Smart. Confident. Fast.

Here’s a martial arts class that builds a progressive pathway to total mind-body fitness, regardless of age, ability, or athleticism. Free from contracts, attendance demands, or down-payments, this class explores Shaolin Kenpo Karate in a wholistic, practice-friendly approach, offering a journey to a martial art that is truly accessible to all.

Knowledge and Accuracy
Shaolin Kenpo Karate is known best for it’s focus on self defense against multiple attackers. When Shaolin Kenpo defenses are examined closely, and slowly, we learn about the use of leverage throughout  the body, gently and measurably increasing internal circulation and chi. The slow, repetitive work refines our understanding of Shaolin Kenpo as a martial art and delivers similar health benefits to that of Tai Chi.

Foundation
We’ll examine how Shaolin Kenpo builds strength, speed and agility throughout the body and in the mind by practicing various foundation-building exercises and dances (katas). Great for legs and hips, as well as the core, this work mirrors some of the best benefits of yoga. These moves are then repeated at various speeds to create an effective, self-guided workout on your path to becoming a Kenpo martial artist.

Power
Shaolin Kenpo utilizes a practice technique called dynamic tension in which muscle groups are tensed while moving from one position to another. Like weight-lifting, dynamic tension goes a long way toward helping the body burn fat, but without the risk of overloading the muscle. Further encouraging self-guided workouts, practicing dynamic tension is a great way to improve muscle tone at your own pace while honing your foundation and accuracy as a Kenpo practitioner.

Speed
Successful self-defense relies heavily on reacting very quickly in any given situation. From the outset, Shaolin Kenpo Karate teaches self defense techniques and strategies that are rooted in speed. When we examine the speed of Shaolin Kenpo, we can quickly see the cardiovascular benefits of the art.  It also become very clear why and how the art is so effective in real life self-defense
situations.

Steady Progress
New material will be introduced each week, making each class progressively more detailed. However, the pace will not exceed the abilities of class members. At times we will work with partners, with kicking and punching bags, sticks, weights and music, all the while focusing on Knowledge, Accuracy, Foundation, Power and Speed. While meditation is not specifically taught in Kenpo, meditative skill and enhanced ability to focus will be gained by each student.