Practical Defensive Arts Association Of Savannah
About
I am a martial arts instructor with over 50 years of experience. I am currently offering individual and "buddy" training sessions tailored to your interests and needs.
I generally teach adults, but I also train seniors, teens, and some people with disabilities. I will train motivated youngsters, but a parent should attend and preferably participate in the training.
Training can include general fitness, weight/resistance training, mobility/flexibility, practical self defense, women's self defense, and martial arts including use of hands and feet. I also offer training in the use of historical weapons such as sticks, staff, 1-handed swords, 2-handed swords, axe, and spear. The weapons training covers both technique training and sparring with safe sparring weapons, which is great exercise and good fun!
I also do some training with instinctive archery using recurve and longbows. I shoot bows of various weights with both left and right hand, which is good for dexterity, balanced muscle development, and posture. This is very good training for both sides of the body, both sides of the brain.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start with an individual session to discuss your goals. My teaching is not about what I know, or what I can do--it is about what you want and need.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and over 50 years of experience teaching Taekwon-Do, martial arts, and self defense. I was previously the Michigan State and also the Regional Director for the United States Taekwon-Do Federation. For a number of years I was also the Defensive Tactics Instructor at the Northern Michigan Police Academy. In recent years, I have been focusing on self defense, women's self defense, and private training sessions for self defense and physical fitness.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I am retired, so I do not currently charge for training. Students can drop a small donation in the donation box, to help cover expenses, if they wish to do so. But, this is entirely optional--I believe some of my students leave donations and some do not. Either way is fine with me.
How did you get started teaching?
I started my martial arts training when I was very young. Training and teaching have been a major part of my life ever since. I have trained literally thousands of students, many of whom became blackbelts and instructors in many parts of hte country.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have trained all types of students, men, women, and children. The youngest students were typically in the 6-7 year age range. The oldest were in their 60s and 70s, a few in their 80s. I have trained many beginning students, many intermediate students, and many very advanced students holding 3rd, 4th, and 5th degree Black Belts in traditonal martial arts. I have also trained many instructors, helping them improve their teaching skills and giving them a large "toolbox" of drills and activities for use with their students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is important to find an instructor who can provide the type of training appropriate for your age, level of fitness, and current skills. This will allow them to provide training that is safe, fun, and challenging.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Watch a class or participate in an introductory trainining session to better understand the teaching method.