Traditional Martial Arts for Self-Defense in Rockville

Goju-ryu karate is an effective martial art for defending yourself against an attacker. Powerful striking, close-in fighting, low kicks along with grabbing, unbalancing, and more. We provide a unique art for self-defense in Rockville.

But developing martial arts skill takes time, and, to be frank, is probably not the best way to get “battle ready” quickly.

The true value of training is much broader than just being able to withstand or engage in violence. Traditional karate training can help defend against the “attackers” that we all face:

  • obesity and other disorders that come from a sedentary lifestyle.

  • the stress, depression, anxiety that comes with life in the 21st century.

  • the anger, frustration, and immaturity that leads us towards stupid decisions.

  • the near certainty of slipping, tripping, or falling down, especially as we age.

Traditional karate is a lifetime study of a deep art, different from straightforward self-defense classes in Rockville.

Scroll down to read about our Training Methods and Philosophy for self-defense in Rockville, MD.

A typical class Looks Like…

  • Warm Up

    A thorough warmup, including gentle full body movement to prepare your body for training. This usually includes several karate-specific movements called Preparatory Exercises along with the more standard hip rotations, reaching, and breathing you are probably already familiar with. I’ll be honest here, as I’ve gotten older the importance of a proper warmup has only grown.

  • Basics

    Basic techniques such as punching, kicking, and blocking, both stationary and moving around the space. This type of training is often referred to as Kihon, or basics, and it serves to both polish your technique and get the heart pumping.

  • Partner Work

    Partner work, including more basic techniques, pre-arranged sets, or self-defense drills with live human training partner.

  • Kata

    Kata are pre-arranged solo forms that contain the techniques of our karate style. If you have not seen kata demonstrated before, imagine Tai Chi done with a bit more vigor or a dance routine composed mainly of striking and blocking moves. We also spend time practicing bunkai or the fighting techniques behind the kata movements.

Traditional karate training includes a range of activities to build strength, balance, and flexibility while also developing martial skill.

Every class is slightly different and may also include body conditioning drills to strengthen your hands and forearms, light weightlifting using traditional karate strength implements, controlled sparring with a partner or training with traditional Okinawan weapons.

self-defense in Rockville self-defense classes in Rockville

Our Training Philosophy is simple -

Personal Attention

I keep my class size deliberately small (5 students or less) to maximize my ability to work with each student.

I run the classes, I administer rank tests, and I take the responsibility of passing karate on to you seriously.

To Match Your Experience Level

No prior experience is necessary.

No minimum fitness level is required.

Just an open mind and willingness to train.

And Develop Awareness and Control

Karate training helps you gain control over the one thing in this world we all have control over: ourselves.

Training requires introspection and a critical eye, both of which push the student to better understand themselves and the art.