Styles:
[Karate]
[Judo]
[Brazilian Jiujitsu]
Karate
What is Karate?
Karate is martial art (fighting style) developed in Japan (more specifically the Japanese Ryukyuan Islands). Unlike many other Japanese fighting styles which were developed for and by the warrior class the Samurai, it was mainly practiced by the farmers and fishermen of the island. Because the government had outlawed the ownership of weapons by any except those born to the noble class, karate was and still does focus on unarmed self defense combat. In more recent times, it has also become popular for its fitness and sport aspects.
Why learn Karate?
Reasons for learning karate differ with every student. Many learn it because it is a proven self defense system, many practice it to improve their health and flexibility. Its a fantastic base style for those who might be hoping to become fighters and go out to compete.
How is Karate different than other martial arts?
Karate generally employs punches, kicks, joint locks, and pressure points from a standing position to fight. It is somewhat less acrobatic than some other popular styles, making it more quickly applicable to those with limited flexibility at its basic level.
What is the sport aspect of Karate?
For a full contact system like the one we teach, there are limited karate only full contact tournaments here in the south. There are however several kick boxing and MMA venues which our karate can prepare any interested students for.
What can I expect in a normal class?
Expect a warm up with a healthy dose of stretching, followed by a short period of calisthenics. Once we are all warm and flexible, we proceed to the day's lesson. We believe in sparring with each class to enforce the lessons learned and to keep techniques realistic.
Judo
What is Judo?
Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. It was created out of several schools of Japanese Jujitsu by Jigaro Kano. Its most prominent feature are techniques, where the point is to throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke. Although strikes are acknowledged in Judo, they generally aren't practiced outside of kata.
Why Learn Judo?
Like karate, everyone learns for different reasons. Its a fantastic self defense art which allows smaller weaker defenders to slam their attacks into the ground and a wonderful competitive style with tournaments held all over the country and world. Its also a wonderful tool for fighters seeking to learn how to put their opponents on the ground quickly.
What is the sport aspect of Judo?
Judo is an Olympic sport and has competitions all over the country that students can complete in. It is also a fantastic addition to MMA and Jiu Jitsu fighters in their competitions.
What can I expect in a normal class?
Expect a warm up with a healthy dose of stretching, followed by a short period of calisthenics and break fall practice. Once we are all warm and flexible, we proceed to the day's lesson. Each class has a period of Randori (free grappling) to keep our Judo in fighting form.
Brazilian Jiujitsu
What is Brazilian Jiujitsu?
BJJ is a grappling (similar to a wrestling fighting style) developed in South America based on Japanese Judo which was based on Japanese Jiujitsu, which was a Samurai style of unarmed combat. It is used to either take an attacker to the ground, or if knocked down already, to quickly knockout and or disable the offending person. This style has enjoyed popularity because of the enormous number UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighters who employ it. Although many MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters learn and use BJJ, it is also an effective self defense style and a sport all to itself.
Why Learn Brazilian Jiujitsu?
As with all martial arts, most start BJJ for self defense, but most stay for the sport and fitness aspects. BJJ training builds extreme core strength and endurance, and in its sport form, it allows athletes to compete at full strength without the same level of injury associated with other combat sports.
How is Brazilian Jiujitsu different from other martial arts?
Generally, BJJ focuses on joint locks, chokes, and throws to disable opponents. An unfortunate truth is that most fights end up on the ground and BJJ equips students to deal with situations where they find themselves pinned or held by attackers. Despite the fact that BJJ is more popular with men than women, it is a wonderful self defense style for any woman who is worried about confronting stronger larger opponents.
What is the sport aspect of Brazilian Jiujitsu?
BJJ competitions are becoming increasingly popular and more tournaments are being held locally each year. In 2009 the largest grappling organization in the world, NAGA (North American Grappling Association) finally held a championship in Charlotte, showing the increase in interest within North Carolina.
