Believing in yourself starts early
Could your child use a bit more confidence? A better way to burn off energy? A great group of new friends? Our Little Tigers program gives 5 and 6 year olds from Naperville, Aurora and the surrounding towns all of that in a class built specifically for their age and attention span.
Each 30-minute session includes exercises that develop balance, coordination and gross motor skills. Little Tigers run, jump, kick and have a great time while improving their athleticism. Just as importantly, they learn to practice in a group, cooperate with a partner, focus on a teacher and follow verbal instructions. That prepares your child for greater success in school and in other team sports.
What a Little Tigers class looks like
We keep things moving. Young children learn best in short bursts, so a class rotates through warm-ups, a technique of the day, drills that feel like games, and a quick focus exercise before bowing out. Every technique is taught step by step, in language a five year old understands, and we use a variety of drills, training tools and teaching methods so no two classes feel the same.
- Warm-up games that sneak in stretching, balance and coordination.
- Kicks, blocks and stances taught one piece at a time.
- Partner and target drills that build cooperation and self-control.
- Focus and listening challenges that carry straight into the classroom.
Our Little Tigers instructors are friendly, encouraging and have plenty of experience with young children. We keep a small student-to-teacher ratio so every child gets the individual attention they need to learn fundamentals properly.
Confidence, courage and goal-setting
Self-confidence is one of the most important skills a young child can develop. Some students are born with it; others have to learn it. Our philosophy is to build confidence through encouragement, praise and motivating kids to attempt new things. A specially designed curriculum leads Little Tigers through a series of striped belts on a regular schedule, so even our youngest students learn how to set a goal, work toward it and feel the pride of earning it.
Instead of teaching kids how to fight, Little Tigers equips them with the social skills they need most at this age: taking turns, showing respect, speaking up with a confident voice, and trying again after a mistake. Parents tell us those habits show up at home and at school within weeks.
Is my child ready?
If your child is 5 or 6, they are ready. No previous experience in martial arts or sports is needed, and we train children of all personality types, from the shy to the very energetic. The best way to find out whether it is a fit is to come try a class. Your free trial class lets your child meet the instructors, try the basics and see how much fun it is, with no obligation.
When your Little Tiger turns 7, they graduate into our Kids Martial Arts program (ages 7–12), where the skills they built carry right over.
Class times
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:10–5:40pm | — | 4:25–4:55pm | 4:25–4:55pm | — | 10:10–10:40am |
Full schedule for all age groups →
Frequently asked questions
How long are Little Tigers classes?
Thirty minutes. That is intentionally short so 5 and 6 year olds stay engaged from bow-in to bow-out. Classes run Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; see the class schedule for times.
My child has never done any sport. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Little Tigers is designed for complete beginners. Skills are taught in small pieces and layered as your child progresses, so every student starts at the right level.
Do parents stay and watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the viewing area during class, and we encourage it, especially for the first few sessions.
What does my child wear to the trial class?
Comfortable athletic clothes they can move in. Students train barefoot on the mat. Uniforms come after enrollment.
Ready to try Little Tigers? Your first class is free and there is no obligation. Reserve a spot or call (630) 870-9293.
Other programs
- Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7–12) — Our core program for ages 7–12. Forty-minute classes that build strength, focus and self-discipline on the way to Black Belt.
- Teen Martial Arts (Ages 13–17) — Ages 13–17 train in our Teen & Adult class: a real workout, real self-defense and the confidence that comes with earning it.
- Adult Tae Kwon Do (Ages 18+) — A total-body workout with a purpose. Stretching, cardio drills, core strength and real self-defense in a welcoming, judgment-free class.
Training from another town? See our pages for Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Oswego and Plainfield families.