Take a martial arts class? Who me? No way, I couldn’t do that— or so you think! In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, who among us couldn’t benefit from an hour dedicated to improving flexibility and overall physical fitness, as well as providing greater self-discipline, self-esteem and focus? Training in martial arts offers all of those benefits and is geared for anyone at any age. From the business executive to the stay-at-home mom to the elementary school student to a retired senior, there is a variety of options in Edina that might just change your life and your health in more ways than one.
National Karate Academy
Centennial Lakes Plaza
7545 France Ave. S.
952.835.1083
National Karate Academy of Martial Arts in Edina teaches belt certification from white to black. It took manager Shonal Gangopadhyay eight years to earn his black belt as he took his time to fully immerse himself in the sport and learn as much as he could about karate. Today, he’s teaching young and old alike the sport he loves.
At his school, children as young as age 4 begin with the basics of self-defense and safety. Classes focus on developing martial arts fundamentals, while placing an emphasis on discipline, respect and responsibility. Instructors use shorter class times to maximize students’ focus and are continuously adding a variety of concepts, including sparring. Gangopadhyay says, “With new concepts introduced, the kids are always learning and never get bored.”
From ages 7 to 12, students move through belt certification and are engaged in a diverse mix of classes, including kickboxing, as well as the introduction of a weapon at the achievement of the purple belt when they have more focus and discipline.
With multiple class options each week, students develop at their own pace. Recognition is based on attendance, skill and effort. Gangopadhyay says it typically takes students between 2½ and 3½ years to receive their black belt.
Adult classes are also available to build strength, flexibility and endurance and support weight loss. Classes start with a carefully designed physical conditioning program that gradually improves strength and flexibility. Weight control is achieved through the cardio kickboxing classes, and self-discipline is taught through the martial arts programs and self-defense courses.
Beginner classes are offered several times each week, with new students grouped together. The schedule is flexible and allows students to set their own pace. With so many options, you can quickly improve your overall physical condition, self-confidence and level of self-esteem.
Alliance Jiu-Jitsu and Crossfit
7387 Bush Lake Road
952.942.1190
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu is part of the international Alliance organization and is the only such school in Minnesota. Headed by black-belt instructor and competitor Damian Hirtz, the focus of the studio is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the martial art and combat sport that teaches a smaller person how to defend themselves against a larger adversary by employing leverage and proper technique. “It allows regular people to do exceptional things,” says Hirtz.
In fact, Alliance in Edina has worked with students from as young as age 5 to older than 67, and is home to 10-time World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team champions. Across the metro, law enforcement is turning to jiu-jitsu to help officers learn to select certain levels of force necessary for different situations.
The Alliance fundamentals curriculum is designed to build core techniques needed to progress. Students learn jiu-jitsu through lessons focused on the principles of the art, including self-defense, basic techniques and committing the core movements of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to muscle memory. The fundamentals course is offered Monday through Saturday so instructors can pay special attention to beginners and help students be successful.
The youth program emphasizes the basic development of a child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being through the integration of physical education, self-defense and martial arts training. Students are exposed to the foundation of jiu-jitsu and the key fundamentals needed to defend themselves in a variety of challenging situations. Students work through a belt program different from the adult program and can achieve black belt once they turn 18.
The adult program builds off the core techniques taught in the fundamentals program and allows students to continue their growth and understanding of the art. Drilling and controlled sparring are an integral part of this class. Whether a student is looking for fitness, self-defense or competition they will likely find a fit in the adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu program.
Focus Karate and iLoveKickboxing
7119 Amundson Ave.
612.963.5107
Jeff Nelson, owner of Focus Karate and iLoveKickboxing, has been teaching martial arts for 23 years. Specializing in kids’ martial arts and fitness kickboxing, he believes that “hard training requires a lot of physical stamina, but it also builds mental and spiritual strength too.”
The kids’ martial arts classes are fun and help build skills for all areas of life.
Starting as young as ages 3 and 4, Little Ninjas is the beginning class for this age group. Regular karate classes start at ages 5 and up.
For adults looking for a fun form of exercise that keeps you on your toes and teaches you self-defense, you’ll fit right in to the fitness kickboxing classes, while getting in the best shape of your life. The studio is part of the iLoveKickboxing organization and helps clients focus on weight loss and toning. Besides building endurance and improving your flexibility and coordination, the class helps melt away stress and pounds.
Edina Community Education Kung Fu
5701 Normandale Road
952.848.3952
Finally, don’t forget about additional courses offered through Edina Community Education in the spring and fall each year. Multiple classes in kung fu, the Chinese art of self-defense and fitness, are offered to build muscle, power, flexibility and agility. Courses are offered at various belt levels, with optional certification for white to black belt available.
Whether you’re looking for yourself or for your children, there are a variety of great options for learning martial arts in Edina. From self-defense to a great conditioning workout, the benefits are endless and the art is timeless.
