Ages 4-7

Grasshoppers

Give your child the gift of martial arts: The path to confidence and fulfillment. Bring them in to try out our innovative Grasshopper classes in Little Rock, AR.

Grasshoppers (4-7yo)

Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri - 3:45 pm - 4:30pm

Unity teachers have decades of experience teaching kids and have created a unique program just for kids from 4.5 through 7 years old. The Grasshoppers program works on a rotating curriculum (as opposed to cumulative) so that they can always learn in digestible chunks and really gain competence in a cycle’s techniques and ideas without getting bogged down in memorization that is beyond their developmental level.

Improves Focus and Discipline

By giving the grasshoppers control over aspects of their environment and then calling them to a high standard, they start learning right away how to stay focused and in control of themselves.

Helps with ADHD

Unity’s teachers are used to kids that have trouble containing their energy. We dig into their energetic capabilities with patience and guidance and show them how to channel that energy.

Body and Mind

Kids learn about exertion and hard work, but also how to focus on what they can improve and not just how they measure up to others. We teach that real success means getting a little better each day.

Combined Curriculum

The Grasshopper program lets them learn about both Cuong Nhu Karate and Brazilian Jiujitsu, introducing them to both of our older kids’ programs at once.

Experience the Transformative Power of Our Grasshopper Program

There are so many things we want for our kids, and so many challenges they face, from screens, to difficulty at school, to disciplinary issues at home, or just plain old lack of motivation. Our kids learn from movies, shows, and videos that success will come from finding the thing that’s easy for them instead of putting in the work to build skills and grit.

The Grasshopper class teaches kids that hard work and improvement are how we grow, and that their special abilities come alive through work, and learning, and the asking and giving of help.

The Top 3 Challenges Kids Face Today … And How Grasshoppers Class Helps

Challenge #1:
Mental Health

Kids are experiencing more stress than ever before. They’re aware of such a wide world and so many frightening challenges and dangers. Many kids spent important developmental years in the pandemic and have anxiety about venturing into the world. Grasshoppers class drills interaction, practices bravery, and teaches kids to control what they can and let go of what they can’t.

Challenge #2:
Screens and Games

Kids are having to interact with screens more and more just to be involved with school or interact with friends, but they don’t have the impulse regulation to set any kind of limits on themselves. Unity shuts down the screens and teaches kids about regulation and moderation, preparing them for a world of temptations.

Challenge #3:
Social Interaction

Post pandemic, many kids are behind on social skills. These delays can set them far behind in empathy, creativity, and problem solving. Grasshoppers practice how to work with partners, consider the needs of others, share equipment and effort, and to grow as a team!

What you can expect in every class…

Warm Up Exercises

Classes start with a brief moment of still, quiet meditation, followed by a stretching routine that helps the kids transition into class.

Learning and Practicing the Cycle

Kids will review the primary standup and grappling sections of their curriculum in each class, and then work through challenging drills disguised as fun activities to strengthen them and help them master the techniques.

Fun and Socialization

Classes end with a game where the kids dig down to exert themselves even more and tackle lessons about winning and losing, following rules, celebrating others, and fairness. They meditate again, and then bow to the class.

Know

Your Instructor

The four head instructors at Unity combine more than 130 years of experience.

MEET TANNER CRITZ

Head Instructor of Cuong Nhu at Unity Martial Arts

Sensei Tanner is a knowledgeable, rigorous, and friendly martial arts instructor who has been practicing for over 30 years. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Cuong Nhu, a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and has experience in Ninjitsu, laido, and Kickboxing. He started Cuong Nhu at age 10 in 1983, and loves its rich curriculum and its vibrant, supportive community. He has a degree in Anthropology, but his most transformative education was hiking the entire 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail for six months (read his account). He learned to take risks and pursue his passion-for example, teaching martial arts full-time.

Tanner Critz was born in Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from the Donaghey Scholars Program with a degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and then discovered how he wanted to live his life while through-hiking 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail. After studying the martial art Cuong Nhu from the age of ten years old, he opened a school In Little Rock, Arkansas to teach students of all ages where he still lives with his family and teaches. Notable Achievements:

30 years of experience
Holds a 5th degree black belt in Cuong Nhu
3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do
Graduated from the Donaghey Scholars Program magna cum laude
Vice President of the Cuong Nhu Board of Directors

MEET MATT SMITH

Our head instructor, Matt Smith, is a third degree black belt with over twenty years of grappling experience. Matt started his martial arts journey by attending the Marine Corps’ Martial Arts Instructor Course. Following completion of the course, Matt continued his martial arts journey by training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. Later Matt added Judo to his training. Matt earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in 2014 and his Judo black belt in 2023. He has competed in both martial arts at the local, regional,and national levels.

Camps and Events

Camps last a week from 8 am to 3 pm. Participants must be at least 8 years old (or have passed 2 tests at Unity for younger children). Kids must bring lunch and a snack, and shoes for running outside.