Some classes offer gentle exercise and easy to learn skills, others are very physically and mentally demanding. Here is a description of our adult classes to help you find the place that best suits your interests.
Classes are rated by level of intensity on a scale of 1-5.
Level 1 = light easy exercise, barely any physical contact. Level 2 = light exercise, light contact. Level 3 = moderate- to fairly intense exercise, moderate contact Level 4 = physically demanding, moderate to painful contact Level 5 = very physically demanding, intensly painful, high-risk- agility is required.
Self-defense/ Martial Arts Level 3
Our most popular classes- and where most people begin. These provide a variety of drills and techniques to help you build self-defense skills without the use of weapons. These are fun classes that will get you in shape, improve your flexibility and coordination and teach you punching and kicking skills as well as joint locks, submission restraints, falling skills, use of your knees and elbows and a wide range of strategies and tactics. This class will take you from beginner through intermediate skill levels. Each week you may attend as many classes as you like from the below schedule.
These are enjoyable classes with a comfortable atmosphere and easy to learn skills. In no time at all you'll be moving along with the group and learning a fascinating and practical martial art. Physical contact is very light and controlled, you don't need to be agile and the class offers a light workout but is not physically demanding. No martial arts experience is necessary. As a sword student you may attend one or both classes. Mondays 7:45- 8:35pm Fridays 6:10- 7:00pm
Weapons Level 1
Weapons class provides instruction in the use of the 6' wooden staff as well as other martial arts weapons- excluding swords. We practice kata (forms) as well as self-defense applications of weapons.While not physically demanding, kata can be challenging to learn and are a great way to work your mental and physical dexterity. Light exercise, light physical contact.
Monday 5:40- 6:30pm
Kata Level 2
This class, offered for blue belts and higher, is for practice of kata of karate and Motobu Udundi. Kata (forms) are choreographed movements practiced as a form of light exercise. This is offered so those who have enjoyed the historical value of kata and the light exercise provided by practice, may continue.
Wednesday 7:00- 7:50pm
Tuidi Level 4 for newcomers Level 5 for those who are ready for it
The focus here is on the wide range of techniques available to those who are moderately skilled at ukemi, (basically means people who know how to be thrown without being injured). We practice against empty handed attacks, attacks with weapons and multiple attackers.
This class is not for everyone. Students may join only after training for several months in the Self-defense/Martial Arts class. Class is very physical and fast paced. Newcomers to this class will be handled carefully but not gently. Experienced people will throw each other hard, strike hard, receive and apply extremely painful techniques.
