Sports

Last Updated on Monday, 29 February 2016 03:41

Kinder Karate® will be opening a new location and are celebrating with a free open house April 4, 2016. The newest location, located inside the Fells United Methodist Church, will hold classes on Monday evenings for kids ages 3-6.

Kinder Karate® - Instructor and student

Kinder Karate® is owned and instructed by Kara Czerniak, who, as a Ringgold graduate, grew up in the Mon Valley area. “My other locations have been more South Hills-based, being in Pleasant Hills, Bethel Park, and Elizabeth,” she said, “and I’m so happy to be bringing this great program to the Mon Valley for the first time.”

Kinder Karate® is a specialized program that was created specifically for the development of 3-6 year olds. It teaches the building blocks of the martial arts, while enhancing their social and emotional development. Kids learn basics of the Korean language, and are engaged with high-energy exercises and fun. “Kids, even at this very young age, can do great things, if given an environment created specifically for them,” stated Mrs. Czerniak.

Parents are often surprised at the “fringe” benefits that come as well. “Right from the start, we talk about certain concepts that every parent wants, like ‘Focus,’ Czerniak explains, “but we take it a step further by explaining to the kids how to show focus. For example, they know that ‘my eyes are looking at your eyes’ means that they are focused on the parent, the teacher, or whomever they are talking with. They also know that “giving attention” means that their ears are ‘open’, but their lips are ‘closed.’

Mrs. Czerniak goes further by instilling leadership in even the youngest of students. “As soon as they know a 3 step sequence of a kick or a movement, I take volunteers to come up in front of the class and lead the other kids through it. Parents are very happy when they see shyness disappearing in front of their eyes, being replaced by a quiet confidence. And they love it even more when it carries over into their school life.”

The Belle Vernon Kinder Karate® open house will be held on Monday April 4, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Fells United Methodist Church. Those who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP by calling (844)KINDERS. Mrs. Czerniak can also be reached through the group’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/KinderKaratePittsburgh.