Martial Arts: 

Jujitsu is a modern effective blend of fighting styles developed for street combat and self defense. A typical class will include warm-ups, break falls, roll outs,  and joint locks, followed by free-form application of these techniques. Sensei David Sheeger has trained in jujitsu for 15 years. He is also a fourth degree black belt in karate, having been on the World Oyama Karate Full Knockdown Fighting Team from 1992-97. Sensei David is now a member of World Kanreikai Karate and teaches at their Regional Headquarters in NYC.

Karate – A traditional martial art from Japan that consists of strikes with both hands and feet. Basics, forms (kata) and sparring are used to promote fitness and the ability to defend oneself. Promotion is at the discretion of the instructor, and allows the student to see tangible progress.

Alfred DiGrazia, founder of Oyama Enomichi Karate, was Brooklyn branch chief for World Oyama Karate Organization for over 20 years. He trained with Soshu Shigeru Oyama, Kyokoshin Karate’s fighting master and a student of Mas Oyama, the founder, who was taught by the founders of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu.

Alison Morea trained with Alfred DiGrazia for more than 15 years, earning her san-dan (third degree rank) in Oyama Enomichi Karate. She is the mother of four children, ages 11-22, three of whom practice karate.

Brian Pang began his training with Alfred DiGrazia in 2001, advancing from white belt to black belt in four years. In 2006, Brian founded Brooklyn Dojo.

Zane Kupper has trained in karate with Alfred DiGrazia since he was six years old and earned his black belt when he was 17. He expanded his training by studying Kung Fu with Sifu Carl Stanchel in New Paltz, NY.

Tai Chi originated in China nearly 1,000 years ago. It emphasizes exercise, relaxation, meditation, energy cultivation and self defense. Daily practice of the slow, graceful movements of Tai Chi keeps one young in appearance, agile in movement and tranquil in mind. It also promotes good energy flow throughtout the body,improves concentration,healthier breathing, better coordination and balance. Steve Miller has been studying with Master C.K. Chu at the Tai Chi Chuan Center of New York since 1987 and has been certified by him to teach Tai Chi and Chi Kung. Steve Miller has been studying with Master C.K. Chu at the Tai Chi Chuan Center of New York since 1987 and has been certified by him to teach Tai Chi, Nei gung and Chi Gung.

Wrestling - Dave Jenkins brings experience in Chinese arts like Tai Chi and Chi Gung to his scholastic grappling practice to create a practical and easy-to-learn self-defense system. Techniques are demonstrated and then put into practice with other students and the teacher. Covers taking the fight to the ground and what to do when it gets there. Dave's training includes jujitsu and he is an active MMA competitor.

Healthy Arts:

Belly Dance (Middle Eastern Dance) is a folk dance that offers women a chance to work their core muscles while learning a rich traditional art. The instructor, Leela Corman, is experienced in bellydance from several countries and teaches a supportive and entertaining class.

Cardio Kickboxing - a non-contact, high energy workout that uses karate techniques to build strength and stamina and burn calories. Great for getting in shape or staying in shape.  See bios for Alfred DiGrazia and Alison Morea under martial arts - karate 

Feldenkrais Method - applies physics, motor development, bio-mechanics, psychology, and martial arts to improve posture, flexibility, and coordination, and help those with restricted movement, chronic tension, and pain.

Bones for Life is an offshoot of Feldenkrais specifically for women. It stimulates bone strength through natural movement and weight bearing postures. Linda Howell is a certified Feldenkrais and Bones for Life instructor as well as a licensed physical therapist.

Nia Technique - based on traditional floor exercise classes, Nia incorporates dance, martial arts, music and yoga to make a fun and low impact cardio class. It is designed to minimize exercise-related injuries. Angela Pinti is a certified Nia & Zumba instructor and a trained operatic soprano with an infectious love of music and dance.

Nei Kung - is a traditional Chinese strengthening technique. It is a physical way to channel your "Ki" or internal energy, leading to better health and more strength. A good compliment to tai chi training. See Steve Miller's bio under martial arts - tai chi.

Pilates - Exercise to keep you strong, aligned and flexible at any age and stage of your life. It focuses on the core muscles but offers conditioning for the whole body. Mat/Prop class is an open floor class. Gentle Pilates is perfect for post-partum, injured, out of shape, older or total beginner students. Martina Nevermann was trained by Ellie Herman, a noted practitioner and author of many Pilates books. She has practiced for 14 years and taught for four and is the mother of two herself.

Total Body Conditioning -  Stretching, weight-bearing exercises and plyometrics give you a low or non-impact workout. This class emphasizes core training, cardio and flexibility. Get in shape, lose weight and enhance your performance in other sports. See Alfred DiGrazia and Alison Morea's bios under martial arts - karate.

Yoga - The practice of this Eastern technique's postures have long been known to improve flexibility and strangth, also encouraging concentration and relaxation.

