-8889  staff@uwma.net

We won’t give you a black belt, you’ll earn it

American Freestyle Karate (AFK) is blend of many popular styles of martial arts.  The most “effective” elements of styles such as Issyun Ryu or Kempo are strategically blended with other arts, including Master Klawon’s own free-form kata’s, to create one of the most well rounded martial arts programs  seen to date.  From basics to black belt, you will be instructed only by qualified adult black belt instructors.  Students will become proficient in such weapons as the Arnis sticks, long Bo and Sai, as well as modern street self-defense.  

Youth Karate Program Ages 7-13

When you sign up a Karate Uniform (GI) is required to work out in these classes. You’re GI will be given to you and the proper patches to be attached. Please make sure your uniform is kept in good order and no modifications are done that do not meet with UWMA standards.   All students are required to work out in bare feet, no socks or shoes allowed.  This is not only in honor of long standing traditions within the martial arts, but is also in the students best interest.  Bare feet provide the best all around traction and allow the instructor to better view the students’ foot positioning, making it easier to instruct  the student. A black shirt is also required under your uniform, you may wear your own or purchase one from the Dojo.

Clothing

As training progresses, students will be required to purchase specific training equipment.   This will include such items as sparring gear and weapons. The instructor will notify the student what he/she is required to purchase at the time necessary. You may purchase some equipment from an outside source as long as it meets UWMA requirements.  But be reminded,  the pricing on the merchandise at UWMA is going to be your least expensive option. Weapons are very dangerous and ordering the wrong thing can hurt you and your partner, so any outside weapons, must be inspected by Master Sanchez and Sensei Butch. Sparing gear can’t contain any other school logo or be in an unfit and unsafe condition.

Equipment

UWMA is proud of our 7000 Square Foot Dojo, one of the largest in Western New York!

Large Dojo Floor

UWMA has a very LOW fixed rate for each belt promotion.  This fee covers the  basic costs that UWMA infers, including the new belt, certificate and registration. It may also, contain other items such as weapons required for your new rank. Please speak to Sensei Kim about these fees.  Please note that these are promotion fees and not testing fees.  The dojo does not charge to test and it never will, that's are promise to you.  Please remember that we keep all costs down to a minimum so it’s of little concern, we want you to concentrate on your training and nothing else.

Promotions

The Dojo may be big, but we keep a traditional approach when it comes to training. All tests are done one on one.

Personal Attention

Owner Instructed Class

Master Klawon is always present in every class, he don’t just put his  name on the building but trains you.

Children and Karate. 

Many studies have been conducted in regards to the effects of KARATE on children.  One such study, by Thomas Nardi, a psychologist and author of KARATE BASICS, states that almost every child can benefit from martial arts training.  The structured drills that involve punching, kicking and yelling can help introverted children overcome shyness and timidity while giving extroverted children a safe, healthy environment in which to compete.  Anxious or worried children can become more confident and assertive, while aggressive children can learn to control their anger and begin to understand that fighting is non-productive.  The skills and confidence that martial arts provides may also contribute to a child's feeling of being unique, a part of something out of the ordinary.

Physical Benefits. 

Beyond general physical conditioning, karate teaches proper body movement and control.  Children lacking in coordination may find that martial arts, and the intricate series of movements involved, may help them to better develop balance and fluidity of movement.  Classes typically involve a total body workout with an emphasis on stretching, coordination, flexibility and strength training.  And because of the focus on the mental aspects and conditioning, as opposed to brute force, girls are at no disadvantage in the martial arts.  Both sexes can and do achieve the ultimate goal - a black belt.  Martial arts training also increases a child's aerobic capacity:  A student's pulse rate when performing kata’s (specific sequence of punches, kicks and other techniques) is comparable to their rate while jogging.  Another benefit, which may sound unusual at first, is teaching children how to fall properly.  By learning how to twist the body during a fall and where and how to land, your child is less likely to be injured in common mishaps such as bicycle, sports and play accidents.

Mental Benefits.

Self-defense is, of course, the main reason most kids sign up for martial arts lessons.  But a good instructor, or Sensei, will make it clear that karate is not for bullying or showing off.  Aggression is not just downplayed, it's totally discouraged.  When sparring with other students, children must pull their punches which requires a great deal of self control, self discipline and practice.  Karate-ka (students of Karate) must also memorize complicated movements, which can lead to an increase in overall concentration skills.  Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying the martial arts comes from a child's increase of self confidence and self esteem.  Students are allowed to set their own goals (moving up the ranks through belt tests) and attain them at their own pace.  This increase in self esteem and concentration can and will spill over into their schoolwork.  In fact, some instructors monitor their students report cards as part of training.

Personal Safety.

Some of the better Karate schools have implemented programs which can literally save children's lives.  Although most parents are aware of today's problems with society they simply do not have the time, or the knowledge, of how to school their children properly to be aware of dangerous situations.  Karate programs such as "Stranger Danger", "Who Am I" and "911" are a few examples which will enlighten children of all ages to the possible dangers they face.  All of these modern teachings are geared towards one thing, helping your child recognize and react to any given situation, increasing their chances to walk away unharmed.

The Choice Is Yours.

Do your own research on this topic and you will find many more benefits than are listed above.  A good Karate School is not just about punching and kicking.  It is a life changing experience.  The choice is yours.  There are many sports your child can participate in, but it is hard to find any other that has such a profound and lasting effect on their everyday lives.

Preteens and Karate

Most parents know the struggle of dealing with teenagers, and even though you try your best it sometimes can be difficult.  Karate is a great way to prep them for teenage years and how to cope with growing up and dealing with peer pressure.  We teach all our students that the best way to accomplish any goal is by having help and learning from good examples.  We also, teach them the value of a strong since of self, creating an environment of goal achieving through rank.  Make no mistake, no matter what age they are we make them earn everything they get, and as a parent you know how important that can be as you get older.  Lots of sports believe that all kids should walk away with a trophy even if you don’t try hard.  As adults we know the real world does not work that way, so we need to prep them at this age for winning and loosing.  This philosophy teaches them it’s ok to fail as long as you learn from it and make yourself stronger from it.  This is a critical age and with your help we can make a great martial artists and a better citizen.