“ I COME TO YOU WITH ONLY “KARATE” - EMPTY HANDS- I HAVE NO WEAPONS; BUT SHOULD I BE FORCED TO DEFEND MYSELF, MY PRINCIPLES OR MY HONOR...SHOULD IT BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH, OF RIGHT OR WRONG, THEN HERE ARE MY WEAPONS- “KARATE” - MY EMPTY HANDS.”     -ED PARKER

Through our class, we want to carry on the traditions established by the late Senior Grand Master Ed Parker. He is best known to Kenpoists as the founder of American Kenpo and is referred to fondly as the "Father of American Karate". He created a logical organization for the basic Kenpo techniques, dividing them into eight categories, such as stances, blocks, punches and so on. Master Parker taught the martial arts to many actors and celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen and was a major contributor in the notoriety and succes of Bruce Lee.

Kenpo translates as “Law of the Fist”. Kenpo is over two thousands years old and its history can be traced back through Japan, Korea and China. Kenpo consists of both “hard fist”(blocking, punching, kicking, etc.) and “Soft fist” (throws, take downs, grappling, etc.) techniques. The main focus of the Kenpo class is to teach practical self-defense techniques, while getting a great workout. This class is not designed to focus on students winning tournament trophies or simply demonstrating flashy flying kicks. Kenpo uses techniques, which attacks opponents; joints, nerves and balance points, in order for a smaller defender to successfully defeat a larger/stronger opponent.

New students are welcomed into a beginner's class, where students will learn a wide variety of techniques, to include; self-defense versus grabs and holds, basic blocks and strikes, forms, and more! As students progress, they can enter into advanced classes, where they will train in; disarming opponent’s weapons, advanced throws, contact sparring, and more! The Chief Instructor of the American Kenpo class is Sensei Sean Griffin. See schedule for current class times.

Karate translates as “empty-hand”. Although open hand fighting techniques had been practiced on the island of Okinawa for centuries, the term Karate, was not officially used until it was introduced into the Okinawan school system in 1902, in order to teach the benefits of martial arts to children.

Karate consists primarily of “hard fist”(blocking, punching, kicking, etc.) techniques, although some “soft fist” (throws, take downs, grappling, etc.) techniques are taught in the class. Unlike the Kenpo class, the Karate class is not a “hard-core” self-defense class. The Karate class focuses on teaching the basic; stances, blocks, punches and kicks, and helps develop motor skills, such as; hand-eye coordination, balance and overall quickness.

New students are welcomed into a beginner's class, where students will learn a wide variety of techniques, to include; self-defense versus grabs and holds, basic blocks and strikes, forms, and more! As students progress, they can enter into advanced classes, where they will train in; disarming opponent’s weapons, advanced spinning and jumping kicks, contact sparring, and more! The Chief Instructor of the class is Sensei Sean Griffin. See schedule for current class times.

Muay Thai/American Kickboxing consists of basic punches and kicks designed to give students a great aerobic workout, while still giving students practical techniques, which could be used in self-defense situations. New students are welcomed into a beginner’s class, which is 45 minutes in length, and consists of an aerobic warm-up with students punching and kicking individually in the air. Next, students put on their hand wraps and boxing gloves, and take out stress as they pound pads with punches and kicks. Next, students “burn-out” with circuit training where they use a variety of kickboxing equipment at the gym, such as; heavy bags, headache bags, dummies, etc. Finally, the class ends with push-ups and crunches, which will top off the best workout you have ever had, guaranteed!

Students are able to progress into an advanced kickboxing class, which consists of; contact sparring, blocks and counter strikes, advanced spinning and jumping kicks, and more! This class can simply challenge students beyond the basic class, or prepare students to fight full contact kickboxing matches. The Chief Instructor of the Muay Thai/American Kickboxing class is Sean Griffin. See schedule for current class times.

If you like the UFC, then you'll love this class. The MMA program at the Martial Arts Gym combines stand-up kickboxing techniques, throws and takedowns and ground fighting techniques. Beginning students do only throws and takedowns and submission wrestling, while advanced students add hand, foot and knee strikes.

Private lessons are available for both new and current students. New students have the option of enrolling only in private lessons if they do not want to participate in regular group lessons. Why take private lessons only? The main reason students take private lessons only, is scheduling! Group lessons are at a fixed time every week. If this schedule is not convenient you may set up private lessons for any time during the day. In addition, you can be flexible with your times and change them from week to week.

Current students also have the option to take private lessons. Private lessons give students an excellent opportunity to develop specific training needs they feel they are lacking. Although all students are given adequate instruction during regular classes the instructors' time is divided equally between all students. During private lessons students have the full attention of the instructor and have an opportunity to catch up on missed classes due to sickness or vacation. Students who have not attended enough regular classes may not be invited to test for their next belt promotion.

Semi-private lessons are also available for groups. Private and Semi-private lessons are typically a half hour in length and are available by appointment only. Please speak with Mr. Griffin to schedule a private lesson and ask about individual and group rates.