Shorei-ryu
Shorei-ryu is a traditional Okinawan karate system that embraces a meticulous repertoire of techniques. The style emphasizes training techniques that develop power, speed, fluidity, relax responses, sparring ability, and control – both mental and physical. Students learn to apply these principles in a variety of situations: self defense, sparring and katas – choreogrpahed routines developed hundreds of years ago to help teach the student the very essense of physical, mental and spiritual awareness.
Lil’ Sharks
The "Lil’ Sharks" program is a fun and exciting introduction to karate for kids ages 3-5. It is an eight (8) week program that meets twice a week. The classes are 30 minutes long and occur every Tuesday and Thursday. Some of the benefits include:
- Builds proper attitude, respect and discipline
- Increases flexibility and strength
- Improves coordination and concentration.
- Develops self-esteem and self-confidence.
Wushu
Wushu is primarily an exhibition sport, but because of its traditional roots, many moves still retain their traditional fighting application. Wushu training focuses on building flexibility, speed, balance, and explosive and dynamic strength. Wushu classes will focus on Chang Quan (Long Fist) training, which is the most commonly seen style of wushu, and is a compilation of traditional Kung Fu styles such as Pao Chui (Cannon Punch), Hua Quan (Flower Fist), Hong Quan (Flood Fist), and Fan Zi Quan (Tumbling Fist).
Advanced students in Wushu will eventually be allowed to move on to weapons training, and other empty-handed styles such as Nan Quan (Southern Fist), Fan Zi Quan (Tumbling Fist), Tong Bei Quan (Drawing Strength from the Back Fist), Ying Zhao Quan (Eagle Claw), and Di Tang Quan (Falling Fist).
These classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:15pm. It is open to all ages and no prior martial arts knowledge is required.
XMA (Xtreme Martial Arts)
Our XMA program is a combination of techniques, methods of movements, and philosophies from all martial arts styles blended together with high-flying acrobatics, gymnastics, and the hottest Hong Kong "Chop-Saki" action. It is what kids are seeing on TV, in the movies, and on the Internet. The goal of the XMA program is to take the skills our students have and bring them to the Xtreme level – challenging the students to become better than they thought possible.
In our XMA program, we train and condition our bodies to test our physical limits, but at the same time, through this training, we also develop mental strength and tenacity to aid in overcoming physical challenges. Life presents us with many obstacles on all different levels, and the XMA program is here to help you feel more confident in dealing with these challenges, mentally, physically and emotionally.
We have two seperate phases in this program so that student can develope their schools in an organized fashion. Phase 1 is an introductory phase for those who have little or no experience in the XMA program. Members will meet and practice basic techniques as well as begin development on creative forms. These classes are on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 12:30pm. Phase 2 is the for the more advance practitioners of the XMA. This class will review basics but will focus more on advance techniques and forms. Both classes will be open to all ranks and ages. XMA program members from both phases will also be invited to join the group for acrobatic "flip and kick" training, which is not part of the Elite Program, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-7:00pm. Don't hesitate, call us today to join this exciting fast pace program today.
Kosho Kenjutsu
Kosho Kenjutsu, Old Pine Tree Sword Methods, is the style of sword practice taught at Sharkey's Karate Studio by Sensei Jeremy M. Talbott, who has been studying kenjutsu for 17 years. Sword training requires, as with anything, repetitive practice in the basics. Success in kenjutsu, as well as in real life, is achieved through physical effort, mental discipline, and honest self-examination or spiritual awakening.
Proper etiquette and safe, correct sword handling is taught to the beginning student. A good foundation of basic cuts, postures and distancing help a student to progress in his/her study of the sword. Since people no longer carry swords in modern society, we also teach empty hand and weapon bunkai (application of form) of the sword forms so that the studen can use their skills in a self defense situation. As the student progresses, they are taught kiri-waza (cutting techniques), happo-giri (eight directional cutting), kata and kumitachi (two man drills).
Kenjutsu training is based on a variety of movements of attack and defense and is a means to strengthen the mind and the will to improve oneself. It is this aspect of kenjutsu that attracts many of its most devoted practitioners. When you face an opponent you are facing yourself.
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai chi chuan is an internal martial art based on the Yin-Yang principle of Taoism. Its most basic principle is to use "soft" movements to counter "hard" attacks, and vice versa – essentially using an opponent's strength against them – and allowing a smaller person to defeat a larger opponent.
As a modern exercise, it focuses on increasing flexibility, balance, strength and retraining posture through low-impact, isometric practice of routines. In class, you will learn the 42 Forms Tai chi routine, which contains movements from the five main schools of Tai chi: Chen, Wu, Hao, Sun and Yang.
Private Lessons
Private lessons can cover such topics as working on requirements for a belt test or getting ready for a tournament. Interested students may sign up at the Pro Shop. Contact a staff member for more details.
“I wish I had the opportunity these kids have when I was growing up. Great role models and world-class instruction are a hard combination to find. Not to mention these kids love coming to class – quite often, I cannot get them to leave!”
Dan Wolf, Parent
