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Sweat!
An Austin Guide to Martial
Arts
by Allison Amador
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| Kids getting a “kick”
out of their training. Courtesy of Fabrizio Photography;
provided by Austin Martial Arts Academy |
Anyone new to the world of martial arts will
no doubt find initial exploration a little daunting. The sheer
number and scope of martial arts systems practiced throughout
the world today is vast. A look at the Webster’s Dictionary
definition is a start: “a martial art is any of various systems
of self-defense originating in the Orient, such as Karate
or Kung Fu, also engaged in as a sport.” The origin of what
has become a very wide umbrella of martial arts forms is still
hotly debated today. But whether the ancient teaching methods
came from India or China, martial arts have since spread across
the globe, divided, branched off and morphed over the centuries
to meld with changes in philosophies and cultures. Over the
years, more and more systems have traveled from East to West
bringing changes to the pure methods of practice by adding
elements of kickboxing, self-defense and cross-training. Many
of the martial arts systems listed in this guide date back
for thousands of years and have undergone fascinating journeys
throughout history.
Today, Hollywood often drives the public’s fascination with martial arts, particularly the “butt-kicking” variety. Martial arts studios enjoyed a surge in interest after audiences saw Jennifer Lopez lay down the law with Krav Maga in “Enough,” Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee’s spectacularly choreographed Kung Fu flicks, and the famous Ralph Macchio wax-on/wax-off Karate techniques in “The Karate Kid.”
“Martial arts studios are changing with the times, so there is an increasing amount of cross-training across multiple disciplines,” says Larry St. Clair, owner of the Center for Martial Arts. “People, especially adults, want a motivating but not so militant environment where they can enjoy themselves, get a great workout and have something cool and different to talk about with their friends.”
So when you’re exploring martial arts systems, it’s important to do some self-reflection first and identify your own goals. Whether it’s to improve fitness and conditioning, learn practical self-defense and fighting techniques, engage in sport competition, relieve stress or a combination of any of these elements, martial arts is a great outlet. And of the many martial arts forms in modern practice, most of them have common goals to improve self-confidence, discipline, strength, flexibility and achieve coordination of the mind and body.
This guide, though not comprehensive, provides a list of some of the most popular martial arts forms in Austin, as well as a sampling of local martial arts studios teaching those forms. Most studios offer a free trial class, so take advantage and check out a studio that interests you. On your first visit, some things you may want to inquire about are whether or not they have a belt system, require the purchase of uniforms or other equipment, or demand a contract outside of the standard monthly fees.
Aikido (i-kido):
Aikido, a relatively new and peaceful Japanese martial art, meaning “the way to harmony with Ki (energy),” aims to redirect an attacker’s force instead of inflicting harm. This is accomplished by entering and blending with the attack, and then leading that power into a circular or flowing motion. As a result, the aggressor is thrown to the ground or held in a neutralizing joint lock. And when used properly, Aikido is a peaceful yet effective self-defense form. For example, if an aggressor gives a punch to the abdomen, with Aikido you do not trap or block the hand, instead you move to let the energy of the punch dissipate and blend with your own energy. Instead of aggression and tension, this art is about conflict resolution and relaxation.
Offered at: Austin Ki Aikido Center
Qigong (chee-gong):
Qigong practice uses gentle movements and stretching while focusing training of the breath to increase vitality, relieve pain, improve balance, coordination and flexibility, strengthen joints, eliminate stress and increase circulation of Chi (“life-force”) throughout the body. Qigong has been used since ancient times in China for obtaining vital health, a long life and inner peace. In modern day China, Qigong is used as a form of preventive health care by millions every day.
Offered at: Austin Martial Arts Academy
Jiu-Jitsu (ju-jitsu):
Often called the “mother system,” this art combines striking and throwing, breaking, locking and weapons arts. Jiu-Jitsu is practiced as a competitive sport and can be very hard on the body. Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a recently established and highly popular form of Jiu-Jitsu, is touted as the most effective martial arts fighting system in competition. Combining elements of grappling, judo and wrestling, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is more dependent on technique than strength and can be practiced by people of all ages.
Offered at: Austin Martial Arts Academy; Center for Martial Arts
Judo:
This extraction of Jiu-Jitsu made its way to the Olympics in 1964 as a competitive sport combining throwing techniques, grappling and choking techniques. Skill, movement and timing, rather than brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. Millions of people of all ages and skill levels practice Judo throughout the world today, not only competitively but also to stay in shape. As in most sports and other competitive martial arts, Judo has a strict set of rules that govern competition and ensure safety.
