Self-Defense Concepts is a system that incorporates traditional Shotokan Karate with Aiki concepts, self-defense elements, and training in martial strategy to overcome opponents. This combines powerful striking techniques with free-flowing movement, joint locks and practical self-defense techniques into a strategy to overcome opponents.

Instructors:

Master Jeff Heckman - Rokudan - 6th Degree

Sensei Matt Cook - Shodan -1st Degree

Ages and Gender of Students

• Ages 15 and up, both men and women
• Due to the nature of what we teach, it is not suitable for children.  In order to begin as a white belt, we expect students to already posses a sense of dedication and a desire to better themselves.  One must be willing and determined to practice at home.

Dojo

• The space and time set aside for the study of martial arts.   At the Studio of 5 Rings, the dojo area will be marked, and the area is to be treated with respect at all times.  
• Class is a time and place to learn and better oneself.   Students are to heed the instructor’s directions while in the dojo; this instills respect for the dojo, the instructors and classmates.  

Bowing

• This is typically done by placing one’s feet together, arms at the sides and by bending at the waist slightly.  Do NOT lower your eyes and lose vision of others in the room or your surroundings.
• This is a traditional Japanese way of showing respect to the dojo and to the instructors. There is no religious significance and no requirement to do so outside of the dojo.
• Bowing is performed at each of the following:
  • When entering / exiting the dojo
  • Any time a black belt enters the dojo, all students must immediately cease all activity and bow to the entering black belt
  • At the beginning / conclusion of class
    • Students will line up by rank, lowest rank to left and highest rank to right.  If you show up without a belt, you will be the lowest rank in the line-up.
    • Most senior person (other than the instructor) will line up facing the class to the right of the instructor in a place of honor
    • Students will first bow to the Instructor while the Instructor bows to them.
    • Then Students and Instructor will bow to the person in the honor position while the honoree bows to the Instructor
  • Before a session of kumite and at the conclusion of kumite, regardless of rank

During Class

• Please arrive a few minutes early to change and stretch before class begins.   Class will have a brief, formal beginning followed by group warm-up.
• Instructors will then use a free structure to cover kata, bunkai and wazas that the group has collectively mastered.
• Instructors may then break the class into smaller groups to introduce new techniques to try as well as covering new wazas and kata as appropriate.
• Since kumite is not a main focus of this art, it may not appear in every class.
• Students are expected to maintain their own exercise regimen outside of class so that instruction time is not reduced by group exercises.
• During class controlled contact between students will be made.   Instructors will ensure that contact is appropriate.  All of us have lives outside of the dojo, and we must respect each other by practicing control.

Equipment or Gear

• Every student is expected to purchase, maintain and arrive at class with his/her own gear.
• The uniform is a black gi.  Once a student has attained the rank of Shodan, he/she may customize their gi.
• Click here for more on required equipment

Japanese and English terms are used in class.

• Students are required to know Japanese and English terms
• Click here for more explanation

Belt System

Self-Defense Concepts utilizes five belts.   In ascending order from beginner to advanced, they are the following:

1. White (Shichikyu)
2. Green (Gokyu)
3. Purple (Yonkyu)
4. Brown (Sankyu)
5. Black (Shodan)

To view the details under each belt description, you must first enroll in our classes.  Once enrolled, you will be given a password to access the information.

Each belt has several requirements.   When each requirement has been satisfied in formal testing, a white stripe will be added to the belt.   This arrangement serves two purposes: it maintains a simplified belt system, and it saves the student the expense of purchasing a new belt every testing period.

How long it takes one to complete each belt? 

This depends on the rate at which an individual demonstrates ability, commitment and mastery of the requirements.  Testing occurs quarterly; students who demonstrate preparedness will be tested.  Those who pass the test will earn the appropriate rank advancement.

How many tournaments do you go to per year?

• We do not generally participate in tournaments.  We may on occasion visit other schools or visit a tournament, but this is not a focus of ours. 
• Our karate is self-defense oriented.  Therefore, we do not teach karate as a sport with tournament rules, focus on sparring, etc. 

Is there MMA-style grappling?

We do not teach grappling. If you are already studying grappling for MMA purposes, our standing material will compliment it very well.  Karateka in our system, however, have discovered that standing techniques and basics are transferable to ground-work.

How long does it take to learn it?

That part is up to you, depending on how quickly you assimilate the material. This is more than a seminar with a few tricks or moves. Realistically, it takes a few years to retrain your mind, reflexes and observation techniques into a strategic competitor.

Sign up for either Group or Private Lessons now and receive the first class FREE

Contact us if you have and questions or if you would like to schedule a visit to our facilities.