Martial Arts

Mini Dragons Beginner      

For little ones eager to start their martial arts journey, students will learn the foundation of Isshinryu Karate with drills designed to develop good listening skills, focus, balance, coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and self-control. Please wear loose clothing.

Mini Dragons Advanced      

For those who have completed Mini Dragons Beginner. Students build on the knowledge learned with more in-depth drills and techniques as they progress through the different belt ranks in this ongoing course. Advanced students are required to wear the proper uniform and appropriate belt rank.

Little Dragons Beginner      

By studying Isshinryu Karate, students develop confidence, patience, good manners, and respect for others while learning the basic blocks and strikes and practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques to help keep them safe. Drills develop good listening skills, focus, balance, coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and self-control. Please wear loose clothing.

Little Dragons Advanced      

For those who have completed Little Dragons Beginner. Students will build on the core values while learning Kata (Forms), Kumite (Controlled Sparring), and more advanced techniques as they progress through the different belt ranks in this ongoing course. Advanced students are required to wear the proper uniform and appropriate belt rank.

Adult Beginner      

Through the discipline of Isshinryu Karate, students develop self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others while learning how to defend themselves and stay in shape. Students begin with basic blocks and strikes and practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques. Please wear loose clothing.

Adult Advanced      

For those who have completed the Adult Beginner course. Students will add to their basic skills of Karate with Kata (Forms), Kumite (Controlled Sparring), and more advanced techniques as they progress through the different belt ranks in this ongoing course. Advanced students are required to wear the proper uniform and appropriate belt rank.

Karate classes instructed by Stephen Lage Sensei
Stephen Lage began his training in Isshinryu Karate in 1982 in the Detroit suburb of Warren, MI. Throughout his training, Lage diligently honed and excelled not only at the requirements for each rank, but many advanced techniques, realistic street self-defense, and tournament competition, as well as Karate history and Okinawan traditions.

Lage attained the rank of Sho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1989. He began teaching classes in 1996. In 2008, he moved to St. Joseph, Michigan, where he established adult and children’s classes at the local YMCA as well as self-defense seminars both at the Y and local businesses and groups. In 2023, he was promoted to Roku Dan (6th Degree Black Belt).

All classes are held at YMCA O'Brien Center. Price is for one class per week. Want to practice more than once per week? Add a second class each week for only $30/session!

Youth Beginner Taekwondo   

Participants will learn discipline, focus, gain confidence, learn respect for themselves and others.

Beginner Taekwondo   

Kids start as a white or yellow belt and can earn up to a black belt. Students who have earned a rank at a different school may be able to start at that rank.

Advanced Taekwondo    

Already a yellow or green belt or higher? This class helps develop weapons defense, take-downs, advanced sparring, and forms. Students who have earned a rank at another school may be able to start at that rank.