American Free Style Karate

Spartanburg Martial Arts classes are taught by professional Black Belt instructors who know how to help you achieve your personal success goals. We are motivated and have a sincere interest in your self improvement. We intend for all our students to achieve the goal of Black Belt in rank, but we also want them to become Black Belts in everyday life. We often refer to Black Belt as a metaphor for excellence. Our goal is to help you achieve this ideal of Black Belt excellence and gain the success skills that enable you to lead a healthy, goal oriented lifestyle.

Spartanburg Martial Arts offers classes in American “Free Style” Karate to children, teens, and adults. Classes are divided by age and skill level from beginner to black belt. Classes for children are available in early afternoon or evenings.

Our Focus for Self Defense:
Each technique is repeated many times then we use resistance drills to make the reaction second nature. We simulate some of the most common street attacks with possible variations to give the student an awareness of what could happen. The reality is that it takes time to develop the moves in order to be effective. Confidence builds as the student uses the moves in intense situation drills. Better your odds of surviving on the street with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu!

Submission Wrestling and Sport Jiu-JItsu:
Many of the moves that are taught in class are put to the test in a controlled environment. Although it is hard to simulate the street, it is the closest thing you can get to actually being in a real fight. It’s an eye opening way to learn and experience how a fight can be finished with a variety of submissions. You learn how to control your body to create the leverage it takes to escape bottom positions and execute moves against people who are bigger and stronger than you.

Women’s Self Defense:
Now more than ever criminals are targeting women in parking lots of department stores, grocery stores, and even gas stations across America. Learn what you can do to put the odds of surviving back in your hands before you become a victim.

Check back for future sessions.

Competition Team:
A few of us with competitive ambitions travel around the country to showcase our skills that we work hard to perfect. All ages from the beginner to the advanced are invited to join us at tournaments to help represent and support our team.

Training Focus:

1. Mixed Martial Arts
2. Sport Jiu-Jitsu
3. Submission Wrestling

Training Times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
7:30 – 8:30 PM Mon-Thu Adult Class (ages 12 and up)Saturday Classes announced during the week.
Private lessons available. E-mail for times.

Other Information:

Head Coach – Blake Wood Brown Belt under Roberto Traven and a
RobertoTravenBJJ.com Association Member

Students will be required to purchase a jiu-jitsu or judo style uniform to train in. Uniforms must be kept clean. No jewerly other than wedding bands. Finger nails and toe nails must be clean and clipped. No talking during training unless it has to do with the subject matter of class.

For questions please e-mail Blake Wood at bjj_blakewood@yahoo.com.

 

What is Muay Thai?  

Muay Thai (which simply means the boxing of Thailand) is the national sport of Thailand. Its beginnings are faded in ancient history yet woven into the fabric of Thai tradition, spiritual beliefs, and legends.  It was developed as a defense against enemy nations and it was tested in hand to hand combat by the ancient warriors of Siam.  The art has passed from generation to generation and considered a vital part of Thai heritage.

Muay Thai is a system of unarmed combat that makes use of four of the body’s weapons: legs, knees, elbows and fists. Its effectiveness is unmatched in the world of martial arts due to its simple training approach: keep things basic, using only what works and train, train, train. Since the 1920’s Muay Thai has developed into a modern day sport similar to western boxing and similarly has a global fight circuit.

Training

Muay Thai is essentially a pugilist (boxing) system, which employs basic, yet powerful, punches, elbow strikes, knees and kicks. Unlike other martial arts, there are no katas or forms, but pad drills and techniques to develop fighting skills. Training focuses on developing cardio endurance, a strong core, power, speed, timing and reflexes.  It is the devastating effect of these techniques that make Muay Thai a deadly art.

Muay Thai Training at SMA

The goal of Muay Thai training is to develop the kicks, strikes, speed, and power that allow a fighter to be comfortable in the ring as well as on the street.  After a period of training and developing both control and power, a student may choose to begin sparring in class at Kru Johnson’s discretion.  Some students choose never to spar but plan on using skills for self-defense and overall health.  Others select to begin competing in tournaments and fight events.  Cross training with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is encouraged with classes structured to prepare students for MMA events.

