Oldest martial arts school in Scottsdale. Week free trial. No contracts!
Testimonials
Testimonials A
Our son has been doing karate at SMAC for 5 years and it's the best thing that has ever happened to him. His love for karate has taught him not only a sport, but discipline to take care of his body each day, respect for himself and others, commitment to continue karate and be the best he can be, and so important, self esteem. He is a very focused child, but we believe karate has kept him even more focused to do well in school. The SMAC dojo is more like a family then a place of business. It is a safe place that we know our son can go to practice without being concerned of his whereabouts.
Testimonials B
Sen-sei Ray is the best! What we love is that Sen-sei doesn't just teach karate, he ends each class with some good words, and thoughts. He has the kids walk away with every day life lessons which they can't get anywhere else. We love it that parents are allowed to stay and view the classes. We must say, we love to stay and watch and listen to Sen-sei Ray teach and talk to the kids. It's amazing what we walk away with each class.
Testimonials C
Sen-sei Tyler is the office manager as well as teaching at SMAC. We love him as well. He greets everyone as if they were family and is always willing to go out of his way for extra instruction if asked. He wears many hats, but continues to run the dojo extremely well.
Testimonials D
My younger son who doesn't take karate yet looks up to Tyler and we believe it's because SMAC teaches respect for all no matter who you are, where you come from, or if you practice karate. You can feel it when you walk into the dojo. When your son invites Sen-Sei Tyler for holidays and his birthday, what does that tell you? We advise anyone interested in exercise, and respect for oneself and others to check out SMAC.
Testimonials E
The staff at Scottsdale Martial Arts studio is phenomenal! My 6 yr old daughter wanted to try karate because her friend was doing it so we gave it a shot. I know nothing about martial arts, but was very impressed by Sensei Ray Hughes. I had checked out a few other schools, but he was the first one who didn't make me feel like I'd walked onto a used car lot. He made no promises of making my daughter a black belt by the time she's 8, he didn't make me sign any contracts, and in fact, offered a few free lessons to see if she liked it. I was blown away by each of the sensei's teaching styles, their no nonsense approach and how they expect the kids to act in a mature and disciplined manner. Kids will be kids and this is a safe environment to make mistakes, grow and learn from those mistakes. One minute they are talking about Kung Fu Panda (he likes to subliminally give the kids messages) and the next they are sweating their little butts off. It's been a year and my daughter has competed in 2 local tournaments (gold, silver, gold and bronze) and she will be competing in Vegas in the Jr Olympics. I can't say enough about this place or their instructors. Sensei Tyler has been known to donate his own time for the better of the students and is leading the competition team to Vegas. If you want to reinforce the solid values, discipline and mature thinking that you teach at home, I highly recommend this dojo. Come with a sense of humor and an ounce of humility because you have got to be able to laugh at yourself and life in general.
Testimonials F
Martial Arts studios are in every strip mall all over this city. Scottsdale Martial Arts Center, taught by Ray Hughes is by far the best! Ray has such a passion for the Martial Arts and a passion for teaching children. Humor, and "getting down to a kid's level" is Ray's unique way of teaching respect and discipline. He's truly a remarkable and unique man. Ray also teaches adults with the same passion and sensitivity to each person's individual needs. He frequently uses the exact same humor on the adults as he does the children....this brings out the child in all of us, and makes for a very enjoyable, yet highly respectful learning environment. You will love your experience at Scottsdale Martial Arts Center!!
Testimonials G
Scottsdale Martial Arts Center has been a wonderful place for our daughter to learn karate! She has not only enjoyed learning this art form, but it has helped improve on her discipline and focus. Hannah definitely had a sense of self esteem before coming to Scottsdale Martial Arts Center, but the senseis have helped her channel her energy and focus to a new level of self assuredness and competence. Not only does our daughter wish to continue learning karate, but she is motivated and excited to come to class! The senseis teach our children at their level, but do not treat them like children. We feel lucky to have found a dojo that helps our child grow now and for the future!
Youth Karate
Scottsdale Martial Arts Center, Inc. is owned and operated by Sensei Ray Hughes, a 6th degree black belt in Karate with over 30 years of experience.
In addition to his numerous local and regional championships, he is a two time National Champion and has competed on five US Karate teams, two of which won gold medals and one that won silver. For more information about Sensei Ray Hughes.
Though Sensei Ray Hughes teaches all age groups, his passion lies with the development of children.
