Shaw JCC Offers New Martial Arts Classes

Programs for young children, women begin in December

(11-18-2007 - Akron, OH) In December, the Shaw JCC of Akron will offer two new martial arts programs. One class is for children ages 3-6, and the other offers women self-defense skills. Both programs are offered through a new partnership with Victory Defense Systems, a new martial arts school in Fairlawn.

The Future Kidz Martial Arts Program, beginning December 10 at the Shaw JCC, strives to shape each child's fundamental skills for all sports: focus, teamwork, control, balance, memory, discipline, fitness, and coordination. The program’s research-based curriculum is developmentally appropriate for young children and encourages them to use their entire bodies.
The program will be held on Mondays, 3:30 pm-4 pm. Session I lasts from December 10-February 13 ; session II will be held February 18-April 9. No classes on December 24 or December 31. The cost for Shaw JCC members is $120 for one session or $210 for both sessions together; for non-members, the cost is $145 per session or $255 for both sessions together.

Empowering Women, a self-defense class specifically for women, was created by Victory Defense Systems Karen Boyer, CPT. “I looked at many of the traditional ways to teach a women’s self-defense class and they were all very, well, manly,” says Karen. “I thought about what women really enjoy doing while they are training, especially when they don’t have a great deal of extra time.”

In response to these needs, Karen developed a fun, interactive three-part class. The first part is an actual cardio kick boxing/bag training workout that allows participants to work out as well as learn and practice striking techniques in a no-pressure environment. The second part includes partner drills, during which pairs of women practice techniques to break out of harmful situations. The last, and most important, class element includes discussion on many current health and wellness topics.

Empowering Women’s first session at the Shaw JCC of Akron begins December 12 and continues through March 26. The cost is $65 for Shaw JCC members and $85 for non-members.

To learn more about Future Kidz or Empowering Women, please call or email Shaw JCC Health, Wellness and Nutrition Director Kerry Thomas at 330-835-0058 or kerry_thomas@shawjcc.org. Register for either program by calling 330-867-7850.

The Shaw JCC of Akron, located at 750 White Pond Drive, is open to all members of our community without regard to race, gender, religious preference, marital, or economic status. For more information on the Shaw JCC, please visit www.shawjcc.org or call 330-867-7850.

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For more info, contact:

Kerry Thomas
Health, Wellness and Nutrition Director
750 White Pond Drive
Akron, OH 44320
Phone: 330-835-0058
E-mail: kerry_thomas@shawjcc.org

The Shaw JCC of Akron, founded in 1920, creates community based on Jewish values in by providing quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for people of all ages. The Shaw JCC is open to all members of our community without regard to race, gender, religious preference, marital, or economic status. Our 60-acre community campus, located at 750 White Pond Drive, is home to the Shaw JCC as well as the Jewish Community Board of Akron, Jewish Family Service, and the Jerome Lippman Jewish Community Day School.