About Metamora Martial Arts

Where do we practice?
What does it cost?
What style do we train in?
Who teaches the classes?
Will I be injured?
What else do we learn besides martial arts?
Can I watch a class?
What kind of credentials does the program have?
What does Metamora Martial Arts do for the community? Are there videos online?
Do you have a season?
Who updates the website?
I'm having a problem with the site - any help?

Where do we practice?

We practice in the MTHS wrestling room during the wrestlers' off-season. However, during the winter months we are forced to relocate to other areas of the school.

What does it cost?

Absolutely nothing at the high school! The only things you pay for are uniforms and other equipment. Some schools can cost up to $100/month, but we are not a business. Once a semester, you will be asked to buy something for yourself that will enhance our program as a whole. The cost will be anywhere from $30-70, but they will be yours forever. If you can't afford that, no student has ever been turned away from training. Just contact Sensei Chianakas to work something out.

Grade school classes are $7 per class, plus a $20 semester fee each twice a year. You can also purchase punch cards at whichever school you attend for $40, saving $2.

What style do we train in?

Everything, although our specific focus is Shuri-ryu Okinawan karate, which is what students receive rank in. Our system is kumi-taku, which means "combination of many." Karate focuses typically on upper body techniques with a great emphasis on kata, or forms. We also teach Tae Kwon Do, which is a Korean martial art that focuses on more kicking and footwork. Judo is "the gentle way," which allows the student to control his opponent without needing to hurt him, which is very possible. Our last main program is XMA, or Xtreme Martial Arts. XMA puts a unique twist on basic techniques, giving off a lot of flash.

In the past, Metamora Martial Arts has hosted several seminars, including XMA and wushu. Our XMA seminar was hosted by XMA creator Mike Chat, and a Chinese wushu seminar by the actor who played Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat, Anthony Marquez.

Who teaches the classes?

The main instructor is Joe Chianakas - MTHS English teacher and a fourth-degree black belt in karate. Mr. Chianakas is assisted by fifth-degree black belt David Hawkey. The rest of our black belts may also be in charge of certain groups. For more information on all of our instructors, click here.

Will I be injured?

As long as your respect yourself and your partners, you will most likely not be injured worse than in any other sport. Safety is important!

What else do we learn besides martial arts?

With learning the martial arts comes learning life skills. You will learn self-defense, the art of combat. You will train your bodies and minds to accomplish what you want to accomplish. Beneath the beauty lie hidden secrets of martial arts combat, which is why this is considered an art. Along with fighting, you also will learn how NOT to fight. You will build confidence and self-esteem. Should the situation arise where you are in trouble, you will have the tools to diffuse the situation without having to throw a punch. If a physical situation does arise, you should be able to defend yourself properly.

Can I watch a class?

Certainly! Anybody is welcome to sit and watch a class.

What kind of credentials does the program have?

Metamora Martial Arts was awarded in the summer of 2008 with two awards. The Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame inducted the program in two different categories! One was for Best Children's Program, and the other was for Best Humanitarian Act (Relay for Life Break-a-thon in 2007). MMA faced competition from nationally recognized schools in these categories, and has now cemented two places in the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame!

What does Metamora Martial Arts do for the community?

Metamora Martial Arts has been serving the Metamora area since its inception in 2002. It has done demos throughout the tri-county area. For the last several years, we have participated in Metamora's Relay for Life, raising money and earning a spot in the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame. On August 24, we will host sponsor a blood drive for the first time. We also participate in the Homecoming and Old Settlers parades.

Are there videos online?

Yes! Check out our YouTube page. Videos will be added regularly to the site. If you have your own videos, contact Adam to see how you can get them online.

Do you have a season?

No. Unlike the traditional sports season you see in a school atmosphere, Metamora Martial Arts trains all year round.

Who updates the website?

I am Adam Bockler. I created this site out of what I felt was a need for our program - a place for anybody involved with (directly or indirectly) or wanting to become a part of it. I write up the Newswire, maintain the site, upload photos, and create videos. I try to update this site about once a week, at the least, just to keep everybody informed. However, I'm more active at the forums.

The website was offcially launched in time for our 2006 holiday party and was greatly made over during the summer of 2007, debuting a new look on October 1, 2007, and adopted its current look on January 1, 2008.

I'm having a problem on the forums / photo gallery. Any help?

First, check the Support & FAQ forum. If your problems aren't solved there, open up a new support thread.

Waiver Regarding Pictures

As a Metamora Martial Artist participating in any kind of practice, demo, tournament, or other activity, you and/or your parents express consent to be photographed or videotaped. By capturing your image and likeness, Adam Bockler can use you in any and all media production. If you specifically do not want your or your child's image and likeness captured, you must let Adam know.

(As a side note, I'm trying to shy away from photographing or videotaping anybody who is in eighth grade or younger.)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:24 PM