Mind

Training refreshes, energizes, and improves mental focus. By emphasizing a mindset of respect, gratitude and discipline – and encouraging improvement through positive motivation – we shape minds suited for training. Over time, we learn:

• Stress management
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Self control
• Fortitude
• Discipline

Body

Through training we condition our bodies to deal with the physical world, sustained activity, and to move quickly and effectively. Whether for defense against violence, sport application, or personal and spiritual development, we gain:

• Physical power
• Better reflexes and coordination
• Strength and stamina
• Flexibility
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Better balance and structure

Spirit

 Through regular and disciplined training we face and defy our limitations, strengthen our resilience, learn to protect ourselves, and become more confident and capable. With disciplined repetition, we build skill in several areas that, taken together, help improve the whole person:

• Self Defense

• Kata

• Sparring

• Breaking

Defending yourself and others involves far more than just learning how to throw a punch, or a person. We learn how to protect ourselves by becoming disciplined, adaptive, resourceful and confident. An attack breeds fear, fear induces stress, and stress reduces effective motor function. When a person is in a serious situation, there is no time to think of what to do, there is only time to react and respond. To be effective we need to condition our minds to think efficiently, make good decisions, and respond accordingly when under stress.

Forms (kata) are free-flowing, choreographed technique combinations. Practicing kata helps students establish a solid biomechanical base and connected mental focus. Forms are executed alone against imaginary opponents to improve technique, balance, fluidity, stamina, concentration and focus. Each kata is created using various stances, strikes, blocks, trapping/locking techniques. Many kata are performed empty-handed, while others utilize weapons such as katana.

Sparring is a competitive, sport application of basic techniques, footwork, stamina, and mental focus. This kind of training can build confidence and character while being a fun experience. It also gives instructors a chance to observe the student’s temperament, level of self-control and adaptability before proceeding with more serious levels of training.

Breaking is one of the only training activities that allow a martial artist to apply the full power of their technique, assess the force of their strikes, and experience the ability of the mind and body to overcome fear and pain.

A martial artist uses a striking surface (a part of their body) to break one or more concrete bricks using the skills they have perfected in their training. The striking surface can be a hand, elbow, knuckles, or forearm.