HAWC Community Room
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate This class is ideal for those new to martial arts or looking to refresh their skills. It focuses on fundamentals, partner drills, kata, and impact work. While students are encouraged to acquire a training uniform and white belt, these are not required for the first class. Students with prior experience should wear a white belt until evaluated by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided. Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai. Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem. About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