Karate:
Originating in Japan, Karate is a striking art that is deeply rooted in tradition and formality. Karate involves a variety of techniques including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws and joint manipulations. It is also normally divided into three categories: kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Karate means “empty hand” in Japanese and was first developed as an indigenous form of closed-fist fighting in Okinawa as a means of combat. Today it is still practiced as an efficient and sometimes violent fighting system with strict adherence to rules and discipline, and an emphasis on philosophical teachings and ancient culture. Following the release of “Karate Kid,” there has been a boom in studios featuring kids’ Karate instruction, and surprisingly over the last few decades it has not lost popularity. Karate instruction and competition can be a great way for small children to improve motor skills and focus while providing older children the skills to develop discipline, balance, coordination, posture and self-confidence.
Offered at: Austin Martial Arts Academy; Michael Billings Kenpo Karate; Enshin Karate; Hidden Dragon Martial Arts
Kendo:
A Japanese fencing martial art, Kendo reaches back over a thousand years to the sword-wielding culture of the Samarai warriors. Kendo combines spiritual training and character development with the technical challenges of a sport. Beginners typically start with Kendo etiquette, basic footwork, stance, swings and striking. The ultimate goal is to achieve Ki-Ken-Tai-no-Ichi, the harmonization achieved when the spirit, sword and body function as one.
Krav Maga (krov-magaw):
Most recently popularized by J. Lo’s movie “Enough” and a host of practicing celebrities including Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Jennifer Garner, Krav Maga is a self-defense and fighting system emphasizing easy-to-learn, practical self-defense and hand-to-hand combat techniques in real life-threatening confrontations. Krav Maga was introduced 50 years ago by the Isreali army to defend the new nation against a more experienced and hostile enemy. Krav Maga addresses a wide variety of aggressive acts, such as punches, kicks, chokes, headlocks and grabs. It also equips the student to defend against multiple assailants and assailants with weapons using quick and effective defense strategies. Students are trained mentally as well as physically and tested in realistic scenarios. Because Krav Maga is a real-life fighting system, there are less rules and limitations than many other martial art forms and the emphasis is on simple, logical and practical self-defense techniques.
Offered at: Fit and Fearless
Kung Fu:
Originating in China thousands of years ago and popularized in modern times by Jackie Chan, there are now more than 50 well known forms of this legendary martial art. In this traditional fighting system, speed, elegance and elusive movements are combined with the fierce power and directness of attack. This is in accordance with the Chinese belief of balancing opposite extremes to create a harmonious totality. The Kung Fu form unifies hardness and softness, balancing muscular tension with relaxation, and physical energy with mental focus. Kung Fu draws upon a veritable encyclopedia of fighting techniques and choreographed movements for the student to conquer an opponent and develop individual power, speed, footwork, strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and spirit.
Offered at: Tom Gohring’s T’ai Chi School; Nei Wai Chia Kung Fu
Muay Thai:
In its earliest stages, Muay Thai originated from the hand-to-hand combat on the battlefield in Thailand. Thai fighters used every weapon available to them, including knees, elbows, kicks and throws, eventually earning them a reputation as fearless warriors on the battlefield. Modern practitioners of Muay Thai kickboxing undergo rigorous physical conditioning and can often withstand tremendous amounts of abuse. Fitness classes in Muay Thai kickboxing may not be as strenuous, often combining kickboxing, calisthenics and stretching. Altogether this form of exercise provides a full-body workout along with important self-defense techniques.
Offered at: Austin Martial Arts Academy; Center for Martial Arts
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| Sifu Jeff Webb demonstrating the
WingTsun long pole technique. Courtesy of Austin WingTsun
Academy |
Tae Kwon Do:
Sometimes referred to as Korean Karate, this martial art is characterized by its unique emphasis on kicks. Tae Kwon Do is often translated as “the way of hand and foot” or “the art of kicking and punching.” But Tae Kwon Do is much more than kicking and punching. Like Karate and Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do combines mental discipline, physical fitness and self-defense into one complete system. It is also a great way to increase strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility, as well as lose weight and get in shape. Finally, Tae Kwon Do can reduce stress and help focus thoughts and energy, not only on the training floor but in everyday life.
