Imagine being at school 8 hours and you would be ready to go home. Just like a parent wants out of the office and to go home for the day, children need a whole different atmosphere that is not play time, but time to get allot accomplished. Atmosphere is very important for maximizing the impact a program can offer a child after a long 8 hours at school. It is very well worth it to pass up a convenient after school program. A more exciting atmosphere where the proper tools, mats and top level instruction is ready for your child. Your investment in time and money go further with a true martial arts setting. After school programs we reviewed are also limited in what can be taught and are used as feeder programs to eventually lead children to a proper karate atmosphere.