Self-esteem, confidence and mental discipline are the focus of the Karate program. Self-defense skills emerge through the riggers of training.
With over 30 years of experience working with children
the Scottsdale Martial Arts Center Discovery Series Karate Program was created by Sensei Ray Hughes to develop these skills.
Youth Karate Information
What is the Discovery Series?
The Discovery Series is a comprehensive program that addresses mental and physical development, social skills, manners and etiquette. It takes time and experience to begin to grasp the concepts of the martial arts. The Discovery Series offers that time and understanding to the student and parent. When the student is ready to move from the Discovery Series into the Master Level Karate Program, both the student and the parent will have a basic understanding of the martial art studies. The Discovery Series allows children and their parents an opportunity to see and experience how martial arts enhances the lives of its students both physically and mentally.
Moving through the Program
Young students start out in the Discovery Series. Students under the age of six begin in the Pee Wee Discovery Series Program. Children between the ages of 7 and 12 start in the Junior Discovery Series Program. The Junior Program has the same layout as the Pee Wee Discovery Series, except the Juniors start off in a 45 minute class. After reaching orange belt, Discovery Program students maybe invited to take their studies to a higher level in the Master Level Karate Program.
Beginning Pee Wee Program
In this program, the second step of the Discovery Series for students age 6 and under, the student advances to a 45 minute Yellow & Orange Belt class. In this class, the student will learn basic forms ( organized sets of movements ) while continually covering previously learned topics. The student will receive a stripe when each form is memorized. These stripes represent honorary ranks. When a child reaches a 3 stripe Yellow Belt, that child is eligible to be invited to their first internationally recognized belt promotion test for Orange Belt rank. Once the student passes their first belt promotion test and is awarded their orange belt they become eligible to be invited into the Master Level Program.
Equipment
The only item necessary is a Karate gi ( uniform ) which consists of pants, a top and a belt which can be provided by the Scottsdale Martial Arts Center. When a student is invited to participate in the Master Level Program, they will be required to purchase sparring equipment. Sparring equipment consists of head, hand, foot, and body protection that can be purchased at the center.
How is it taught?
By introducing many topics and quickly moving from topic to topic, the Sensei (Teacher) engages the child for increased learning. Proper balance of content, structure and humor are the most effective means to teach children. If the child enjoys the content, the child will learn well. With structure, the child will learn in an orderly manner. With humor, the child remains mentally alert. While doing physical training, we move mentally from topic to topic (mathematics, foreign language skills, etc.), keeping the child engaged. Scottsdale Martial Arts Center uses a stripe and belt color system to motivate students to move to the next level. Students are rewarded when small, attainable goals are reached.
What is taught?
There are three primary areas of development that Scottsdale Martial Arts stresses in the Discovery Series: mental, physical and social. The mental areas of development are: self-esteem, confidence, emotional control, mental focusing, memorization, handling difficult situations, stress reduction, patience and many others. The physical skills that are developed are strength, speed, agility, coordination, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular development. In addition, good eating habits and a general overall healthy life style are encouraged. Social skills, manners and etiquette are equally as important as mental and physical development. Appropriate social skills often minimize or eliminate conflict. The leadership skills, public speaking, cultural awareness and abstract understanding we teach prepares our students for today's world, giving our children an overall advantage. In an attempt to keep our students mentally alert, instructors often touch on other areas, such as mathermatics, geography, grammar, vocabulary, foreign language and others. Free sparring is not taught in the Discovery series, though self-defense skills are. Students who excel in the Discovery Series will be invited to participate in the Master Level Karate Program, at which time free sparring and additional advanced techniques will be introduced.
Introductory Pee Wee Program
The Introductory Pee Wee Program is offered as the first step for students between the ages of four and six. The student will begin in a 30 minute class with no belt. The child will stand up in front of the class and recite their name, address and phone number in order to receive the white belt. This is done to begin the mental and social development, as well as having the child know crucial information for their own well-being. Public speaking ranks as America's #1 fear: by having young children participate in this activity they are given an invaluable gift that will help them throughtout their lives. From this point forward, stripes are awarded at each measurable accomplishment. Students may spend up to 6 months in this program before they are promoted to yellow belt and invited into the Beginning Pee Wee Program. The pace of advancement is determined by the student. Remember: "This is not a race"
Junior Program
The Junior Program is essentially the same as the Pee Wee Program, except Juniors start and stay in a 45 minute class. Because of their age, they are given their white belt immediately. In this class, the student will learn fundamental basic karate techniques, Japanese terminology, and basic forms (organized sets of movements). The student will receive a stripe when each form is memorized. These stripes represent honorary ranks. When a student reaches a 3 stripe Yellow Belt, that student is eligible to be invited to their first internationally recognized belt promotion test for Orange Belt rank. Once the student passes their first belt promotion test and is awarded their orange belt they become eligible to be invited into the Master Level Program.