Offered at: Center for Martial Arts; Tae Kwon Do Plus; Villareal Karate Club; Pratt’s Karate Club; Ultimate Challenge Tae Kwon Do; United States Martial Arts Institute
T’ai Chi:
T’ai Chi is a very traditional martial art form emphasizing
slow, gentle and graceful movements that help relax the mind
and strengthen the body. T’ai Chi is appropriate for any age
or fitness level. Consistent practice of T’ai Chi will gently
tone and strengthen muscles, increase awareness, decrease
stress, enhance balance and posture, cultivate relaxation
and develop whole body coordination. T’ai Chi practice can
also complement traditional treatments for disease and, in
some cases, lower blood pressure.
Offered at: Austin Martial Arts Academy; Austin Academy
of T’ai Chi Ch’uan; Tom Gohring’s T’ai Chi School; Tukong
Martial Arts Academy; South Austin Shaolin Do; Hidden Dragon
Martial Arts
Tukong Moosul (tu-kong moo-sool):
Grand Master Yi, owner of the Tukong Moosul Academy, developed this martial art form for the South Korean Special Forces. The origins of this system, however, date back further to the temple of Grand Master Yi’s youth. Dubbed as a complete martial art system, students are trained in throwing, punching, kicking and weapons use and are taught to determine which method to utilize based on distance from their opponent. Tukong is a traditional style of martial arts that welcomes all ages.
Offered at: Tukong Martial Arts Academy
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| A student and instructor practice
the WingTsun chi-sau exercise. Courtesy of Austin WingTsun
Academy. |
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| WingTsun - an effective form of self-defense
for women; courtesy of Austin WingTsun Academy |
WingTsun (wing-chun):
WingTsun was founded 250 years ago by a Buddhist nun in China
as a means of non-violent self-protection. Her goal was to
condense the most effective Kung Fu concepts into a system
that aimed at turning an opponent’s strength against them.
The modern WingTsun style uses the enemies’ power against
them, by deflecting blows and applying power to weak areas
of the body, so students can disable opponents that are stronger
and more aggressive. Students are taught to relax and loosen
the muscles and to move their bodies around their opponents,
emphasizing strength of motion around the entire range of
muscle movements rather than isolating specific muscles. It’s
a complete system of self-defense designed to work regardless
of size, strength, gender or athleticism. Offered at: Austin
WingTsun Academy Wushu (woo-shoo): A Chinese martial art and
competitive sport that requires sensible combat and aestheticism
in every movement. Wushu is known for beautiful poses, difficulty
and scientific training methods. Combat routines are performed
solo or in pairs, either bare-handed or armed with traditional
Chinese weaponry. In competition, emphasis is placed on speed,
difficulty, presentation, athleticism and form.
Offered at: Tom Gohring’s T’ai Chi School
Wushu (woo-shoo):
A Chinese martial art and competitive sport that requires
sensible combat and aestheticism in every movement. Wushu
is known for beautiful poses, difficulty and scientific training
methods. Combat routines are performed solo or in pairs, either
bare-handed or armed with traditional Chinese weaponry. In
competition, emphasis is placed on speed, difficulty, presentation,
athleticism and form.
Offered at: Tom Gohring’s T’ai Chi School
Studios Around
Austin
Austin Martial Arts Academy
4615 Bee Cave Road
327-2900
www.austinmartialarts.com
Instruction Offered: Kid Safe, a self-protection program for
kids; Cross-training Martial Arts for teens and adults; Realistic
Assault Defense, Cardio-Combat Fitness Kickboxing; Muay Thai
Kickboxing; Z-Health, a combination of Yoga, Pilates, Ancient
and Modern Dance; Tony Blauer’s Self-Defense; T’ai
Chi and Qigong; Kids’ martial arts; Gracie Jiu-Jitsu;
Youth Summer Karate Camp; Women’s Jiu-Jitsu
Fast Facts: For 12 years, owners Nick Truscott and Fabian
Hewitt’s academy (located next to The Hills Fitness
Center) has provided Austinites with a wide variety of martial
arts classes for fitness, conditioning and self-defense. The
academy specializes in real world self-defense — applying
martial arts principles to realistic street danger for kids
and adults. More than 1,000 children have been trained at
the academy since it opened its doors.
