“Use no limitation as limitation, use no way as way” ~ Bruce Lee

In Youth Martial Arts we do not limit our students to one style or system.  We believe that all systems have something to offer and because of this use more than one art within our system.  Youth Martial Arts is a combination of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Grappling, Western Boxing and Muay Thai Boxing; all of which Sifu Gruhn holds certification in; equivalent to black belt level.  The class teaches all ranges of empty hand martial arts including, kicking, punching, close quarter (trapping), and ground work with a strong emphasis on agility, strength, endurance and application.

In Youth Martial Arts we use our skills as a means of enriching our lives and helping our bodies and minds grow.  Because of this we do not use our Martial Arts to hurt other beings.  In Youth Martial Arts we view all techniques that the youth learn as tools, not weapons.  All students are asked that they keep their hands and feet to themselves unless they are doing hands on drills in class.

Students working one on one are taught to help out their partner rather than viewing them as an opponent.  We stress this by reminding them that “we hit pads.”  Just as football players may learn to charge an opposing player while in the game they do not do so when off the field; the same view is taken with martial arts.  Techniques are used for in class use only. We believe that learning comes from an environment that allows the student to “play” per se rather than “compete.”

When a baseball player is up to bat his/her main goal is to win; this is an example of competition in sports.  When a baseball player is PLAYING catch they are improving their motor skills and attributes but most importantly having fun.  It is important to us that there is no Martial Arts competition in the class but rather a group of eager baseball players ready to play catch.  The competition aspect is replaced with the ongoing goal for the students’ promotion to a higher rank.  This gives the children a strong sense of accomplishment much like a baseball player may have after winning a game.

It is asked that parents stay actively involved in this part of their child’s training and help reinforce the fact that we do not use our Marital Arts outside of class.  This is done by simply reminding them to keep their hands and feet to themselves and that Sifu insists that Martial Arts are used for in class use only.