About
At Rising Sun Martial Arts, our internationally certified instructors offer structured classes in the traditional martial arts. Students learn self-defense, but also self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline. We offer a structured curriculum that allows all students to learn and grow as individuals and as martial artists.
Rising Sun Martial Arts has been serving the community since 1999; and we believe that we DO offer a service to the community! Over the years, hundreds of children and adults have come to us to learn self-defense, study a traditional art, get in shape, improve their self-esteem or for any number of other reasons. Many of those who have started out as "non-athletes" have gone on to become champions in competitions (click on "Trainers of Champions" on our website to see a list!); others have found that their experiences here had unexpected and highly positive influences in other areas of their lives. There is no limit to how far you can go!
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Stephen B.
Jill
Richard C.
Jeffrey L.
Alexandra M.
Alyson
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start the process with a FREE Introductory Session. This is an opportunity for prospective students to meet with our director and discuss their goals and our programs. During this session, the first basic karate technique (Upper Block) is taught. That gives the potential student an idea of what they will be learning and how classes are taught. It also gives us an idea of their learning style and how best to work with them.
From there, new students enter the Beginner Class on a two-month Trial Program. The Beginner Class is kept very small (often one-on-one) and gives students a solid foundation in the Basics before they move on to join the larger Novice Class.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Our school director, Brent Baker, has been training in traditional martial arts since 1984. He holds the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate, 6th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, 4th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kenpo Kobudo, and 1st Degree Black Belt in Zenkoku Ryukyu Kobujutsu. Mr. Baker holds the teaching grade of "Kyoshi", which loosely translates as "Grand Master Instructor".
In addition to his role as a martial arts instructor, Mr. Baker has a degree in education and works as a science teacher in a local school district. He has been teaching Science at the middle- and high-school levels since 1996, and is the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trainer for his district.
What types of students have you worked with?
We offer classes for students aged four through adult. We have even had students training into their 70s! Some of our students come to us with prior experience, and some do not; our philosophy is that everyone can learn and everyone can achieve.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are no state laws in NH regarding instructor certification, curriculum or safety standards for martial arts schools. Anyone can open a dojo (martial arts school) and teach as they see fit. At Rising Sun Martial Arts, our school is internationally licensed and accredited through TWO professional organizations:
- The Shidokan International Karate-do/Kobu-do Training and Research Federation oversees our empty-hand programs.
- The International Karate Kobudo Federation oversees our weapons program.
These organizations hold us accountable to standards to training, teaching and conduct. If you are looking to train ANYWHERE, you should know whether the school is being held to these standards or similar standards.