Center For Martial Arts
1609 Ohlen Road, Suites B and E
339-8264
www.centerofmartialarts.com
Instruction Offered: Children’s Martial Arts; Impact
Kickboxing; The Martial Way, a combination of boxing, Muay
Thai, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do; Bruce Lee’s
Martial Art, comprised of at least 27 different systems; and
a unique variety of African, Brazilian and Indonesian fighting
arts.
Fast Facts: The Center for Martial Arts provides a mix of
mainstream and rare martial arts programs, traditional and
progressive systems. The center encourages diversity and cross-training
so that students have the opportunity to learn more than one
martial art with an expert in each field. Classes are designed
to develop self-defense skills, fitness and strength of character.
Although there are kids’ martial arts classes, the studio
caters mostly to adults. More than 200 students come for the
positive, friendly and motivating environment that the eight-year-old
studio provides.
Tom Gohring’s T’ai Chi
School
422-4245
6611 Airport Blvd.
www.taichitom.com
Instruction Offered: T’ai Chi, Kung Fu, Wushu, Kids’
Martial Arts for ages four and up
Fast Facts: Tom Gohring has almost 20 years of experience
in the Chinese arts and teaches most of the 35 classes held
each week at his studio. More than 200
students come here each week to learn and have fun in the
relaxed atmosphere. Both the T’ai Chi and Kung Fu classes
use a belt system to separate skill levels in order to give
more specialized instruction. Also, every month graduations
are held for students that advance to another level.
Austin WingTsun Academy
12593 Research Blvd., Ste. #304
5318 Manchaca Road
707-2982
www.austinwt.com/awt_main.html
Instruction offered: WingTsun
Fast Facts: During classes at the academy, students participate
in a variety of exercises and drills focused on improving
physical and mental abilities in a friendly atmosphere. “The
environment is friendly, not rigid and militaristic as other
studios can be,” says owner Jeff Webb, who has practiced
the WingTsun system since 1985. “Our methods teach people
how to be relaxed and use the enemies’ power against
them,” he says. According to Webb, students can expect
to see measurable progress over the course of training and
an increase in self-confidence, discipline and physical skills.
Austin Academy of T’ai Chi
Ch’uan
Classes are offered at the Jewish Community Center (7300 Hart
Lane) and Clear Spring Yoga Studio (3918-C Far West Blvd.)
970-9731
Instruction offered: T’ai Chi.
Fast Facts: Doug Jouques has been teaching T’ai Chi
in the Austin area for five years, helping students reap the
benefits of strengthening, conditioning, meditation and flexibility.
Austin Ki Aikido Center
211 W. North Loop Boulevard
459-9249
www.akac.org
Instruction Offered: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced
Aikido. The beginners’ class also focuses on breathing
and meditation to invigorate the Ki, a Japanese word meaning
energy or life force.
Fast Facts: The Austin Ki Aikido Center emphasizes coordination
of the mind and body, self-awareness and non-violent resolution
to conflict that you can bring into your everyday life. Classes
are not formal and there is a healthy amount of comraderie,
fun and variety. The Austin Ki Aikido Center also differs
from many other Austin area martial arts studios because it
is a non-profit with all volunteer instructors whose main
goal is to share common knowledge and keep the doors open,
rather than just make a profit.
Fit and Fearless
1901 W. William Cannon,
Ste. #121
750-6570
www.fitandfearless.com
Instruction Offered: Krav Maga (beginner through advanced)
self-defense classes and cardio classes; bully-buster classes
for kids; self-defense, for older kids ages 9 to 12 and younger
kids ages 4 to 8.
Fast Facts: Students of the adults-only Krav Maga classes
learn self-defense methods and get a great cardio workout
all in one hour. Although there is a belt system here, the
atmosphere is informal, energetic, fast-paced, loud and rowdy.
Guerra Wing Chun Kung Fu
Classes are offered at the Fireman's Academy on Pleasant Valley
Road and the green square on the northwest side of Congress
Avenue and 10th Street
926-7050; 750-2651
Instruction Offered: Wing Chun Kung Fu is a Southern style
known for it's superior hand traps and intuitive developement
skill known as chi-sau. This is an internal Kung Fu style
similar to taichi, but it is practised at a faster speed.
