Our programs · Martial Arts
Rooted in Budō 武道, the martial way.
Calm, confident kids with safety skills they actually use.
A structured class for California schools, TK–12, that is built on virtues, respect, self-control, and confidence, with age-right self-defense skills students use on the yard and beyond.
Grades TK–12
When After school, in school, and intersession
Class size 20:1 (10:1 for TK/K) after school · Full classes in school
Class length 45–60 minutes (30–60 for TK/K)
Many martial arts
Think of martial arts as a mountain with many trails. Karate, Aikido, Boxing, Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) are different routes up the same peak, and they lead to the same view: a clear mind, a calm spirit, and being fully present, with the body as the way in.
Our curriculum of virtues, safety skills, and SEL stays the same whichever art your campus walks. Every different art is adapted to be age-right, with the same safety rules and no full-contact drills.
The eight virtues
Students don’t just hear these words. They practice the virtues on the mat and gain them along the way, one class at a time. Every class opens with a bow and a virtue.
Rei
Respect
Treat people and places with care. A bow says, “I see you.”
Makoto
Honesty
Say what is true, even when it is hard.
Jisei
Self-control
Pause before you act, so your body listens to your brain.
Yū
Courage
Do the right thing even when you feel nervous. Brave does not mean not scared.
Jin
Kindness
Use your strength to help, never to hurt.
Meiyo
Honor
Do your best and keep your word because it matters to you, not for a prize.
Chūgi
Loyalty
Be a true friend and teammate: stick with your group and keep your promises, fairly and safely.
Gi
Integrity
Know what is right and fair, then do it, even when no one is watching.
Social-emotional learning
Social-emotional learning in every class. Each class opens with a bow and a virtue, and closes with breathing and reflection. The program maps to all five CASEL competencies and the California Department of Education’s SEL Guiding Principles.
Self-awareness
Noticing feelings and body signals, and knowing when to take a breath.
Self-management
Self-control (Jisei): stopping on command, steady breathing, and calm under pressure.
Social awareness
Respect (Rei): bowing in, reading a situation, and understanding the culture behind Budō.
Relationship skills
Careful partner practice, clear words, and helping a classmate learn a move.
Responsible decision-making
Choosing to walk away, de-escalating a conflict, and getting a trusted adult.
Every student belongs on the mat. No experience or uniform needed. We adapt movement for students with IEPs and 504 plans, support English learners with demonstration and visuals, and keep every role open to every student.
What students gain
Focus and self-control
Students learn to pause, listen, and stop on command.
Confidence and a strong voice
Clear words and calm posture that help kids stand up for themselves.
Conflict resolution
Keeping distance, talking a problem down, and getting a trusted adult.
Age-right self-defense
Simple ways to get free and get help, taught only after the skills above.
The eight virtues
Respect, honesty, courage, kindness, and more, gained through practice class by class.
Safe by design
No full-contact drills.
Slow, supervised partner practice, matched to age.
A stop word ends any drill instantly.
No weapons and no board breaking.
Administrators are welcome to watch any class.
Many ways to partner
The class is the same calm, structured program either way. Scheduled around your bell schedule and customized for your students.
Active enrichment for after-school, before school and intersession programs that meet California’s Quality Standards for Expanded Learning.
20:1 student-to-instructor ratio (10:1 for TK/K)
Programs customized for your school so it complements your existing enrichment schedule.
A short showcase at the end of each session
A martial arts unit during the school day that supports PE, health, and SEL goals, planned with your teachers.
Aligned to the California PE and Health standards
Planned with your classroom and PE teachers
Works in any open space on campus
Bigger after-school group? We can discuss adding additional support to keep us compliant.
Our instructors
Every class is led by a Culture Club instructor who knows the art, the values behind it, and how to run a calm, well-managed room. They are trained for classroom management and behavioral intervention techniques before they step into any classroom.
Mentors, not just instructors
Our instructors are invested in every student’s growth. They show students how to keep training and learning on their own, set goals, and build life skills that last long after the last class.
Our commitments to every campus
Live Scan (DOJ and FBI) background and TB clearance, and annual mandated reporter training
Trained in SEL, classroom management, behavioral intervention techniques, inclusive teaching, and safe partner practice
Guest masters and demonstrations whenever possible
Let’s talk
Tell us your grades, schedule, and program type, and we will send a simple proposal.
Keep exploring
Dance Around the World, hip hop, ballet, folklórico, and West African dance.
ELOP after-school programs, Prop 28 arts instruction, and four simple steps from first call to final showcase.
Tell us about your students and their needs. We’ll set up a quick call and find the right fit for your students whether it is after school or during the school day.
Prefer to talk? Reach out to us and we’ll find a time that works.
Email us at info@cultureclubedu.com
or call (213) 600-0757.
