Practitioners train in the Matsumura Shorin Ryu style of karate. Every training session begins with warm-up exercises, body strengthening techniques and stretches. Repetitions of striking and blocking techniques follow. Training includes performance of traditional Okinawan kata and their applications, body hardening drills, leg sweeping and other takedown techniques, board breaking, prearranged sparring and occasional controlled free sparring. Heavy bags, body shields, focus mitts and kicking paddles are used to develop power and accuracy. Training with weapons is done at advanced levels. Weapons include the bo, sai, tonfa, kama, nitan bo and nunchaku. Classes are offered at The Oak Lawn Park District and A Center For The Martial Arts in Palos Hills (no contract required).