Gina Bergdall  began studying yoga in college. In 2008 she left corporate America to teach what she loves. She trained at Karma Kids and YogaWork.  Her class is Vinyasa style with an emphasis on props and a sense of humor. She believes that anyone can do yoga so come as you are.

Cheryl Bond holds certificates in yoga from KRI-Kundalini Research Institute and in Group Fitness from AFA. She has also studied Thai Massage in Thailand and dance at the Ailey School and Dance New Amsterdam. Her class offers a chance to sweat, stretch, relax, and meditate to bring balance and well-being to the body and mind.

Javon Johnson started in (hot) yoga but now practices Atmananda yoga. He is certified by Centerpoint Studios. Javon is experienced in working with injuries himself and wants to make yoga accessible to all, offering modifications when necessary.

Ramit Kreitner is certified by Laughing Lotus Studios to teach yoga. She is trained in Vinyasa Flow yoga but also loves hatha and restorative yoga. She also works at Jaya Yoga in Park Slope.

Elyce Semenec is certified to teach Hatha Yoga through N.U. Yoga, Chicago. and has had Anusara training at City Yoga, Berlin. Elyce teaches a balance between Vinyasa movement to encourage fluidity, and still poses, which condition the body and mind. Neighbors may know her from House of Yoga.

Lauren Tepper is trained in both Iyengar and Vinyasa Flow yoga. She is an ACE certified personal trainer and holds an MFA in dance from U of NC (and a BS from Cornell University). She also trains in pilates and is active in meditation. Lauren teaches pre and postpartum students as well as parent-baby and children's yoga.

Mackenzie Pause teaches traditional hathayoga with a touch of Vinyasa. Sound and it's healing qualities are integral to her class, including gongs and forks as well as music, and add another sense/dimension to yoga training. She offers seminars in Crystal Bowl Meditation and Yoga to the music of the Beatles.

Zumba - a high energy cardio, body sculpting and toning class that combines Latin flavor and World Music in an easy to follow dance routine. Its so much fun you won't feel like you're working out. Come join the party!

See Angela Pinti's bio under Nia.

Sifa Marti is a certified Zumba and Pilates Instructor who values strengthening and preservation of the body. She was certified as a Zumba instructor by master teacher Tanya Beardsley and in Pilates by Linda Farrell of Linda Fit Pilates.Sifa attended The Brooklyn Music School, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey School, cultivating her passion for movement, rhythm, and performance. She furthered her education by attending CUNY Hunter College where she majored in Dance. Sifa is the founder, choreographer, and producer of The ZifaDanz Group, a dance theater project she created in September 2006. Its mission is to “display life with its fetters and pleasures.” She believes that all forms of dance whether for fitness, choreography, or performance, are therapeutic for the mind, body, and spirit.

Gymnastics /Creative Movement- Floor exercises and routines that will teach children strength, flexibility and self-confidence. A good basis in gymnastics will enhance any future sport or physical activity. Young children are naturally physical so this class uses music, games, traditional techniques and props to encourage their natural creativity and enthusiasm. Alexandra Bayeva, a native of Minsk, studied dance and gymnastics since an early age. She worked with a variety of dance and dance-theatre companies in Belarus, where she learned acrobatics, partnering skills and working with objects. She also worked with children as a dance teacher and choreographer. She received her B.A. in dance from Belarusian State University of Culture in 2004 and came to New York. Alexandra performs with Anabella Lenzy DanceDrama and live at Restaurant Osiana.  

Karate Skills for four and five year olds introduces children to karate's strikes, kicks, stances and blocks in a fun and loosely structured class. No sparring at this level.                                                                                                     Beginner karate is for younger children and beginners. Stepping drills and more advanced games are added to the karate skills curriculum along with kata (forms), partner techniques, and basic sparing.                                                     Advanced karate is for yellow belts and above and older beginners. The longer class makes use of their longer attention spans and allows us to cover more advanced techniques. Discipline and determination are further rewarded. Protective gear (shinpads and knucklepunches) are required for sparring.  See page one for style description and teacher bios. 

Music for Aardvarks – a musical experience for families with children ages 3 months to 5 years. Explore music through song & gesture, dance & movement, rhythm training, and instrument play; using original music that celebrates the lives of children growing up in an urban environment. Audra Tsanos is an actress/singer who has been working with families for the last 7 years. She encourages parents to be role models for their children through music, providing an energetic, fun, playful environment. More info at Audrarox.com
Jen Milich is a singer songwriter, poet, and mom, with an incredibly positive spirit that will inspire you to rock & roll with your little one! Check out Jen @ http://www.madtownproductions.com

Musical Explorers - two classically trained musicians teach young children to sing and play on small instruments. Check out Yoon and Akiko's program on their website http://www.MusicalExplorers.com

Yoga for Children - (ages 2-12). A fun and imaginative yoga class which utilizes music, stories and props to teach yoga postures and breathing techniques. This class emphasizes body and world awareness, confidence and teamwork in a non-competitive environment.  See Lauren Tepper's yoga bio. Sub - Gina Bergdall, also under yoga.