Master Level Program
The Master Level Program is a limited membership comprehensive, in-depth program that takes the beginning student to black belt. Sparring, grappling and other self-defense techniques are introduced in the Master Level Program. Because students take different lengths of time to develop martial arts maturity, students must be invited to participate in the Master Level Program. Three criteria are required for a student to be invited into the program. First, a student must be at least an orange belt rank. Second, there must be an opening in the program, which is restricted to 15 students per class. And third, the student must have a recommendation from the Discovery Program instructor. Recommendations are based on a student's performance and dedication to the martial arts.
Tuition Philosophy
Money is a necessary evil. Bills have to be paid. But money doesn't need to be the most important issue in the world. It is this philosophy that guides our tuition policy. We do not require contracts. All tuition is month-to-month. We believe we are the only school in Scottsdale that has a no contract (agreement) tuition policy. It is our responsibility to encourage and motivate our students to train; we do not use the threat of a contract. In addition, if a student is unable to pay all or part of their dues for hardship reasons, they don't have to pay.
Teaching Philosophy and Presentation of this Karate Program
By: Sensei Ray Hughes. Scottsdale Martial Arts Center Owner and Chief Karate Instructor. School Motto: "We Teach the Ancient Ways to the Modern World." We are a traditional Karate school, which means we have a long martial art history with an old and proven structure and format. This school has an unbroken instructor line that dates back to the 17th century. The teachings of this art are based on discipline, advanced technique, philosophy and hard work. In this aspect, we are unlike many schools that are based on entertainment and quick rewards. Our presentation is truly unique. Though we run an old and formal program, we also smile and enjoy ourselves. We don't beat our students with a shinai (bamboo sword) like what was done in the past. We do have age and time requirements like the old systems. It is logical that age and maturity are required to be awarded legitimate ranks in Karate. Unlike the past, we do not put our instructors on pedestals. We are friends with our students and hope to be mentors to the young ones. We are all students of the art. Respect is earned and not demanded. We train hard and discuss the pros and cons of all martial arts styles, including our own. Martial art history and philosophy are discussed but never lectured. Martial art training is an honorable way of life.
Common Questions
Will karate make my child aggressive and want to fight?
NO! Aggressiveness and the desire to fight come from a LACK of discipline. Karate will teach your child self-discipline. In addition, we have very strict rules regarding violent behavior and the general conduct of students outside the school.
Are there any religious teaching involved in karate?
NO! There are no religious teachings in the program. However, social and moral conduct are encouraged and taught. We are practicing a Japanese art. A bow in Japan is a show of respect, similar to our hand shake here in this country. Kneeling is sitting in their country. Kneeling and bowing is simply a show of respect from a sitting position.
How long will it take my child to earn a black belt?
The length of time to obtain a black belt depends on the student. There is a minunum of four years of continuous training and a mininum age requirement of 13 years.
How long will it take for my child to be able to defend him or herself?
It is difficult to put a length of time on when a child will be able to defend themselves. Each child's personality and upbringing will influence the choices they make in a self-defense situation. The longer and harder a child trains in karate, the better prepared the child will become.
Teen & Adult Karate
Teen & Adult Karate
Scottsdale Martial Arts Center, Inc. is owned and operated by Sensei Ray Hughes, a 6th degree black belt in Karate with over 30 years of experience. In addition to his numerous local and regional championships, he is a two time National Champion and has competed on five US Karate teams, two of which won gold medals and one that won silver. For more information about Sensei Ray Hughes.
Teen & Adult Karate Information
What is Karate?
Karate is an extremely effective form of self-defense. This Japanese self-defense program teaches a valuable use of punches, kicks, blocks, sweeps, grappling and other important mental and physical techniques. It also includes knife and gun defense. Karate training develops proper footwork, balance, speed, strength, flexibility and the overall development of athletic movement regardless of the participant's age. The goal and philosophy of Karate is to disable the enemy as quickly as possible with the least amount of effort.
