Experience the discipline, confidence, and fitness benefits of martial arts with the YMCA’s programs, featuring progressive karate, Aikido, and beginner-friendly Dragon Warriorz classes for youth and adults.
Youth & Teen
Adult Karate
Beginners/Dragon Warriorz
Martial Arts Offerings by Branch
Karate programs held in our Doylestown and Quakertown branches are taught by Bucks County Karate school, headed by Sensei Stacy Pursell Jr. As members of the AJKA-I, Bucks County Karate School teaches traditional JKA Shotokan Karate. We offer classes for adults and children ages 5 and up. Parents and their children ages 7 and up have the opportunity to experience their karate journey together as they take class together. Our Dragon Warriorz classes for ages 5-8 are based on Traditional JKA Shotokan Karate techniques but are presented as developmentally appropriate tasks that will build the child’s self-esteem. Trial karate classes are offered on the first class of each session, pre-registration is requested since limited space is available.
Dragon Warriorz
Age 5-8 | Basic Shotokan Karate techniques mixed with interactive games and exercises to develop self-esteem and confidence. Learn respect, humility, focus and discipline.
Youth Karate
Age 8+ | JKA Style Shotokan Karate using the AJKA-I curriculum. Learn the traditional art of self-defense, and enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility, balance, strength and character development.
Adult Karate
Age 8+ | JKA Style Shotokan Karate using the AJKA-I curriculum. Learn the traditional art of self defense, and enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility, balance, strength and character development.
Aikido
Japanese art of unarmed self-defense uses attacker’s force against them. Encourages discipline and a nonviolent attitude. Classes will focus on weapons training and meditation principles. Under 10 must be with a participating adult.
Our Hunterdon County karate program continues its tradition of instruction in the style of American Isshinryu karate under Martial Arts Coordinator Sensei Jack Atwell. Sensei Jack is an Ninth Degree Black Belt in American Isshinryu Karate. He has been teaching American Isshinryu for 41 years and has developed many very successful martial artists.
Kids Karate
Age 5-6 | Elements of balance, coordination and agility will be taught. Basic Karate techniques will be introduced.
Youth Karate
Age 7-14 | Advanced students will continue their journey in Isshinryu Karate with techniques and self-defense strategies. Develop stamina, mental focus and camaraderie with fellow students. Controlled sparring introduced. Intermediate level=Yellow, Orange, & Green Belts, Advanced = Black/Brown Belt.
Adult Karate
Age 15+ | Traditional Martial Arts class taught in a comfortable environment. Attain mental and physical growth. Learn to defend yourself, relieve stress and have fun.
Black Belt/Brown Belt Martial Arts
Age 10+ | Learn advanced techniques and concepts. Students will pursue an in depth analysis of kata, sparring and self-defense, as well as the mental and spiritual aspects that will help them move forward.
The karate program in our Lehigh and Northampton branches utilized the Tang Soo Do karate curriculum to teach the traditional art of self-defense with an emphasis on flexibility, balance, strength and character development.
Additional Offerings
Aikido
Age 9+ | Japanese art of unarmed self-defense uses attacker's force against them. Encourages discipline and a nonviolent attitude. Under 10 must be with a participating adult.
Self-Defense Classes
Teenage self-defense boosts physical and mental fitness while teaching ways to protect to yourself and build unshakeable self-confidence.
Offered as special events.