What Every Parent Should Know About the Dragonites Program
If you’ve been searching for martial arts classes for your young child in Fort Walton Beach, you’ve probably found a lot of options that look pretty similar. Kids in uniforms, learning kicks and punches. And that’s great. But what if martial arts could give your 5, 6, or 7-year-old something even more valuable than physical skills?
That’s exactly what our Dragonites program at Coastal Martial Arts and Fitness was built to do.
More Than Kicks and Punches
Most martial arts programs for young children focus on teaching techniques. And yes, our Dragonites learn real Kempo. But what makes this program genuinely different is what sits alongside the physical training: a structured, practical system for how to not fight and how to stay safe in the real world.
We call it a “Not Fighting” system. And for kids aged 5 to 7, that’s actually the most important skill set we can give them.
What Is the Dragonites Program?
The Dragonites program is a comprehensive curriculum combining practical Kempo training with six blocks of real-world safety skills. It’s not academic. It’s not preachy. It’s hands-on, age-appropriate, and kids genuinely love it.
Here’s what your child learns across the program:
1. The ABCs of Conflict Avoidance
Simple, memorable strategies to avoid dangerous situations before they start. Avoid, Be calm, Communicate with confidence, and Don’t escalate. Tools kids can actually use.
2. Stranger Alert
This goes well beyond “don’t talk to strangers.” Children learn to identify different types of lures – bribery, job offers, assistance requests, directions, and even internet lures. They learn the NO-GO-YELL-TELL method so they know exactly what to do in the moment.
3. Five Rules of Personal Safety
A step-by-step framework for handling confrontation: use your mind, use your words, use your legs (there’s nothing cowardly about walking away), ask for help, and only as a last resort – defend yourself.
4. Trust Your Intuition
Kids have instincts. This section teaches them to trust those instincts. Boundary setting, understanding good touch and bad touch, knowing who to ask for help, and the simple rule: if in doubt, get out.
5. Bully Busting
Practical tools for dealing with bullies – not with fists, but with confidence, words, and smart decision-making.
6. R.A.D. – Recognise, Avoid, Defend
Teaching children to use awareness, distance, voice, and body language to defuse a threatening situation before it becomes physical.
The Kempo Component
Alongside the safety curriculum, Dragonites train through three phases of practical Kempo – 24 classes of age-appropriate martial arts that build coordination, focus, discipline, and confidence. Every class is fast-paced, engaging, and designed for the energy level of young children.
Your child leaves every session having moved their body, challenged their mind, and learned something they can actually use.
Why Ages 5 to 7 Need Their Own Program
Young children learn differently. They need shorter attention spans respected, concepts delivered through stories and role-play, and positive reinforcement woven into every lesson. The Dragonites program is built specifically for this age group – not a watered-down version of an adult class, but a purpose-designed experience.
When your child turns 8, they graduate into our Family Kempo program and train alongside older kids, teens, and even parents. But these early years in Dragonites build the foundation: confidence, awareness, and a safety-first mindset.
Who Teaches Your Child?
Coastal Martial Arts and Fitness is led by Shihan Dave Durman (6th Dan Kempo, 40+ years experience) and Renshi Sally Durman (4th Dan Kempo, advocate for women’s and kids safety). This isn’t a franchise. Your child is taught by the people who built this program, who care deeply about every student, and who bring real life experience into every class.
Ready to Find Out More?
We open April 6, 2026 in Fort Walton Beach, and we’re currently enrolling Founding Members at a special locked-in rate. Founding members keep their rate permanently as the school grows.
If you want your young child to grow up confident, aware, and safe – not just physically strong – the Dragonites program was made for them.
Get in touch today: hello@coastalmartialarts.com or visit www.coastalmartialarts.com