Benefits
Karate training is one of the most effective forms of self-defense. In today's world it is important to know how to defend one's self and family. Equally important are the health and fitness benefits that one gains from Karate training. Finally, the mind benefits from the relief of stress and the philosophy acquired to help deal with the complex issues we face today.
Adult Karate
Adults study Karate for many reasons, such as self-defense, health and fitness, or the ability to relieve stress. Adults love learning self-defense techniques, getting in shape, reducing stress, while enjoying themselves during the process. Karate training is more entertaining and enjoyable than many other forms of exercise. We do however encourage cross-training for our students.
What a typical Karate class looks like
Classes are an hour in duration. Most students train twice a week, though additional training is available. The class week is broken down into two parts. The first half of the week training concentrates on basics, forms and self-defense. The second half of the week concentrates on sparring drills, partner exercises and free sparring. This format changes slightly around belt exams which occur every three months. Classes start off with warm ups, preliminary stretching exercises and some strengthening drills. The class then moves into cardio training. Depending on what part of the week, this cardio training will be either basics and forms exercises or sparring drills and free sparring. During this cardio training there will be a hard stretch session. The class generally ends with self-defense situations, strategies and techniques. Safety is a major concern and is strongly adhered to. Students train at their own level and experience. Advanced students and instructors work graciously and enthusiastically with lower level students.
School Style
This is a traditional karate school that teaches the Japanese style of Wado-Ryu. The school is a member of the international organization JKF (Japan Karate Federation) Wado-Kai. The ranks issued are authorized by the Wado-Kai JKF headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan.
Teen Karate
Many teens begin studying martial arts to learn how to fight, to protect themselves, against bullies, older siblings, or simply because they saw it in a movie. Parents start their kid's for similar reasons or to give them an outlet for their aggression or a physical activity. However, most find that their reasons to continue to train, evolve and expand from just the physical practice. Teen students find that karate is much more than merely kicks and punches. They begin to develop self-confidence, focus, and a way to deal with life's everyday situations. At Scottsdale Martial Arts, we wish to give more to our students then self-defense and exercise. Teens need tools that will better prepare themselves for the ever changing world we live in. We teach these tools in a fun and active environment to keep each student engaged. Slowly and surely, students begin to implement the same teachings they learned in class into their everyday lives.
What Karate training consists of
In addition to development of excellent self-defense skills, Karate classes consists of drills and exercises that are cardio in nature and help improve the overall conditioning of the student. Classes include drills and exercises that improve physical strength, breathing, speed, balance, flexibility and other athletic skills. Karate training allows students at all levels of athletic ability to participate.
New Student Orientation and Development
The new student starts off in the beginning/intermediate class. They participate with the whole class in the warm ups, preliminary stretching and strength exercises. From there they will work with an advanced student or instructor to develop basic techniques and gain understanding of the training program. There will be times during this period that the new student can participate in certain group training drills and exercises. As a students' skill develops, they will be able to participate in all class activities. This is an easy, non-threatening, comfortable transition into martial arts training. All students initially feel athletically awkward. Enjoy the process and have a sense of humor as you move from awkward movement to a high level of athletic development.
Tuition Philosophy
Money is a necessary evil. Bills have to be paid. But money doesn't need to be the most important issue in the world. It is this philosophy that guides our tuition policy. We do not require contracts. All tuition is month-to-month. We believe we are the only school in Scottsdale that has a no contract (agreement) tuition policy. It is our responsibility to encourage and motivate our students to train; we do not use the threat of a contract. In addition, if a student is unable to pay all or part of their dues for hardship reasons, they don't have to pay.
Teaching Philosophy and Presentation of this Karate Program
By: Sensei Ray Hughes. Scottsdale Martial Arts Center Owner and Chief Karate Instructor. School Motto: "We Teach the Ancient Ways to the Modern World." We are a traditional Karate school, which means we have a long martial art history with an old and proven structure and format. This school has an unbroken instructor line that dates back to the 17th century. The teachings of this art are based on discipline, high level technique, philosophy and hard work. In this aspect, we are unlike many schools that are based on entertainment and quick rewards. Our presentation is truly unique. Though we run an old and formal program, we also smile and enjoy ourselves. We don't beat our students with a shinai (bamboo swords) like what was done in the past. We do have age and time requirements like the old systems. It is logical that age and maturity are required to be awarded legitimate ranks in Karate. Unlike the past, we do not put our instructors on pedestals. We are friends with our students and hope to be mentors to the young ones. We are all students of the art. Respect is earned and not demanded. We train hard and discuss the pros and cons of our art and all arts. Martial art history and philosophy are discussed but never lectured. Martial art training is an honorable way of life.
