We are a family run school that creates a supportive, family atmosphere for our students allowing them to study the martial arts in an environment of encouragement and respect.
Since the opening in 2000, Alan Kessler’s Karate Center has trained students in Uechi Ryu, a traditional Japanese form of karate. Our students test at various levels of black belt before boards of independent Uechi Ryu school owners. Having a student know effective, self-defense techniques is an important part of what we teach but this is not our only mission.
Our primary goal is to reinforce core values through the martial arts. We encourage our students, adults and children, to use the virtues of the martial arts in all aspects of their lives. In our opinion, the most important virtue is respect for others.
StarAt our school we use STAR in the martial arts, a curriculum for junior students that Sensei Alan Kessler helped develop. STAR stands for Stop, Think, Act, and Review or Success Through Accepting Responsibility. Monthly themes and activities form the basis of STAR. For example, with the theme, “I Can Be Kind and Courteous!” students are asked to keep a log book of the kind and courteous acts that they did during the month. In mat chats, instructors discuss what it means to be helpful and respect others. All students who participate in STAR receive pins of recognition. |
AshiatoOne martial arts class per age group per week is extended an extra 15 minutes for a more in-depth treatment of themes relevant to Uechi Ryu and good citizenship. These sessions often include simple, hands-on activities. This creates a shell for students to touch upon and ask questions regarding what lives inside. This gives the instructors a chance to speak about the half-hard, half-soft aspect of the Uechi Ryu and our obligations to protect the environment and treat all forms of life with care and respect. We proudly support the Aspen Declaration and Character Counts. |
