Success in programming for youth happens when fun and social aspects can be integrated  into an activity. The curriculum includes a variety of exercises to develop physical and mental strength, flexibility, agility and relaxation as well as the specific martial arts skills. These exercises have been chosen from yoga, pilates, soccer, tai chi and karate. Prior to introducing the activities, attention is paid to creating a safe and supportive environment by having the students identify group guidelines. The curriculum is skill based learning so that students can value the progression and improvements over time.

Why Teach This? Who Can Teach This? Lesson Plan Components Program Outcomes Training Objectives
The Resource Training Guide is for educators to instruct youth mental awareness physical awareness  self-defense skills practical safety and assertive communication strategies physical fitness techniques	Lesson One Provides for the program description, instructor and student introductions and fitness testing Lesson Two Personal rights and responsibilities are discussed and boundaries are explored from a mental and physical perspective. Breathe, balance and defense postures lay the foundation for the subsequent techniques. Lesson Three A series of self defense rules are introduced and the defense posture is reinforced. Self-esteem and positive self talk is described and discussed. Lesson Four Examines self-defense strategies from the perspectives of Attention, Awareness, Avoidance and Action. Lesson Five The composition of emotion and feelings is discussed with an emphasis on anger, reactions to anger, the flight or flight response and de-fusing techniques. The physical vital points are described. Lesson Six Personal perceptions regarding anger and its expression, and how denied feelings impact anger and aggression are investigated. Threat assessment, assessing anger in others and communicating with an angry person are discussed. Lesson Seven Triggers, red flags and anger hooks are reviewed. Assertive, passive and aggressive communication is defined and explored. Anger de-fusing techniques are discussed. Lesson Eight Communication skills are expanded to include non-verbal communication. The advantages and disadvantages of different communication styles are analyzed. Lesson Nine Evaluation including the program review, student evaluation and post fitness testing is conducted Emergency contacts and community resources are discussed. Closure includes certificates of completion.
Why Teach this Course? prevent bullying and violence increase safety foster a sense of well-being reduce risks increase physical fitness encourage participation in community-based sports, martial arts and fitness programs top
Who Can Teach This? Physical Education Instructors Recreation Specialists Martial Arts Instructors Youth Works including Youth Justice Other Educators top
Lesson Plan Components Overview/Agenda/Lesson Quote List of required materials Expected learning outcomes Self-awareness/assertiveness training Warm-up and conditioning exercises Closure activities top
Program Outcomes Participants will: Demonstrate increased fitness levels Describe self care behaviours Describe coping strategies for anger management Become involved in ongoing sports activities Be able to identify risks and create safety plans Identify increased self-confidence and improved well being Demonstrate assertive communication Describe other resources/activities available in the community top
Training Objectives Teach life skills, physical techniques, exercises, assertiveness and anger management Assist students to identify their strengths and challenges, perceive triggers and cues, practice assertive communications and neutralize potentially violent situations without harm to self or others in aggressive and potentially dangerous situations Counteract psychological effects of feelings of powerlessness through enhancing self esteem Increase a sense of well-being through the identification of safety and self-care strategies Educate youth about benefits of self-defense, physical activity and sport and provide a list of local resources and choices. top