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
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.
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.