Fast Facts: Grandmaster Guerra is a decorated Vietnam Veteran
and has taught US Navy Special Forces, D.E.A. agents and motion
picture executives in Hollywood. He has studied in Hong
Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and the Phillipines. He is both a stick
fighting and Karate master and gives private instruction.
Kim Soo Martial Arts
1109 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 100
462-2787
www.kimsoo-austin.com
Instruction Offered: Chayon-Ryu and "Lifestyle Martial
Art" (a mix of Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kung Fu). Classes
are offered for adults mornings and evenings, six days a week;
unlimited attendance is allowed for flexible scheduling. Also,
physical education credits are available for middle and high
school students. Children's program for ages six and up featuring
black belt instructors with degrees in elementary education. Beginners
of all ages start every day.
Fast Facts: Two master level instructors each with more
than 30 years experience reside at Kim Soo. The school and
its instructors have received numerous honors including induction
into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Best School in Texas),
World Karate Union Hall of Fame, International Martial Arts
Hall of Fame, Millennium Martial Arts Hall of Fame, US Martial
Arts Association, Who's Who in the South and Southwestern
US and CBS "Inside Edition" featuring Chayon-Ryu
Martial Arts. The school is also one of only two official
Daito-ryu aiki Jiu-Jitsu study groups in the United States,
sanctioned by Daito-ryu headquarters in Tokyo.
Spirit Warriors Dojos
714-D Shelby Ln.
444-0407
www.spiritwarriors.com
Instruction Offered: Two thousand-year-old Bujinkan Ninja
and Samurai secrets of self-protection, self-development and
awareness; self-defense against single and multiple attackers;
self-defense against ancient weaponry and modern weapons such
as pistols, knives and shotguns. Spirit Warriors also offers
instruction in nutrition, esoteric meditation, healing, water
training, survival training
and rope progression to men and women ages
18 and older.
Fast Facts: Shidoshi Jay Hardy (9th degree black belt and
personal student of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke) is the founder
and chief instructor of Spirit Warriors three locations. Acceptance
to the Dojo is determined by a brief interview and application
process.
Tukong Martial Arts Academy
9185 Research Blvd., Ste. 200
339-2467
www.masteryi.com
Instruction Offered: Tukong children’s program was designed
to build confidence, self-respect, and discipline; Adult Tukong
Moosul classes are ranked according to experience level; EZ
Kick Women’s Self-Defense; and T’ai Chi.
Fast Facts: Grand Master Yi, the owner of the academy and
creator of the Tukong Moosul system, is one of the greatest
draws to this studio. The family-oriented academy takes care
to preserve formal tradition and rituals, requiring uniforms
and respectful bowing. The facility is brand new and one of
the largest in Austin with 10,000 square feet of space dedicated
to training.s
Martial Art Academy of
Self-Defense
1609 Ohlen Road, Ste. E
339-8264
South Austin Shaolin Do
3005 South Lamar Blvd.
326-2989
Westlake Shaolin Do
3683 Bee Caves Road
302-0011
Ultimate Challenge Tae
Kwon Do
2605 Jones Road, Ste. 106
891-9542
Cunningham Karate
3139 Silkgrass Bend
280-5052
East Wind Training Hall
6701-A Thomas Springs Road
288-9295
Tae Kwon Do Plus
3736 Bee Caves Road
327-6967
Micheal Billings Kenpo Karate
12034 Research Blvd., Ste. 2
335-1114
Saad’s Karate
2110 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 165
282-1444
Villareal Karate Club
2210 S. 1st Street
916-4449
Enshin Karate
2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 802
451-3885
MMA Fighter
2104 E. Anderson Lane
926-4423
Graf’s Black Belt Academy
1414 W. Ben White Blvd.
444-7773
Fire Fist Tukong Martial Arts
12129 R.R. 620, Ste. 530
331-5425
Austin International Martial Arts Academy
4500 Steiner Ranch Blvd.
251-0024
Nei Wai Chia Kung Fu
6803 Duquesne Drive
298-0900
Hidden Dragon Martial Arts
12593 Research Blvd., Ste. 304
506-9211
World Martial Arts
3601 W. William Cannon, Ste. 50
447-5425
Sun Dragon Women’s Martial Arts
203 Riverside Dr.
416-9735
Salinas Karate
11001 Jordan Lane
246-3535
Combat Cardio and
Self-Defense
13352-A Water Oak Lane
587-1602
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