Information on the arts we offer

Karate
Karate is a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, kicks, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring & self defense). At NEMA Dojo we offer Okinawan Karate which emphasizes self defense and self development.

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters: kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means "empty hand." Adding the suffix "-do" (pronounced "doe"), meaning "way," i.e., karate-do, implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. In traditional karate-do, we always keep in mind that the true opponent is oneself.

What Is Karate?
"True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice."--Gichin Funakoshi

Kobudo
"Weapons way." A generic term coined in the 20th century, which can be used to describe collectively all Okinawan weapon combatives. However, it is more accurate to specify "Okinawan kobudo" in order to distinguish them from "Japanese kobudo." At NEMA Dojo we teach the following weapons: Bo, Jo, Hanbo, Cane, Yawara Stick (or Kubaton), Sai, Nunchuku, Tonfa, Kama, Manrikigusari.

Jujitsu
Jujitsu (or Jujutsu) is a method of weaponless self-defense that was developed in China and Japan. Holds and blows are supplemented by clever use of the attacker's own weight and strength. Techniques include: throws and takedowns similar to Judo and Aikido; joint manipulations, locks, chokes and come-alongs; and katame waza (ground grappling) skills and methods.

QDT
(Quick Defensive Tactics) QDT is a self defense program that provides you with the defensive skills you need to handle a potentially deadly threat, whether the assailant is unarmed or armed. A real world based method of self defense, QDT takes the best techniques from Karate, Kempo, Jujitsu, Aikijujitsu, Kickboxing and Filipino Arnis. These techniques are simple...and they work!

There is no kata, no sparring...only simple, highly effective self protection skills. QDT covers the most “likely” scenarios against both unarmed and armed assailants (knife, club & gun). Emphasis is on learning effective “in your face” defensive skills and really knowing them. You need to be prepared whenever the pressure is on.

Cardio Kickboxing
An awesome workout that blends kickboxing, martial arts-based kicking and sports conditioning drills into one workout. Taught in a group fitness setting with motivating music, participants are taught proper form in easy-to-learn, fun combinations. NOT intended primarily as a self-defense class, this class IS a sweat-soaked, jam-packed fun cardio workout.

Tai Chi
Also Known as Tai Chi Ch’uan, Tai Chi was originally a formidable martial art operating on several levels of awareness. It embodies Asian philosophy, and accordingly is extremely beneficial to good health. Tai Chi is a comprehensive series of gentle physical movements, and breathing techniques, with mental and spiritual intent, which allows you to experience a meditative state. It is calming and rejuvenating, and assists the body and mind to maintain balance, and exercises the body, mind and spirit, together with the internal organs. It includes both the inner and outer expressions of the body and mind. Here we are able to balance the Yin and Yang life force energy of Chi. In this way this system develops the ability to balance the “yielding and attacking” aspects in martial art combat. It has also been such a major influence in all the martial arts we see today. At NEMA Dojo we practice Yang Style Tai Chi.

Kendo
The art of Japanese fencing. "Ken" or tsurugi is from the character meaning sword. The character for "Do" or michi includes the meaning way or path which translates as "The way of the sword". A path in life which is followed through the training of Kendo. Kendo, the Way of the Sword is the art of Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship. It is rooted in the traditions of Budo, the Martial Way. It is both exhilarating and demanding to learn.

Kenjutsu
"Art of the sword." An aggressive method of swordsmanship practiced by the Japanese feudal warriors in which the combatants pitted naked blade against naked blade. At NEMA Dojo we utilize the Bokken or wooden sword. Kenjutsu emphasizes the combative side of the sword whereas Kendo emphasizes the sport or competitive aspect of the sword.

Pekiti-Tirsia
Filipino Martial Art developed by the Tortal family of Negros, an island in the central Visayan region of the Philippines and brought to the U.S. in 1972 by Grand Master Leo Tortal Gaje. In the Illongo dialect of Visayan, Pekiti-Tirsia literally means Close-Thirds; in the west we would say Close-Quarters; or as Grand Master Gaje likes to paraphrase it you defend up close. Pekiti Tirsia is a highly effective and full Filipino system that includes empty hand defense, stick defense and various cutting implements.