KARATE, Adult, Various levels offered. See Schedule
Chief Instructor: Edmond Otis
Instructors: Kevin Warner, John Rellias,
Nathan Scarano
For the first time in 30 years, UCR’s internationally renowned karate program will offer world-class Karate training to all those in the greater Riverside community. Traditional Karate is a dynamic mind-body discipline that provides numerous tangible and aesthetic benefits to its practitioners. As thousands of UCR students and millions worldwide have learned, Karate is an intense and effective method of self-defense, a rigorous total body exercise, a demanding and exacting traditional art, a philosophy of life and an exciting competitive sport.
JUDO
Instructor: Tadashi Hiraoka
Judo is a Martial Art form that is derived from Jujitsu and consists primarily of throws, grappling, pins, chokes and joint locks. Judo is generally compared to wrestling, but it retains its unique combat forms. Judo training emphasizes mental, moral, and character development as much as physical training. Judo provides great physical conditioning as well as the scientific principles of leverage, balance, efficiency, momentum, and control.
AIKIDO
Instructor: Kevin Bash
Aikido builds strength, endurance and substantial self-defense skills. Emphasis is placed on clean, precise technique, weapons skills (Jo and Bokken) and fluid Ukemi (the art of the fall or getting out of the way). Riverside Aikido is a proud affiliate of the United States Aikido Federation, West Region.
YANG STYLE, TAI-CHI CHUAN, Advanced
Instructor: Harvey Kurland, MSC, MFS, CSCS
This class teaches the symmetrical Old Form of Yang style system including Standing Meditation, O’mei Ch’i Kung (Emmei qigong) Symmetrical Long Form, Pushing Hands, San Shou Application Form, Sword and Walking stick. Hsing-I ch’uan (Xing Yi quan) and pa-kua chang (baguazhang) is also taught. The instructor is sixth-generation Yang style and is certified as Chief Instructor by the CTCCA, with more than 35 years of experience. Students must complete the first form in this series to take this class.
KARATE, CHILDREN, 5-18 years old
Instructor: Tai Richards
Learn confidence, self-defense and discipline in a safe, fun, and educational environment through the fundamental teachings of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do. There are opportunities for competition at local, regional, national and international levels. The Japan Karate-Do Federation is a proud member of the AAU. Yearly AAU membership is $14. Gi are available for check-out.
TAI CHI WEAPONS CLASS
Instructor: Harvey Kurland, MSc, MFS, CSCS
This old form of Yang Style T’ai Chi ch’uan system teaches sword, broad-sword, walking stick, and long staff. Both forms and applications will be taught. This class will focus on one of the weapons per quarter.
KUANG PING T’AI-CHI CH’UAN, Beginning-Intermediate
Instructor: Harvey Kurland, MSc, MFS, CSCS
Kuang Ping (Guang Ping) style is one of the oldest forms of Yang style and often is referred to as the Yang family secret form. It has a more masculine Yang energy to it than other Yang styles. This class is taught in a step-by-step method and includes Kuang P’ing silk reeling exercises and standing meditation. This form is more linear and done faster than the traditional Yang style. The instructor is a fifth-generation teacher of Kuang Ping style.
YANG STYLE T’AI-CHI CH’UAN (taijiquan)
Instructor: Harvey Kurland, MSc, MFS, CSCS
This is a multilevel class with an introduction to the Old form of Yang Style Symmetrical 28 Form for beginners and long form for continuing students. Taught in order: ch’I kung (qigong), Long form, pushing hands, san shou application form, t’ai chi fast form, t’ai chi sword, broadsword and stick. The beginning form is low intensity and can be done by anyone who can walk. T’ai Chi is good for coordination, balance, and low intensity Aerobic Exercise and it is an internal form of kung fu. T’ai Chi is used for stress reduction, lowering blood pressure, improving balance as well ad a traditional martial art. Harvey Kurland is officially certified by the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association.
WON MU DO
Instructor: Richard Moon
Won Mu Do is a Korean martial art for all ages - women, men, children, and seniors. It is a well-rounded martial art that can defend against any type of martial art. This class emphasizes effortless flowing movements. Instead of clashing, there is rhythmic, natural, and smooth motions. This class teaches love and acceptance of the opponent's power, and concentration in the class is applied to the principal, best illustrated by the quiet strength of free flowing water.
The class is designed to be very easy and simple. The teaching system is effective and students will improve quickly in a matter of days. Our class does not encourage hard blocking. This works well against someone of your own style and size. What happens if you meet someone who is stronger? For this common issue, our class will teach you to redirect the opponent in the direction of the force they would like to go. In that case, the opponent's size does not matter. This class will not focus on a person size, big or small, because we all have bodies that function the same way. Size then becomes unimportant in this class. In this class, one will learn a diverse range of movements involing defense against knives, punches, grabbing, kicks and other weapons such as a staff. The class will also incorporate teachings in kickboxing, punches, landing techniques , and basic weapons skill knowlege. We will have music in our class to encourage a new and different kind of interactive environment to learn martial arts. Please wear comfortable and loose clothing.