About Metamora Martial Arts
This is essentially a FAQ for our program. If your question is not answered here, post a question on our forums!
Where do we practice?
For high schoolers, 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 - the commons, a classroom, or a hallway.
For grade schoolers and adults, we practice in their own school!
On Wednesday nights, we practice in the gym at Riverview. And on Thursday nights, we practice in the multi-purpose room at Germantown Hills Middle School. Tuesday nights at MGS are currently on hold until we find a replacement or until Deshi Adam Bockler's Bradley commitments are done in December. Any regular MGS students are invited to attend Wednesday or Thursday night classes until Tuesday nights return.
Monthly Saturday classes are planned to be held at the high school for kobudo and/or competition training for all students.
What does it cost?
Absolutely nothing at the high school! The only things you pay for are uniforms and your own equipment (such as sparring gear). No student has ever been turned away from training because of money. Just contact Sensei Chianakas to work something out.
It's $7 per class at our grade school locations. Cards are also available for $40, saving $2 after attending 6 classes.
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 techniques from 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.
Our last main program is XMA, or Xtreme Martial Arts. XMA puts a unique twist on basic techniques, producing some of the stunts you see in movies.
In the past, Metamora Martial Arts has hosted several seminars, including XMA and wushu. Our XMA seminar in 2004 was hosted by XMA creator Mike Chat and was covered by local media outlets, and a 2005 Chinese wushu seminar by the actor who played Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat, Anthony Marquez.
Who teaches the classes?
The chief 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.
Black belt instructors for different schools vary. Deshi Justin Knobeloch teaches on Wednesday nights at Riverview, while Deshi Adam Ulbricht teaches Thursday nights at Germantown. Due to previous commitments, Sensei Joe Chianakas will be able to attend few (if any) grade school classes for the fall. Deshi Adam Bockler led the MGS class last year and intend to do so again when my schedule allows. To find out more about our black belt instructors, click here.
All of our instructors are also thankful for the help of their assistant instructors.
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.
What kind of credentials does the program have?
Metamora Martial Arts earned two awards in the summer of 2008. 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!
The program has also held two previous open tournaments, hosting around 100 competitors from around 10 different schools.
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 numerous 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 for our efforts.
We sponsored a blood drive for the first time in 2008, and we also participate in the Homecoming and Old Settlers parades.
Do you have a season?
No. Unlike the traditional sports season you see in a school atmosphere, Metamora Martial Arts trains all year round.