Equipment

Fighters wear protective equipment for fights including boxing gloves, mouth guard and groin protection (amateur fighters wear more protective equipment).   For training and in class, students wear  boxing gloves, hand wraps, mouth guard, and shin protectors.  This protects fellow students and allows for training at a greater intensity.

Class Schedule:

M  T W TH 7:30-8:30  Sparring – with permission of Kru Johnson

Contact Kru Van Johnson at lexx2222@yahoo.com  

Class Equipment List

Hand Wraps , 16 oz Boxing Gloves, Shin Guards, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, Head gear, Thai shorts.

Not all equipment has to be purchased up front.

Am I too out of shape? Fitness is not required to begin. Although many students report weight loss and increased physical fitness at the early levels, the beginner and intermediate classes are not strenuous workouts. See testimonials below.

Don’t I need flexibility for all those high kicks? Flexibility is not required as we do not practice high kicks. Kenpo Karate kicks are practiced to the waste level and below.

Will I get injured while sparring? Kenpo Karate is pure self-defense – meaning – there is no “sport karate sparring”. Our Kenpoists do not put on hand and foot pads and “free spar” each other in a tournament style format. The focus in Kenpo is “street self-defense” – not “scoring points” for winning trophies in competition. Coach Robert emphasizes that Sport Karate (tournament style “point fighting” and/or kickboxing) offers many valuable benefits, but is taught as a separate program outside of the regular Kenpo class formats. As mentioned above, you will learn self-defense basics, then you will practice these basics in various combinations of self-defense techniques. We practice in the air to develop proper technique, on targets to develop speed and power, and with partners to develop accuracy – as well as get a feel for how Kenpo works in a real “street confrontation”. Safety and control is always of major emphasis, so that students are practicing in a non-contact, injury-free environment.

Am I too old for kenpo classes? Not likely, as our “oldest” student to date was a happy 69 years old! And he loved Kenpo classes (so did his 63 year old wife)! Reno and Olide Bucci trained with us for 12 months, earning 1st Degree Blue Belts in the process. See testimonials below.

I have never been very athletic… Kenpo Karate is easy to learn and highly effective. One reason adults love Coach Robert’s Kenpo classes is because they are so much FUN! And we have excellent assistant instructors eager to provide the highest level of service and personal attention to all of our students. You will learn how to defend yourself against all types of attacks, with a few examples being: punches, kicks, bear hugs (front and rear), chokes (front and rear), headlocks, hammerlocks, pushes, grabs, club attacks, knife and gun attacks, etc. The bottom line in Kenpo Karate is that we empower our students with the ability to defend themselves (and others) in dangerous, life-threatening situations – making our students feel safer and safer with each passing week they are training.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:

“I have much more confidence, courage, and peace in my daily life. I really enjoy all the new friends I’ve made in Kenpo class!.” — Chuck Johnson, 60 yr. young businessman

“After taking Kenpo Karate, my hands and feet are now weapons that are always with me wherever I go.” — Reno Bucci, 69 years young

“I feel so much safer when I am out in the world.” — Paula Howlett, 29 yr. old nurse

“I now feel like I can defend myself if someone attacks me.” — Kaylon McCue, 14 year old High School student

“Not only are Coach Robert’s classes fun and entertaining, I am amazed to have lost 50 pounds – and it’s not even a strenuous workout.” — Dr. Ed Byrd, 45 yr. old MD

“Kenpo Karate has taught me to have a lot of self-respect, and respect for others as well. During the past seven months I have learned to focus on studying for my tests and to do better in my school work. I like the feeling that I can defend myself if someone attacks me.” — Tyler Lawter, 17 year old High School student

“I love basketball, and Kenpo Karate has really helped improve my balance and coordination. I control my body much better because of training here. Also, the classes here make me more motivated for physical fitness and conditioning. Kenpo has really helped my football skills as well – my speed and agility have really improved.” — Vareck Gober, 12 yr. old

