New children’s syllabus introduced

November 2005

In an effort to improve standards and student retention, GKR will be phasing in a new childrens’ syllabus over the next few months.

This simplified syllabus will be focussing more on a smaller set of techniques which will then be tested in gradings.

This is the first time that the quality of techniques rather than kata have been used as grading criteria.

The new syllabus will spend more time playing educational games, in order to ensure that the classes are more dynamic. This, it is hoped, will better suit them to the short attention span of young children.

The syllabus is only likely to be implemented in the early evening classes, which are predominantly attended by children. Dojos that only have one evening class, which is attended by adults and children in equal numbers are unlikely to change.

This move has raised many objections from parents and senseis alike. Go here to read my views.