Classes

This class is for the beginner student from white belt to blue belt. Kata or forms are the pre-arranged fight moves that are designed to teach the body how to move. They can also be used for self-defense purposes. Short forms are one step sparring techniques that teach the student to move out of the way of an attack and how to counter attack. Two short forms are taught per belt level. i.e. white belts learn short form ichi (1) and ni (2). Orange belts learn short form san (3) and shi (4), while still practicing the first two short forms.

This class is designed for the higher belt students from green belt and beyond. Higher level kata are taught with focus on basic kata for precision of strikes and kicks. Higher belt students learn the higher level short forms.

Practical yet basic self-defense techniques are taught to the lower belt students. This would consist of the basic wrist grab release to a little more advanced choke release defense.

Conditioning helps the students build muscle memory for stronger kicks and punching. Beginner stretching techniques are taught to the lower belt students.

A 9am class is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for adult students that have their mornings free. Conditioning, kata, short forms and self-defense is offered during these classes.

Higher level belts learn more advanced self defense techniques that range from a rear bear hug release to knife and gun disarms.

Higher belts work on more advanced conditioning for hands and body. Students strike makawara boards or striking pad to strengthen the hands for punching. Stretching is also an important factor in martial arts training.

Literal translation of kobudo is the way of the ancient military. Students must be of at least a yellow belt or must be invited to attend this class. This class covers the traditional Okinawan weapons which consist of “farm tools” such as the Bo (staff) which is the base weapon. Once a student has passed a review they may advance to any weapon of their choice i.e. Oar, nunchaku, kama, tonfa etc.

Chanbara is a Japanese full contact sword art that was created for the modern person by Tenabe Tetsundo. Based on Kendo, without all the pain or expense of the equipment. Padded foam swords are used to simulate true Samurai combat. Students learn sword techniques and have fun battling each other. This is one of the more popular classes offered at Rising Sun Karate. Sensei Tim is the US representative for Chanbara in the Southwest region.

With the popularity of the UFC and MMA on TV, grappling is offered on Friday at 4:30pm. Grappling is for ground fighting. Although punching on the ground is not taught in this class. Students of all ranks and age may attend this class.

Toyama-Ryu is the style taught for the Samurai sword. Iaido may be everything from just drawing the sword to actually making cuts.