“Kenpo Karate is the first and only physical activity that I have been able to maintain any interest in for a long period of time. I enjoy it more and more. I am learning things that I never thought possible. The good thing is that I believe that I can do these things. Nothing else worked for me in my 65 years of looking. I not only feel younger and full of energy but I am enjoying myself doing it. My increase in energy has served as a great stress reducer, and consequently has improved my ability to allow myself pleasures not before recognized. It is a new found ability to enjoy more of life!” — Bill Spooner, 65 years young

“Chris (10 yrs. old) was at the pool last summer. Two bigger boys started pushing him around – bullying him. They started holding his head under the water. I (Rose) went over to tell Chris to come out of the pool, but as one of them lifted him up, he turned around and smacked the boy with an Overhead Elbow Strike, and then proceeded to punch the other bully. That settled matters once and for all, and I was so happy that Chris had Kenpo skills to defend himself”. — Mark and Rose Neal

“Kenpo is the highlight of my day! I really enjoy the stress relief it provides. All the instructors are great, and the classes are a lot of fun.” — Luke Hancock, 32 yr. old Chiropractor

COACH ROBERT’S CURRICULUM:

The class curriculum for the William Wallace Kenpo Karate program consists of self-defense techniques and principles from several different martial arts systems. Our primary base is the Ed Parker System of Kenpo Karate. Filipino martial arts, primarily Serrada Escrima, and Russian martial arts (Systema) are also a part of the William Wallace Kenpo Karate program.

COACH ROBERT’S MARTIAL ARTS BACKGROUND:

Here’s a brief synopsis of my martial arts history. For those who are interested, I also have available a more in-depth history of my experience and training in the wonderful world of martial arts, personal growth, and addiction healing. As of September, 2006, I have been training in martial arts for 34 years, and teaching martial arts for 32 years – first as an assistant instructor in January 1974, then as a Black Belt lead instructor beginning in October 1976.

Sep 1972 – Dec 1979 Korean Tae Kwan Do (Jee Do Kwan system under Yoo Jin Kim)

Jan 1980 – present American Sport Karate (under Vernon Johnson, Keith Vitali, Ken McGuire)

Oct 1982 – Aug 1993 Tracy Kenpo and Parker Kenpo under Ken McGuire

Nov 1993 – present Ed Parker Kenpo under Lee Wedlake (and Huk Planas Nov ‘93 – 2002)

Oct 1994 – present Serrada Escrima and Russian Systema under Al McLuckie and Lee Wedlake

WHO’S ELIGIBLE: All males and females, age 8 yrs. to senior citizen

REQUIREMENTS: All you need to begin is an interest in learning a fascinating self-defense system of Chinese origin, rich in history, totally efficient in application. Kenpo Karate is pure self-defense that is easy to learn and highly effective. You can find out for yourself by trying a free lesson and experiencing the growth of self-empowerment within yourself as you learn Kenpo Karate – one of the most effective and easy to learn self-defense systems available.

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR: Robert Wallace, 34 years experience (as of September 2006) in Martial Arts with Black Belts in three different styles. (24 years in Kenpo Karate)

INTRODUCTORY PROCESS: Try a free private lesson, and then a free class! If you like that, you can try an introductory course. No obligation!

TIMES: Mondays/Wednesdays 6:30 pm Westside Studio (Blackstock Road, Sptbg)
Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:30 pm Westside Studio (Blackstock Road, Sptbg)

QUESTIONS? Call Coach Robert today for more info: 864-576-2525

www.williamwallacekenpo.com robertwallace@alltel.net

These classes give you a full body workout and improve your physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, and balance. If you do the punches with precision and power, you will strengthen your upper body and eventually see more muscle definition. The kicks will strengthen your legs. And kneeing moves (a strike in which you thrust your bent knee upward) will firm your abdominal muscles; in fact, all of the moves, when done correctly, will make your torso into a solid base that lets you do day-to-day tasks more easily. Our fitness kickboxing classes also includes bagwork that provides additional fitness and strength training benefits because of the “resistance” when punching or kicking the heavy boxing bags.

Class Information

Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Saturdays at 9:30 to 10:30 AM