Misconceptions and Questions about Karate
I want to learn self-defense and not Karate
This is a common misconception we hear on a regular basis. Karate is self-defense. Some people misunderstand some of the training exercises as unimportant drills not related to self-defense. Such examples are basic training drills and the performance of forms known as kata. To the untrained eye they appear to be movements that cannot be used in real self-defense situations. They do not understand that these exercises develop proper mechanical movement and technique that improve the ability to defend one's self. All sports have drills that help the practitioner become better: driving range activities for golf, blocking drills in football, so on and so forth. Karate is no different.
I'm too old.
Another very common misconception. Acutally the older you get the more reason you have to study Karate. As we age, we lose flexibility, lose bone mass and strength and generally it becomes more difficult to stay in shape. Karate addresses all of these areas. Yes, the training methods change for each age group. Some techniques are modified or even eliminated. The training stops the aging process in many areas while reversing it in others. The ultimate goal is to train forever in ways that are safe, logical and enjoyable. Staying fit is a must.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. With the proper equipment and instruction, injuries are extremely rare. Safety does not lower the lethal aspect of the art.
How long does it take to be able to defend myself?
From the first Karate class your ability to defend yourself will improve. The more classes you take and the longer you train, the better your odds will improve at successfully defending yourself. This is as honest an answer as you can get. The fact is the more you train, the more confident and poised you will be in any situation, whether it is a stressful situation or a violent confrontation. This is one reason why students train on a continuing basis, as well as for the health aspects. They are addressing two very important areas of life at once.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
As a traditional school we have both age and length-of-training requirements. You will not see seven year old black belts walking around. There is a mininum four years of Karate training for teens and adults. Previous martial arts training is taken into account. Kids have additional age requirements for all ranks up to and including junior black belt. We suggest that students don't train for rank but train for training. All ranks here are internationally recognized ranks.
Is Karate a religion?
No! Karate is a Japanese cultural art. Being a traditional school, our class structure and format is Japanese. There is no deity involved. We bow in class to show respect like we shake hands in our culture. We kneel on the floor (except for those who have bad knees) like we sit on chairs in our culture. We learn the Japanese terminology just as the world uses English terminology for American baseball. It is the standard worldwide to practice the art or sport in the terminology and tradition of its origination.
Will it make people aggressive?
Generally, aggressiveness is caused by stress, lack of discipline and insuffcient anger management. Karate training addresses all of these areas. Training releases stress and the structures develops discipline and skills to manger anger. In addition, the general philosophies of the art positively influence aggressiveness for all practitioners.
Family Karate
Family Karate
Program removed from schedule, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. At this time, we now offer an Adult only karate program Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM and Wednesday mornings frmo 9 AM to 10 AM.
Jujutsu
Jujutsu
Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Saturday 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Head Instructor: Sensei Santiago Armstrong. Looking for close combat no non-sense techniques that include: Striking, Kicking, Joint manipulation, Chokes, Throws, Submissions & Grappling? You ve come to the right place. The Hoteikan System (San Do Ichi Ryu Jujutsu) is a complete Martial Arts System. We practice techniques in both kata form and free style. Our Saturday classes are cardio based with bag workouts and free style sparring. If you want a well rounded education in the arts and a good workout in a close knit friendly environment, then this is the Art for you. Small classes guarantee you get detailed training to be the best you can be.
Modern Ninjutsu
Modern Ninjutsu
Monday & Wednesday 7:30p-8:30p. Saturday 11a-12noon. Head Instructor: Grandmaster Will Maier. Will Maier's Modern Ninjutsu" (WMMN) is a evolutionary form of martial arts that focuses solely on self-protection with no sports application. It is an eclectic, innovative, efficient system of personal and family self-defense that is easy to learn and allows you to escape or defeat an assailant, in many cases, in as little as three moves. Grandmaster Maier, 10th Degree Black Belt, developed his unique system based on his more than 40 years experience in the martial arts. He has been featured nationally on CBS, ABC, and NBC ("The Today Show"), internationally on CNN, and in Black Belt Magazine. His biography appears in various editions of "Who's Who", and he was inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2002. Maier also has a Masters Degree in Teaching and is a former educator. He brings all his experience to his teaching of his practical, enhanced form of martial arts. His students have ranged from ages 8-88. Training in Will Maier's Modern Ninjutsu is conducted in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere encouraging students to assist each other in learning. The small, intimate class structure promotes attention to each student's individual needs in a confidence-building environment. While training is realistic, it is safe and stimulating both physically and mentally. All students are taught to use the least amount of force necessary in any situation and to always try to avoid any violent altercation.
