Alexandria Soo Do Kwan
Class overview
Basics | Forms | Sparring | Self-defense
Our classes consist of four major elements:
- Basic movements and drills – Various strikes, blocks, clinches, and footwork. These are practiced both solo, and with a partner.
- Forms – A series of linked movements designed to develop body awareness, and to improve mechanical efficiency, coordination, strength, flexibility, and stamina.
- Free sparring – A sport-like activity that involves an exchange of controlled, but unscripted, attacks and defenses.
- Self-defense – Drills where we apply the movements derived from the former aspects of training to escape harmful situations; including being pinned against the ground.
The above represents a summary of our classes which are a mix of art, sport, and self-defense. We also learn history and philosophy of the art and include calisthenics in every class. This makes for a great workout, so you can expect to sweat, a lot.
“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
–Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokai
Weekly class format:
- Monday (7-9pm) – Basic movements and forms.
- Thursday (7:30-9pm)- Sparring drills and free sparring.
- Saturday (11:45-12:45pm) – Forms (preceded by grappling/self-defense).
- Sunday (2-4pm) – Open studio practice (with permission of the instructor).
Mondays are the best day to join us for your first class.
What to expect during class
- At the beginning of class, we all line up, salute the flags, bow to the senior rank, and do some brief breathing and meditation.
- Then we warm up with some soft movements, break a sweat, and begin stretching. Once warm, we practice a handful of techniques–moving and sweating up until the last minute of class.
- At the end of class, we line up again, meditate, recite the training hall rules, bow out, and stretch after informally.
Class schedule
- Mondays 7-9pm
- Thursdays 7:30-9pm
- Saturdays 11:45am-12:45pm
- Sundays 1-3pm (solo practice with permission of the instructor only)
If you decide you like the classes and want to become a member, we’ll help get you the gear that you’ll need, and we’ll give you access to some resources. Need more information? Contact us.
