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The Arts
- TaeKwonDo
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A popular Korean martial art famous for long low stances, high kicks, as well as jumping and flying kicks. Sa Bum Nim Thomas Zoppi accomplished a modernization of Chang Moo Kwan TaeKwonDo called American Chang Moo Kwan. We teach Fighting Combinations and Self-Defense motions that can be practical in real self-defense situations.
- Arnis
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A martial art from the Philippines. This aspect of our system teaches students to use baston, short sword and dagger, and bo. These motions are then applied with open hand. Arnis is considered to be one of the most effective close range forms of combat.
- Fitness Program
- Cardio Kickboxing
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Cardio or fitness kickboxing is an exciting, fast-paced workout that is perfect for building cardiovascular endurance and toning muscles. As a bonus you learn many of the basics for defending yourself. Whether you're just beginning to to meet your fitness goals or you are already in great shape, you'll get the right amount of exercise and a great workout for you.
- Everyone can train
- Pee Wee Kickers
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For students ages 5 and under we offer a special program that provides a positive and safe environment for young children to explore the martial arts and have fun. Our youngest students learn to become great listeners. They develop good coordination, left-right recognition, and balance. Better still, they have fun doing it. Parents encourage their children and support the instructor by taking an active role in the class, often participating in the exercises with their child.
- Youth Program
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Youth students are taught in a safe, well-supervised atmosphere. Unlike team sports, there are no benchwarmers in our classes - every child participates, every child is important. All students learn the right purpose for martial arts and all students are taught to only use their skills in an appropriate situation.
- Teen & Adult
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Nothing can take the place of you knowing how to take care of yourself in any situation. We have two different programs for teens and adults to choose from. Those who are interested in fitness, self-defense and becoming a Black Belt will prefer TaeKwonDo and Arnis. Those who are only interested in fitness and self-defense will favor kickboxing. Whichever program you pick, you can be assured of receiving top quality instruction from a fully trained, professional instructor whose number one priority is helping you achieve your goals.
- Elementary School Programs
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We teach morning programs at Audubon and Cherry Crest Elementary schools. These classes are a great introduction to the martial arts.
History
The original Chang Moo Kwan system of Korea was found to be incompatible with the desires of its primary students; parents and children. Sa Bum Nim Thomas Zoppi, 6th Degree Black Belt, accomplished a modernization of the requirements of the system with the council of his instructor, Sa Bum Nim Dan Di Vito. The new, modern system was subsequently named American Chang Moo Kwan.
American Chang Moo Kwan de-emphasized some of the traditional kicking of Taekwondo. Instead of an 80% kicks to 20% hands ratio in sparring, the ratio was made closer to 50-50%. American Chang Moo Kwan teaches modern fighting combinations, takedowns, ground fighting, and self-defense releases. Movements that are practical in real self-defense situations and valued for their workability.American Chang Moo Kwan became more accessible to youths by adding various programs designed especially for the younger age groups. Written curriculum exists with an emphasis on teaching life skills such as respect, confidence, leadership, and indomitable spirit. Although Thomas Zoppi passed away, the American Chang Moo Kwan system continues to evolve and be refined under the current leadership of Sa Bum Nim David Barrett, 4th Degree Black Belt and Sa Bum Nim Skyler Zoppi, 4th Degree Black Belt.
History
Because the Philippines consists of seven major islands and over a thousand minor islands, and because no organized martial art existed for many years, the names of the routines and even the name of the martial art itself varies from region to region. Arnis is also known as Kali, Escrima, Arnis deMano, and Silat.
“Professor” Remy Presas founded his own system called Modern Arnis. His goal was to take the old important and common techniques from all sources and organize them into one system. He began martial arts training at the age of six. He learned the 'espada y daga' style of Arnis from his Grandfather. He later went on to train under Rodolfo Moncal, Timoteo Varraga and Grandmaster Venancio Bacon. At the age of 14 he left home to pursue his interest in the martial arts and practiced all over the Philippines.
By developing new teaching techniques and with raw determination, Remy Presas was able to bring about renewed interest in an otherwise dying art. He toured the world as a Filipino diplomat and an expert in Arnis, promoting the countries sport and culture. Due to a change in the Philippine Government, Remy Presas was forbidden to teach Arnis. Now unable to teach his beloved Arnis in his own country he moved to the United States of America so that he could continue to teach. He wasted little time in spreading his art in the States as he had in the Philippines.