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.

The Resource Training Guide is for educations 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 fight 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 conductedEmergency contacts and community resources are discussed. Closure includes certificates of completion.