Below is information on some of the programs we offer. If you wish to sign up, you can easily use our introductory offer!
Karate-Do
The heart of what we teach at the True Martial Arts Academy is karate, also known as karate-do.
Karate-Do means the “way of the empty hands” and offers those that study it an opportunity to enrich both their inner and outer lives.
When karate was first introduced to the United States in the late 1950s, the physical demands, the self-defense benefits, and the demonstrations of phenomenal strength in the use of hands and feet were what received the most attention.
The real and lasting benefits, however, occur mentally and spiritually. It is this quality that more and more people can appreciate as the source of inner strength and peace which radiates from the true martial artist.
It is no accident that with this kind of development, the student of karate can apply his or her focus on any endeavor and achieve success whether in school studies, athletic activities, career pursuits and, perhaps most importantly, in their relationships with other people – including parents, teachers, neighbors, friends, colleagues and adversaries.
Our classes focus on developing all aspects of karate equally, including self-defense, basics, kata (forms), drills, and kumite (sparring), in a safe and fun atmosphere. Classes are age and skill appropriate. Our youth programs emphasize safety skills for peaceful conflict resolution, life skills such as focus and perseverance, as well as traditional karate.
Classes are conducted at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced training levels. Each level provides the necessary skills to progress towards black belt and beyond. All of these classes, including the days and times that they are offered, can be found on our online schedule.
Kobudo
Our intermediate and advanced karate students also have the opportunity to study karate’s sister art known as kobudo, the way with weapons or the old way of the warrior.
The five basic Okinawan weapons studied at our school include the bo (six foot staff), nunchaku (flail), sai (a three-pronged metal weapon), tonfa (baton with handle on the side, also called tuifa), and kama (short-handled sickle) and we also study some weapons outside of the Okinawan tradition such as jo (short staff), sword, escrima sticks, and more.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an excellent activity that develops the physical and mental health for adults of any age. Tai Chi is a series of slow, standing movements that flow one into the other. Practiced in China for centuries, Tai Chi is thought to help maintain life energy (or “qi”) flowing through our bodies, preventing energy blockages that can cause health problems. No experience or uniforms are necessary; all you need are comfortable clothes.
Studies have documented the benefits of Tai Chi, which include:
- Improved Balance, Strength, and Flexibility
- Stress Relief & Self Confidence
- Positive Cardiovascular Effects
Each session will focus on the Yang Style Short Form, Warm-ups, the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a stretching exercise designed to stretch the internal energy channels and Qi Gong, meaning Energy Work which is a series of exercises to help move energy throughout the body.
Please call or email us for information on when the next Tai Chi Program begins.
Self Defense
You Can Protect Yourself!
EZ Defense is a self-defense program that teaches participants to successfully defend against an assailant of any size.
EZ Defense is based on the idea that learning is best accomplished by “doing.” In all our programs, you will work with a highly trained team of instructors who will create safe yet powerful scenarios and role plays designed to help you experience the rush of self defense without the danger of consequences.
You will learn simple, effective self-defense and prevention skills through the EZ Defense program. These are techniques that any person, regardless of age or fitness level, can learn.
Students practice in a safe environment. The instructor teaches and demonstrates all the techniques and coaches students while they practice. For classes involving strikes, the instructors wear padded armor and are trained to allow you to hit and kick w/ full force.
By the end of the course, students have repeatedly used their skills to assess danger, set boundaries, and respond effectively to verbal and physical attacks.
With the support of other students and the instructor, each student has the opportunities to practice using his or her skills, judgments and emotions in simulated attack scenarios. Because the mock assailant wears heavily padded armor and is trained, students can deliver full force strikes and kicks.
Please call or email us for information on when the next EZ Defense program begins.
After School Programs
The After School Martial Arts and Safety Awareness Program is based on the YOUTH S.M.A.R.T. (Safety Methods for Action Response Training) SYSTEM. The system incorporates two specific programs: “Bully Buster” and “Stranger Danger” that develop conflict resolution and stranger awareness skills. Using black belt attitudes such as respect, self-control and discipline, these programs provide students of all ages with educational information as well as the physical and mental skills needed to stop the threats of violence from bullies, strangers, and assailants.
Our program can be customized for your extended day or after school creative arts program (all ages). Typically, we offer a 10 week program providing a 45-minute instruction at each session.
Please contact us for more information.