Sparrows Point Martial Arts Academy offers its karate program through the Edgemere/Sparrows Point Recreation Council and is open to all individuals from age 6 to adult.
We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Edgemere Elementary School Gym. Monthly tuition is paid directly to our ESP Rec Council representative and special family rates are available.
From 6:15-7:15 PM we have a beginner's class for children and adults from beginner through yellow belt (higher belts are welcome too!). From 7:15-8:00 PM we have an advanced class for all students orange belt and up.
The style of martial arts we teach is a combination of the styles studied by our instructor. Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido are the arts that form the basis of our school but we also incorporate useful components from Kenpo, Okinawan Karate, and Kung Fu. Our instructor is John McConnell. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido and has been teaching since 1983. Our recreation council representative (and another student!) is Debbie Smith.
Our classes include: warm ups, exercises, stretching, hand techniques, punches, blocks, strikes, kicks, sparring, self-defense training, weapons training, joint locks, throws, and forms.
The format of the first class typically includes 15-20 minutes of warm-ups and stretching, 15-20 minutes of basics work, 15-20 minutes of rank work, and 5-15 minutes for active games to keep everybody moving and having fun. Thursdays are our sparring class days.
Promotion testing is done through the United Federation of Tae Kwon Do Instructors. Tests are held every month or two. Students will be reviewed prior to testing to insure they have achieved the required level. Equipment is available through the Century Martial Arts Supply. Uniforms are required prior to promotion testing.
