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The Chinese characters for Tai Chi Chuan can be translated as the 'Supreme Ultimate Force'. The notion of 'supreme ultimate' is often associated with the Chinese concept of yin-yang, the notion that one can see a dynamic duality (male/female, active/passive, dark/light, forceful/yielding, etc.) in all things. 'Force' (or, more literally, 'fist') can be thought of here as the means or way of achieving this ying-yang, or 'supreme-ultimate' discipline. Yang Lu-chan was born in 1799 in Yung-nein in the prefecture of Kuang-p'ing in the province of Hopeh in China. He is widely accepted as the father of the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan.
Kenpo started in Hawaii over half a centrury ago when James Masayoshi Mitose opened his first school of self defense. Since then, such notables in Kenpo- such as William Chow, Ed Parker, and Elvis Presley brought Kenpo to it's current fame. Originally a form of Chuan Fa, Kenpo developes and utilizes lighting fast strikes and kicks for an excellent stand up game. It also has a unique teaching format for self defense techniques which makes it very child friendly.
Jujutsu is an ancient Japanese style of martial art. "Ju" can be translated to mean "gentle, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding." "Jitsu" can be translated to mean "art" or "technique" and represents manipulating the opponent's force against himself rather than confronting it with one's own force. Jujutsu evolved among the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent with no weapon. Because striking against an armored opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws.
Originally born from the fighting arts of Thailand- called Muay Thai- kickboxing have evolved in to a highly effective form of competition focusing on proper kicking and punching techniques, cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Though thoroughly effective on it's own, many combine the techniques of Muay Thai with Brazillion Jiu-jitsu to form the basis for modern mixed martial arts training and competition.
The sport or practice of fighting with the fists, with padded gloves in a roped square ring according to prescribed rules. Students will learn basic footwork and punches.
The "Open Mat" program is a venue designed for all competitors or different styles to come together and practice their skill against other style in a safe, controlled, and yet realistic environment. We look to have a wide variety of style involved- including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Western Wrestling, Sambo, Kenpo, and others. Are practices are all done "empty hand" unless prior arrangements are made. The Open Mat is an excellent and safe venue for expanding your training and gaining valuable experience facing off with practitioners of other styles These session are open to practitioners of all styles, ages 13 and up, and are provided free of charge. Our Open Mat program keeps running through the generosity of our supporters. Please, donate to keep this program open. Future plans for this program include funding training seminars, Hosting local competitions, bringing in teachers of specific disciplines to coach, and helping those who want to compete as amateurs in MMA, Kickboxing, or Grappling tournaments but can't afford too, with the associated fees, travel expenses, etc related to competing.