Karate as a family: parents and kids at the same dojo

01The short answer

02Who trains when

The dojo groups children by age and level, because a 5-year-old and an 11-year-old have neither the same attention span nor the same needs. In practice:

• Ages 4 to 6: the Petit Samouraï, on Saturday morning, in two groups by belt;
• Up to 13: the kids’ classes, on weekdays, late in the day, also by level;
• From 14: the adult classes, open to all levels, in the evening, plus an advanced class from green belt.

On the current schedule, on some evenings, the adult class starts when the kids’ class ends. A parent can make one trip for two classes: their child’s, then their own. The schedule gives the days and times for each group; check it before planning your week.

03What you do together

To be clear: there is no class on the schedule where parents and young children train side by side. What we do offer is often easier to fit into family life:

• From 14, the same class. Adult classes are open to everyone from age 14: a teenager and their mother or father can learn the same techniques, on the same evening, with the same instructor.
• Parents are welcome to watch the kids’ classes. Watching a session shows you what your child is learning, and sometimes what makes you want to try it yourself.
• For ages 4 to 6, the parent stays close by during the Saturday morning class.
• A curriculum for each belt. Each grade has its own curriculum, known from the start: everyone works on their own, but you can review together at home.

Nothing requires the whole family to start in the same month: each person takes their trial class when they are ready, and the family discount applies from three registered members.

04What the family pays

Current monthly rates, taxes included, depend on age: $93.71 from age 14, $82.69 for kids 13 and under, $66.15 for the Petit Samouraï. The family discount applies to the total of the memberships; for example, with kids at the $82.69 rate:

• 2 adults and 1 kid: $248.50 a month;
• 1 adult and 2 kids: $238.36 a month;
• 2 adults and 2 kids: $310.46 instead of $352.80, about $508 saved over twelve months if rates stay the same.

The price does not go up with the belt, which matters when several members progress at the same time. The full rate chart is on the pricing page, which is the official reference, and How much does karate really cost in Montreal? does the math per class.

05A few pointers before starting together

A shared activity lasts longer when everyone keeps their own place. A few simple pointers:

• Your own group, your own pace. An 8-year-old does not progress like an adult, and it is not a race: avoid comparing belts at the dinner table.
• On the mat, the instructor teaches. Your child already has a teacher; what they want from you is encouragement.
• Keep the same evenings. A set routine is easier to stick to than an improvised week, especially in winter.
• Start by watching. Sitting in on a kids’ class before yours helps you know what to expect.

Classes are taught in French and in English, which makes life easier for families who speak both.

06How to try, as a family

Every member of the family can take a free trial class, with nothing to buy beforehand: workout clothes and a bottle of water are enough. The trial form asks for the participant’s date of birth: fill out one per person. For the youngest, read The Petit Samouraï: karate at ages 4, 5 and 6; for an adult who has never trained, Karate classes for adult beginners in Montreal.

The dojo is at 550 chemin du Golf, on Nuns’ Island (Verdun), with free parking in front of the building.

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