What You Will Learn
Get The Upper Hand In Any Attack
through Grandmaster Maier's visionary approach based on his "formula" ACTS, (Aware, Clear, Target, Survey) using proper distance, timing, and angling to access the attacker's weak points
Say The "Right Things" In An Impending Confrontationand
use other psychological skills, which may diffuse the situation before it arises, or neutralize an attack in the most expedient way
Defend From Standing, Seated, and Ground
using fluid striking, kicking, and grappling skills
Topple Your Opponent
using leverage and unbalancing skills
Control The Attacker
through less violent pain compliance joint locks and pressure point techniques
Submissions
by restricting air and/or blood flow
Disarm Blades, Sticks, Chains, and Guns
with simple, effective empty-hand techniques
Apply Legal "Tools"
Students 16 and up learn knife, belt (or strapped purse), walking stick/cane/umbrella and even gun/rifle retention (Note: Only "mock" tools are used in class)
Creative Variations
Rather than only memorizing set techniques, you are shown alternatives for your size and ability, and encouraged to spontaneously create techniques specific to each situation as it arises
Clear Your Mind
with breathing and meditative skills, enabling you to calmly and effectively respond to an attack or any stressful situation
Life Skills
ACTS can be adapted an applied to all aspects of your life, including personal growth, relationships, school, and career
Private Instruction
Private lessons are offered for those students who wish to experience the power of one-on-one instruction.
These sessions are scheduled around the student's availability and consequently, are perfect for students who are having a difficult time attending the group classes or need more practice outside of a group class. During your private lesson you will be working on material which you need the most help with under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable instructor. Such material includes; kata, sparring, self-defense, physical conditioning and so on.
For students just beginning their training in the martial arts, one on one instruction will help you get accustomed to the program.
Going over the basic kicks, punches and blocks that are practiced in a normal class. Participating in class then becomes easier so a person can focus on improving their technique, rather then trying to keep up.
However, the private instruction that is offered is not simply for karate.
Phyiscal fitness and self-dense are two other aspects one can take advantage of.
Sports Psychology
Vision of Excellence - Maximizing Mental Preparations
Sports Psychology
Mental Preparation teaches children life-skills such as improved Self Confidence, Focus, and knowing how to refocus when concentration has been lost. It teaches children not to dwell on winning medals but enjoy the journey and have positive skill execution. If a child is focused, has Positive Self-Talk and has good skill execution, there's a good chance for a medal to prevail. But dwelling on winning medals puts too much additional stress on the child. Simply put, when a child has inner doubts about his/her skills, worries about his/her skill execution, may exhibit a lack of Self Confidence, that's when Concentration is lost and when Mental Prepartion is needed. There are ways to reverse this and increase the child's Focus and Self Confidence.
Questions
What is Mental Preparation in Karate? In what types of situations is Mental Prepartion helpful? How will it help my child?
Answer
Sports Psychologists recognize that there are certain Psychological traits that are associated with athletic success. Studies conducted on elite athletes in various Olympic Sports confirmed this. The most important trait is how a child handles both Internal (psychological, such as my competitor has a one point lead over me) and External distractions (the Karate competition venue, perhaps the air condition is broken). When we're not successful in handling distractions, this can easily result in a Loss of Focus and a loss in Self Confidence. Fortunately, children as young as six can learn both how to handle distractions and a loss in their Focus as well as how to reverse the process. This reuslts in using techniques the way Olympians do, even before their competition begins.
This center is the oldest school in Scottsdale and we believe that we are the only one that is non-contractual. You will not find a staff anywhere with more experience and passion for teaching martial arts than at our facility. Unlike other martial art schools that are small in size and operate out of strip malls, our spacious facility has three training floors, separate men and women changing rooms, a sibling play room and plenty of seating to view training. Though we are a traditional school with a curriculum that spans back to the 17th century, we use the latest technology in computer and video equipment to help our students improve to the highest level at the fastest possible rate.