Class Schedule
We currently offer classes on 2 nights a week:
Tuesday
Friday
Classes are divided by age with a class for younger children (ages 5-10), juniors (10 and up), and adults.
In this manner, age appropriate instruction can be provided, specifically tailored to fit the needs of each age group.
Classes run:
6-7pm (kids)
7-8:30pm (juniors and adults)
Class Format
Our curriculum integrates several different aspects of both Okinawan GoJu-ryu karate-do and Korean Hap Ki Do. Classes begin with a warmup, consisting of stretching, techniques, pad/bag work, and more. The main portion of the class is focused around self-defense. We incorporate concepts from both Goju and Hap Ki Do that complement one another to widen the breadth of training. Sparring is mixed in to the class schedule, either as an extension of the warmup or as a way to finish off a hard night's workout.
Stretching: led by a senior student, the class loosens up the entire body from head to toe to prepare for the night's training.
Techniques: This allows students the opportunity to master the basic strikes, blocks, and control of their technique power and reach. Instructors provide feedback and correct inconsistencies.
Breakfalls and rolls: Students are taught to fall without injury. It is an essential skill that all students must master as they must be prepared for anything. Breakfalls and rolls are key for self-defense training (especially throws, takedowns, and releases).
Endurance and agility: To further warmup the body and build strength, instructors will incorporate different workouts to to build student's strength and overall fitness. Workouts include bag work, pad drills, and ladder drills.
Round robin: students will pair off with a partner and rotate after each round to spar a "new face." Depending on the number of students that are present in class, rounds can last anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
One-step: a slowed down version of round robin sparring, students work with their training partners one strike at a time to practice blocking, stepping, and counter striking.
Multiple-man: students may find themselves attacked by a group and must adapt to the situation. Different teachniques and strategies are taught to handle multiple attackers, from 2 up to 10.
One key aspect of sparring in our school is we do not wear any protective gear. You will not be wearing any pads or protection on the street so you should be prepared to defend yourself without it, and also be prepared to be hit and be able to continue to defend yourself. While sparring in the dojo, students are taught to control their techniques to not hurt their training partners, and they have opportunities to test the power of their techniques while working with pads or bags.
Self-defense against strikes: the essence of karate (i.e., "empty hand" or weaponless), students are placed in scenarios where they are attacked by punches and kicks. Students are taught blocking, stepping, and counter striking combinations to subdue an opponent and escape a hostile situation unharmed.
Takedowns: depending on the situation, a student may have a need to drop their opponent to the ground, allowing the student to escape from the attacker.
Throws: an extension of basic self-defense - our martial arts system adopts throws from Judo and incorporates throws into our self-defense system. A vast array of techniques are taught that are applied to attackers of different sizes. Examples include: o-goshi, seoi-nage, osoto-gari, and tomoe-nage.
Locks: Focused on subduing an attacker and controlling their body movement. We incorporate techniques from hapkido, jujitsu, & aiki-jutsu.
Releases: In addition to strikes, students may be grabbed by an attacker to restrict movement and cause pain. Students must be like magicians and have a bag of tricks ready to use. Students are taught loosening techniques, simple releases, as well as, more advanced releases that lead into counter locks or throws. Students will learn releases from: chokes, headlocks, bear hugs, and other body grabs/holds.
Ground Defense: One of the most exhausting situations, where energy expenditure is 5 times greater than fighting on your feet. Students are prepared for scenarios where they are on the ground and must defend themselves against an attacker standing or also on the ground.
Weapon Defense: students are taught basic self-defense techniques against common weapons they may experience on the street, including knife, gun, and sticks. The same techniques are applied to attacks with a baseball bat, broken bottle, and more.
Circle-D: a simple exercise where a student is placed in the center of a circle and attacked from different angles by different techniques. This serves as an overall review of all self-defense techniques and identifies areas of focus and improvement.
Higher ranks have the ability to further their training by learning traditional karate weapons (i.e., bo staff, sai) and GoJu kata.