New classes starting November 2nd 2024. We typically accept students from age 7 onward, depending on maturity, through senior citizen. This is a belt-ranked program in Isshin-ryu Karate where you learn the following disciplines.
1. Techniques and applications in blocking, punching, striking, kicking and stance,
2. Mechanics and principles behind proper technique, balance, power, energetics and movement,
3. Various Isshin-ryu katas (formal exercises) that teach self-defense principles in movement,
4. Various Isshin-ryu weapons katas (formal exercises) that teach self-defense using bo (staff), sai, tonfa and sword,
5. Sparring and kickboxing, also known as kumite, with other students in controlled matches, and
6. Various applications and principles in self-defense, knife defense and pain compliance using pressure point and joint manipulation via Kyusho-Jitsu.
Tuition is $55 per month. That's it! There are no contracts. You can attend three 90-minute classes a week. You won't find a better deal anywhere. Private classes are $25 per 60-minute session. Call 908-444-0805 to register!
Increase confidence, strength, flexibility, stamina and health. Reduce stress. Drop pounds. Increase your safety.
Kata, Sparring & Self-Defense - November 2nd, 2024 marks the start of new classes. During this session we will work on three areas; kata, sparring and self-defense. Our kata classes will teach the Isshin-ryu open-hand and weapon katas, and decipher some of the meanings of these movements to show various self-defense applications. Our Kickboxing classes will provide a structural approach to individual combat, also known as Kumite, via drills and controlled sparring practices between students. We'll build the foundations of stances, blocks, strikes kicks and movement and explore the principles of 1) Single Direct Attack, 2) Attack by Combination, 3) Attack by Immobilization, 4) Progressive Indirect Attack and 5) Attack by Drawing. Lastly, our self-defense classes will cover various scenarios and how to defend those scenarios. Knife will also be discussed during these sessions. We also offer 1-hour private lessons and physical conditioning training. The cost of private lessons is $20/hr. We practive at the Arbor Hose Fire Co, 2nd floor. Please see Schedule page for meeting days and times. Call 908-444-0805 to learn more and to register!
Dojo News - We would like to congratulate Meha and Rey on their recent promotions to black-belt. It was a tough test both intellectually and physically. We also want to recognize Jadamarie, Ryan and Matthew on their promotions to brown-belt. We are super proud of each of you. Oosh!
5 Reasons to practice martial arts - Through my life I have participated in various sports, such as track & field, basketball, football, soccer and tennis. Each has left me with a greater sense of personal accomplishment and memories that I hold dear. When my son asked me to enroll him in Karate, I was all too happy. I anticipated for him the same positive experiences that I experienced in my youth. I signed up my son, and likewise myself. Why not? I was just sitting around waiting for him to finish his lessons anyway. I also found the teacher fascinating, and wanted to learn more. So, why not?! When I signed on, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. Now in hindsight, I can honestly say that no sport has contributed to my life more richly than Karate. And, for those who have joined this sport, I can confidently say that their feeling is mutual. At a glance, Karate seems intimidating with techniques that seem fancy and suited for the young and athletic. The personalities may even seem aggressive and intimidating. However, nothing could be further from the truth. And, there are some very real benefits that are attainable, and could be yours. Those benefits are fitness, self-protection, increased focus, marketability and community.
It helps them make new friends - The bond between martial artists is stronger than most other sports. Martial arts are physical, and they require physical confrontation. When confronted with someone of similar size, strength, and skill, students develop a sense of respect for one another. They realize they are capable, and so are others. Out of healthy respect for themselves and others, long-lasting and rewarding relationships develop.
Students learn better human relation skills – During martial arts training, students need to learn the concept of physical space, how physical contact is both an invasion and invasive. The sport literally and figuratively breaks down barriers. Students will confront people of all types and abilities during martial arts training. This kind of exposure helps to prepare them for a dynamic and diverse social environment.
Students learn new coping skills – Your kids deal with a world unlike anything we’ve seen before. The pressures of a social network, expectations, and a world full of need and change are overwhelming for children with no experience to handle it. Martial arts are an outlet. Their physicality trains physical fitness, which balances the body physiologically and emotionally. But it also emboldens kids with a warrior’s mentality of gratitude, humility, respect, and self-confidence. The world is full of confrontation. We’ll teach your kids how to thrive with it.
Students develop better focus and concentration – Practicing martial arts requires patience and persistence. Not everyone is at the same level of skill, but kids need to know that they can change and grow. Adults too! A body is the one thing that everyone has that they can always improve. When you show kids that they can get better when they focus on improving their strengths and weaknesses, you provide them with hope that their dreams are possible. The rewards carry over into every aspect of their lives, like better studying and better behavior at school. For adults, this also translates to stronger work ethic on the job.
Students develop better respect for authorities – In martial arts, as in life, there is always a teacher and a student, and nothing can replace the value of mentorship. Martial arts, more so than other activities, emphasize discipline and respect for authority. Kids need to learn that they’ll go far on their own, but they’ll go the furthest with the help of others. A teacher’s wisdom is the most valuable kind of guidance. A martial arts teacher sets a standard that helps kids relate better to other figures of authority in their lives, like teachers and parents.
I hope that you will consider becoming a part of this community in 2020. Karate is a sport of discipline. However, for those that join this community the benefits that they experience stay with them through life! Oosh!