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Children's Self-Defense Classes in Bethany
In a world where kids are often glued to screens and surrounded by distractions, it's more important than ever to give them opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At Instinct Defense Academy, our children's martial arts and self-defense program is about much more than learning techniques. We help kids develop confidence, discipline, awareness, resilience, and leadership—skills they can carry with them far beyond the dojo.
We don't just teach kids how to fight, we teach them how to live.
A Program That Grows With Your Child
Our children's program is designed around progression. New students begin by developing a strong foundation. As they demonstrate proficiency, focus, discipline, and maturity, they earn not only their next belt—but greater training opportunities and responsibility within the dojo.
About The Course
- White Belt: Thursday, 6:00–7:00 PM
- Yellow Belt & Above: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00–7:00 PM
- Tuition: $95/month
White Belts : Building the Foundation
Thursday, 6:00–7:00 PM
All new students begin as white belts and train on Thursday evenings.
Thursday's focus is on the foundational skills every student needs: movement, awareness, self-defense principles, proper technique, dojo etiquette, focus, and learning how to train safely with others.
All new students begin as white belts and train on Thursday evenings.
White belts continue training on Thursdays until they have demonstrated the skills and maturity required to earn their yellow belt.
And earning that yellow belt comes with something special: It unlocks a second night of training.
Yellow Belts & Above : Train Twice a Week
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00–7:00 PM
Once students earn their yellow belt, they are encouraged to attend both Tuesday and Thursday classes.
Tuesday becomes their opportunity for more advanced training. With a smaller group of experienced students, we can work on higher-level material, individual development, and the skills each student needs to continue progressing toward their next belt.
Thursday remains an important training night for our advanced students as well. While the technical focus is on foundational material, our more experienced students begin developing another essential martial arts skill:
Leadership.
They learn to set the example for younger students, demonstrate techniques, assist newer students, encourage their training partners, and help create the kind of dojo culture they once benefited from as beginners themselves.
Learning how to perform a technique is one level of understanding. Learning how to help someone else succeed is another.
One Tuition: $95/Month
There is no additional charge when a student earns the opportunity to train twice a week.
We intentionally keep tuition the same because the second training night isn't an upgrade we're trying to sell.
It's something we want our students to earn.
Reaching yellow belt means more than changing the color around their waist. It represents progress, commitment, and the opportunity to take the next step in their training.
Self-Discipline: Building a Foundation for Success
Martial arts provides a structured environment where children learn to focus, follow instructions, practice consistently, and persist when something is difficult.
Those habits don't have to stay inside the dojo. We encourage our students to apply the same discipline and mindset at school, at home, and in their everyday lives.
Self-Confidence: Discovering What They're Capable Of
Confidence isn't something we simply tell children to have. It's something they develop by doing difficult things and discovering that they can succeed.
Whether it's earning a new belt, mastering a technique, helping another student, or overcoming something they once found difficult, each accomplishment helps build genuine confidence.
Coordination & Physical Development
Our training develops balance, coordination, body awareness, timing, and movement through age-appropriate martial arts and self-defense exercises.
Kids get off the screen, move their bodies, interact with other students, and learn useful skills at the same time.
Social Skills & Leadership
Students learn how to work with different training partners, communicate respectfully, listen, cooperate, and encourage one another.
As they advance, we expect more from them.
Higher-ranked students aren't simply kids who know more techniques. They are expected to become leaders.
Our younger and newer students watch them, learn from them, and follow their example. Developing that sense of responsibility is an important part of progressing through our program.
The Warrior Creed
By Robert L. Humphrey
(Marine Rifle Platoon Commander on Iwo Jima & Bujinkan 10th Dan)
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
Come Try a Class
If you're looking for children's martial arts or self-defense classes in the Bethany area, we invite your child to come experience Instinct Defense Academy.
No previous martial arts experience is necessary.
Every student starts with the same thing:
A white belt, a strong foundation, and something to work toward.
Our Other Courses
The Black Belt Master Class is an exclusive training program designed to elevate black belt practitioners to new levels of mastery. Our focus is the complete study of the Koto Ryu Densho, exploring its 58 katas with the depth and precision they deserve.
Our Adult Martial Arts class offers practical, reality-based self-defense skills that enhance not only your physical strength but also your mental resilience. We teach Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, commonly known as Ninjutsu, an ancient Japanese martial art that emphasizes battlefield skills used by the Samurai and Ninja.
Every woman deserves to live with confidence, independence, and security. At INSTINCT Defense Academy, our Empower Her workshops provide the tools to achieve just that. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges or preparing for the unexpected, we help you build the skills to live fearlessly.
Book Your Seat Now!
Sign up for our courses to secure your seat in the upcoming classes. For any queries or detailed information, feel free to contact us. It’s always better to learn than to regret later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Portland kids' martial arts classes promote self-confidence?
Through achieving and setting up goals such as earning belts and learning techniques, Kids' martial arts classes in Portland ensure that children become confident in discovering their inner strengths and believing in themselves.
2. Will martial arts make the child violent?
No. Respect, control, and self-confidence are the skills learned from martial arts that help children answer conflict situations with a cool head and escape physical fights if possible.
3. How many classes a week should the child take?
Most kids would do well on 2–3 classes per week to provide consistency and maintain steady progress.
4. Are there belt promotions or milestones?
Yes. Children move up through a progressive belt system, rewarding effort, progress, and individual development.
5. Is it good for beginners to have some self-defense training?
No, it is all welcome! Children's self-defense classes in Bethany are open to everyone, from beginners to advanced. Children would learn the basics at the start, where each child progresses individually at their own pace in a safe environment.