Kanshin Ryu Kempo is a traditional Japanese art of self-defense. From the Japanese language, Kanshin Ryu translates as “Divine-Heart Style” and Kempo translates as “Law of the Fist”. Kempo is over two thousands years old and its history can be traced back through Japan, Korea and China. Kempo consists of both “hard fist”(blocking, punching, kicking, etc.) and “Soft fist” (throws, take downs, grappling, etc.) techniques. The main focus of the Kempo 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. Kempo 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, katas, 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 Kanshin Ryu Kempo class is Yondan Sean Griffin. See schedule for current class times.

Kanshin Ryu Karate Do has its origins in the Japanese island of Okinawa, Kanshin Ryu translates as “Divine-Heart Style” and Karate Do translates as “the way of the empty-hand”. Although open hand fighting techniques had been practiced on the island 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. The Japanese government classifies all styles of martial arts into seven individual styles, one of which is Karate Do.

Karate Do 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 Kempo class, the Karate Do class is not a “hard-core” self-defense class. The Karate Do 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.

Most of the testing requirements are similar between Karate Do and Kempo except Karate Do students are not required to perform throws and take downs. Karate Do classes are available for children only. Although, adult Karate Do classes are not offered, adults who take the Kempo class do have the option to test under the Karate Do requirements. The Chief Instructor of the Kanshin Ryu Karate Do class is Yondan Sean Griffin. See schedule for current class times.

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 American Kickboxing class is Sean Griffin. David Clapper is also an instructor. 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.