South Philadelphia: Osagame’s Athletes Fall For Judo And Self-Defense Classes
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States. Incidents can be found in most, if not all, communities across the country. People have looked to different methods to combat domestic violence and physical assaults. Most methods have included weapons such as […]
South Philadelphia: Women Have Options To Protecting Themselves Against Violence
The world can be a dangerous place. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, domestic violence cases made up nearly 21 percent of violent victimization nationwide from 2003 to 2012. Acknowledging that danger can strike anywhere at any moment, organizations have shifted their focus toward how to combat or avoid a bad situation before it actually happens. […]
South Philadelphia: Karate Instructor Builds Confidence Through Discipline
Jason Helmer’s passion for martial arts came from an unusual place. “I was in high school working and one of the mailmen in the neighborhood mentioned karate,” Helmer said. “I was a big Steven Seagal fan, believe it or not.” Helmer is now the owner and senior instructor at Amerikick Martial Arts in South Philadelphia, […]
Brewerytown: Yoga & Movement Sanctuary Brings A New Kind of Fitness to Girard
In April, Brewerytown residents welcomed the Yoga & Movement Sanctuary on 2623 W. Girard Ave. with curiosity and eagerness. It’s co-owners, Emile Sorger and Noah Julian, had both been teaching yoga at various studios in the city for years before a developer at MM Partners LLC gave them the opportunity to open their own. Julian explained what […]
Fishtown: Martial Arts School Teaches Self Defense, Self Improvement
She came home with bruises running up and down her arms. Her mother told her to just try to make the bullies her friends, and the school told her not to fight back. That’s when Don Johnson, a chiropractor from Delaware County and the girl’s father, decided to intervene. “My daughter had been bullied for […]
Hunting Park: Esperanza Trains Young Martial Artists
A line of children stood stiff as boards as Tony Gonzalez carefully examined their stances. Students who did not listen to instructions did pushups. Students who arrived late did pushups. No, this was not a Marine Corps boot camp but the new Taekwondo class taught at Esperanza Health Center in Hunting Park. Esperanza, a Christian […]
Center City: Want Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu? Visit Balance Studios
Tucked away at the intersection of Ionic and Bonsall streets sits Balance Studios, a martial arts center specializing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, mixed martial arts and yoga. While numerous studios in Philadelphia teach the aforementioned arts, it’s Balance’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu program that makes the facility truly world class. Brazilian jiu-jitsu (also known as Gracie […]
East Falls: Schools Use Music and Martial Arts to Promote Positive Changes
Rawk U School of Music Rocks [vimeo 53972340] Music has been a part of Daniel Cullen’s life ever since he first picked up an acoustic guitar when he was 11 years old. Now Cullen has the opportunity to share his passion for music with others through Rawk U School of Music. “I know I’m pretty lucky, […]