Martial Arts Classes for Adults
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Martial Arts Classes for Adults
March 2008
I am looking for a local Tai Chi class for my stressed-out husband!
Other than White Magnolia in Kensington, do you recommend any classes
within a 5-mile radius of Berkeley? They do not have to be at a
school. Thanks much!
Sressed out by Stressed Out Husband
For local Tai Chi classes - you might want to look into classes taught by Fong
Ha, an experienced teacher of many years. He teaches a Saturday morning class
that meets at Thousand Oaks School on Colusa Ave in Berkeley (near Solano
Avenue). I believe he also teaches Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Julia
Morgan Hall in back of Thousand Oaks Baptist Church (across the street from
Thousand Oaks School on Colusa Ave). Also, you can find Tai Chi classes at the
Albany Community Center. And if you are willing to drive to Walnut Creek, Jan
Diepersloot is a fine and experienced instructor. You can reach Jan at
925-906-9534.
Longtime Tai Chi student
There are wonderful adult tai chi classes at Tai Chi Berkeley,
which is at 8th and Parker, under the auspices of Lenzie
Williams, a very special tai chi master. There are several
times and choices, so it's convenient. There are also
wonderful classes at White Magnolia in the Kensington area.
Both schools are lovely.
admire tai chi
I recommend Starfire who teaches at Albany Community Center.
He also teaches at Cal at the big gym (RSF) there. That's
where I have taken classes for 3-4 years. He's an excellent
teacher, sometimes leading tai chi trips to Hawaii.
anon
Charles Adamec is a wonderful Tai Chi teacher (he's also an
acupuncturist); he teaches early on the weekends in Berkeley
near Claremont and Ashby, and near Rose and Sacramento on
Thursday afternoons. Small classes, really excellent. You can
reach him at 644-3724. I'm also happy to answer any questions
about the class...
dearsooz
I highly reccommend this Tai Chi class in Berkeley on Sunday
morning at 10:30am. It's at the basketball/Volleyball court
along the Ohlone Pathway between N. Berkeley Bart station and
Cedar/Rose park. The instructor, Jonathan Russell, has been
teaching for 30+ years. It's very low key and lots of fun. No
uptight feeling at all. His number is 415.902.4350. Go check
it out for yourself.
Tai Chi for all
Jan 2008
Hello,
Would love suggestions for martial arts classes for adult women in Oakland or
Berkeley (can be co-ed) that would help me become stronger/more confident in
the face of conflict. Would love recommendations for classes that are
challenging and supportive. Also, would love to learn about the different
kinds of martial arts and what's different about them (and why you like the
one that you do) Thanks!
jai
I started taking Kuk Sool Won classes in 1999 because I love martial
arts, and when my daughters were in grade school I wanted them to have
the advantage of martial arts classes early in life… so I selected Kuk
Sool Won because I wanted the three of us to study something
comprehensive… which Kuk Sool Won clearly is. Kuk Sool Won includes
three types of martial arts together: tribal, royal court, and Buddhist
temple arts. I studied other martial arts in the past, and have found
that Kuk Sool Won does the best job of any system I've seen at
completely covering all types of techniques (including joint locks),
weapons, sparring, forms, kicks, punches, throws, falls, and more. What
I really love about Kuk Sool Won is the community... and that is why I
feel it's the combination of challenging and supportive you're looking
for.
There are so many different kinds of martial arts it's tough to cover
them all succinctly... but some focus primarily on one aspect, such as
Tae Kwon Do being mostly about kicks, and Judo about throws and falls,
and Aikido being about circling around and redirecting offensive
attacks. All of these things are included in Kuk Sool Won, and that's
why it's taught at West Point. You can view various martial arts in
action through YouTube videos.
A trial class with Thomas Brewer confirmed that Kuk Sool Won was
exactly what I’d been looking for, and I’ve been delighted with it ever
since! I love the way I am continuously challenged to expand my mental,
emotional, and physical reach beyond any point I previously thought
possible, and this is making a tremendous positive difference in all
aspects of my life.
