FS karate teaching team

The martial arts classes presented cover the entire spectrum of martial techniques (throws, locks, pins, grappling, kicks, strikes, pressure points, ground fighting, multiple opponents, strategy and the use of weapons). All the courses are presented in a traditional yet progressive manner, so the arts keep their cultural roots, but are also adapted to the times we live in. Each class is designed to benefit the student maximally in terms of health, fitness, self-defence capability, personal development and enjoyment.

The dojo is small and the training is intended for a small membership of dedicated and serious martial artists. Begineres are wellcome. Join now while there is space! 

The MA classes presented at Freedom School and Chinese Wushu centre are:

aikido

karate-do

kenjitsu

Brazilian jiujitsu

capoeira

Chinese Wushu

Sanda

neijia gongfu

taiji quan

cross- training

 self-defence

Aikido (the way of harmonious energy) is a Japanese martial art that developed out of various Samurai combat methods. It is a non-violent and aims to pacify an attacker, to remove violence from a situation and to create peace. In aikido practice a student will learn how to use throws, joint locks, immobilizations and weapons techniques as tools for self-defence, health practice and personal development.

Kenjitsu is a group name for the samurai sword fighting arts. Freedom School kenjitsu focuses mainly on the use of the sword (ken) and the walking staff (jo), but as the students progress, various other weapons will be introduced into training. Practice weapons will be provided by the school and a high standard of safety is maintained at all times.

Taiji Quan and Gongfu are martial traditions from China. The tai-chi and kung-fu taught at the Freedom School are known as internal style or soft style martial arts (Neijia). The focus is on skill rather than brute force. Internal martial arts are perfectly suited for self-defence, health and personal development.

The styles of Neijia Gongfu taught at Freedom School are:

Chen- and Yang-style taiji

Swimming Dragon Skill (you long gong taiyi)

Mind Form Boxing (xing yi quan)

Eight Trigram Palm (bagua zhang)

Six Harmonies Praying Mantis (liu he tanglang)

And elements of:

Nature Style (ziranmen)

Shaolin Heart Mind (shaolin xin yi ba).

Capoeira is an acrobatic martial art that was developed by African slaves in Brazil. Capoeira has strong roots in African dance, because the slaves used to dance to disguise their martial art practise. At Freedom School you can learn both the Angola and Regional systems of capoeira and some traditional elements never seen before in South Africa.

Bazillian Jiujitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that specialises in ground fighting (wrestling and grappling). BJJ has become very popular throughout the world over the last ten years because of its proven success in various mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments. BJJ was created and popularised in Brazil by members of the Gracie family. It was developed out of Japanese judo and jiujitsu. There are two major schools within BJJ: sport and self-defence. At freedom school BJJ is taught with a bias toward the self-defence aspect.

Karate-Do, Way of the Empty Hand, is martial art that developed in the Okinawa islands. It is primarily a striking and kicking art, but the karate training at Freedom School also includes grappling (ura-wasa) and traditional weapons (kobudo). Karate is good for fitness, health and fighting skill- and it is also a DO, a way of life that fosters respect, courtesy, humility and confidence. Freedom school karate classes are mainly of the kyokushin style.

RULES AND ETIQUETTE

Beginner students do not need uniforms.

Students who begin their training at Freedom School should bring clean, comfortable and durable clothing. A t-shirt and tracksuit pants are fine.

In the gongfu, taiji and capoeira classes shoes with non-marking soles can be worn. In all the other classes training is bare-foot.

The dojo rules and etiquette guidelines are there to create an agreeable training environment, and to preserve the cultural aspect of the martial arts. The training etiquette will become clear to students in time as they train, but people who train at the dojo for the first time should adhere to the following guidelines:

Respect and courtesy must be maintained

Cleanliness and personal hygiene must be maintained

Watches and protruding jewellery must be removed before training.

No shoes on the training mats

Street shoes can be worn in designated areas only

Visitors and students should arrive before a class begins

Try not to interrupt a class in progress

If you would like to join or observe your first class, please Contact us to make an appointment.