Buckeye Valley Family YMCA provides our community with top-notch martial arts instruction for the whole family. If you're interested in learning self-defense, the practice of respect and self-discipline, and getting a full-body workout, then our local Ohio martial arts programs are for you! We offer a variety of martial arts including Tang Soo Do, Isshinryu Karate, Mighty Mites Karate for ages 4-7, and Tae Kwon Do for ages 8 and up. The school that you are interested in will determine which of our three locations you will visit for classes.
- Western Licking County offers Tang Soo Do
- Licking County offers Isshinryu Karate
- Muskingum offers both Mighty Mites Karate for age 4-7 and Tae Kwon Do for ages 8 and up.
At all of our schools, you can expect experienced instructors who are passionate about supporting each student in their individual journey and have years, or even decades, of martial arts knowledge to share. We pride ourselves in being more than just a physical education class by incorporating the YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
In our martial arts classes, you will learn the fundamentals and techniques through chart-exercises, drills, katas (forms), self-defense techniques, and Kumite (controlled fighting with pads). If you and/or your family are considering joining one of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA martial arts programs, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you are prepared physically and mentally. Successfully learning martial arts is a long term commitment to continued study and training.
- Always dress appropriately with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing so that you can move freely. Be prepared to train barefoot unless you bring your own martial arts training shoes.
- Respect the senior members of the Martial Arts program. Longtime students have years of experience. Listen to any guidance that they provide to you.
- Focus on the goals of the program. Martial Arts is not only a physical activity, but is also a way of life that focuses on self-development.
- Learn respect for yourself, your instructors, and your peers. Martial Arts training is intended to teach not only physical techniques but also self-discipline, respect, and humility.
- Train hard and practice often. Regular training is the only way to generate long-term progress.
At the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, we want to encourage our members to reach their full potential, and our martial arts programs are a great way for you to stay healthy, promote relationships, and to become a part of a larger martial arts community. We welcome all, no experience necessary. View our schedule of upcoming classes and register online here.