The Berkeley Kuk Sool Won's owner and master teacher, Thomas Brewer, is
an extraordinary instructor who consistently inspires excellence in his
students with personalized attention exactly when it’s most needed, and
creative approaches to teaching what might otherwise feel tedious… or
impossible.
Cynthia
I started practicing Cuong-Nhu at Hoa Sen Dojo (in Emeryville) one year
ago, and at 50 it has changed my life! I watched my kids grow strong,
graceful and confident over the prior 4 years, so when they got into
classes with adults I got off the couch and onto the mat. I
immediately felt the benefits of this martial art, which combines seven
forms of ''hard'' and ''soft'' (the definition of Cuong Nhu) styles.
Sensei Terri Giamartino is loved by all for her positive attitude. I
only wish I could go more often. Check out the website for more info:
skillsforsafeliving.com.
Ruth
Nov 2006
I am finding myself a bit interested in trying out a martial art. I don't know anyone
who is active in this. I don't know where to begin. From the descriptions on the
internet, aikido looks interesting to me, but maybe there's something else that would
be better for me. Where to start? How to know where to go? I live near El Cerrito,
so would prefer here, Albany or Berkeley anxious beginner.
We are blessed in that we could ride a bike to about 8 aikido
dojos from Berkeley/EC alone, I think.
My son has been at Berkeley Aikikai since age 6, now he is 11.
The work there is good for him, but this dojo is very
Japanese-traditionalist. I have been at Shusekai dojo, the aikido
at the Berkeley Y and Studio Rasa for 3 years. See what our head
teacher at Shusekai says about Japanese traditionalism at
www.aikiarts.com .
You would be welcomed at the classes at the Y. I think, from first
hand experience, that it is MUCH easier for a beginner to, uh,
begin at Shusekai than at Aikikai.
Aikido of Berkeley in Richmond Annex is also good, but I am not
very familiar with that dojo. They are our sister dojo, which is
saying something given the sorts of things our teacher says on,
for instance, the above website notpetebest@yahoo.com
Before commiting to a dojo, watch an adult class. You'll get a
sense of the style, the sensei (teacher), and the community.
After observing Sensei Terri and her many classes for almost three
years now, I highly recommend Hoa Sen Dojo for both adults and
kids. Please do visit this dojo before deciding on another.
http://www.skillsforsafeliving.com
Ruthie
May 2002
I'm looking for a martial arts class where I could move my
energy, not so much for self defense, but more like kickboxing or a place
where I could channel my anger for past abuses. Does any one have any
recommendation for a mixed gendered class? Thanks
I go to Frohm's Martial Arts in East Oakland. It is a wonderful
and school with an amazingly talented head instructor. I am a
single-mother and am coming through abuse, depression, grief,
new baby, you name it. I startded at FMA a 1.5 year ago and my
life has been totally transformed. I've lost 40 pounds, gained a
loving and accepting community of fellow martial artists (men
and women between ages of 14-45 in adult class, focus and most
inmportantly, a funnel for my anger and pain. I am fighting in
local touranments and am now the number 1 ranked intermediate
fighter in the bay area. I highly recommend Frohm's Martial
Arts to any man or woman that seeks a great work out,
discipline, love, community and good old therapy!!!!
The instructor's name is Ernest
Frohm.
Address as of April 2007:
Frohm's Martial Arts at 5864 Foothill Blvd. Oakland Ca 94605......Phone 510-632-8326
I trained at Hand to Hand on San Pablo near
Stanford/Powell for about a year. I loved it but stopped going
with my first pregnancy. I'll be back someday. It changed my
life to be hit in the face and realize I could go on. I always felt
energized by the workout and inspired by the group.
Beginning classes are T Th eve and Sat am. Most members
are women but my husband trains there when work and
family permit.
Sienna
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Last updated: May 4, 2008
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