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ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
RECREATION STAFF
MARTIAL ARTS
In addition to self-defense, Martial Arts improve coordination, balance, timing, self-confidence, accountability, respect, and self-discipline, and provide many health benefits. From Karate to Judo, we offer a wide range of Martial Arts classes to all skill levels for ages 4 through 100!
Martial Arts classes are taught by Master Gillian Hernandez. Sensei Gil has been working with the West Chicago Park District since 1981. He is the head director and lead instructor of Tang Soo Do, a martial arts school and association in West Chicago. With an 8th degree in International Martial Arts, a 6th degree in Jiu Jitsu, and a Teaching Masters Certification in Tai Chi, Sensei Gil will help your child learn martial arts in a safe and educational environment.
Dragon Tots
Structured and semi-traditional format, emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn basic techniques utilizing balance, timing and repetition. Students will learn break-away techniques from attackers, dealing with bullies, and how to respond to strangers. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt ranks at the end of the session.
Beginner Karate
This class is conducted in a structured and traditional format that emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn 12 different kicks, 23 different blocks, breakaways, and 12 different types of strike techniques with an emphasis on flow, power, technique, and transition. Participants will begin learning falls, basic throws, wrist controls, joint locks, and advanced forms (Kata).
Group dynamics will be practiced while working with other students on their techniques. The class is structured in a format that allows students to feel comfortable and accept new challenges while building self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt ranks at the end of the session.
Intermediate/Advanced Karate
This class is conducted in a structured and traditional format that emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn 12 different kicks, 23 different blocks, breakaways, and 12 different types of strike techniques with an emphasis on flow, power, technique, and transition. Participants will begin learning falls, basic throws, wrist controls, joint locks, and advanced forms (Kata). Group dynamics will be practiced while working with other students on their techniques. The class is structured in a format that allows students to feel comfortable and accept new challenges while building self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt ranks at the end of the session.
Tai Chi
Tai-Chi Chuan has been around for over 500 years but it is exploding in the American market! Tai-Chi provides a beneficial impact on health through moving meditation. The exercises are easy to do, have low aerobic impact and are done slowly with natural body alignment, movement and breathing. Tai-Chi Chuan is the practice of kinetics, musculature, skeletal and ligament alignment, moving posture and breathing. Join us if you need a low impact aerobics routine. Please wear loose fitting clothing.
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is a self defense art, based on other person's aggressive moves it uses the opponents own energy to defeat themselves. Teaches self-discipline, promotes confidence, self respect and respect for others, goal setting, awareness of surroundings and also situational awareness. Jiu Jitsu's focus is on building the individual and staying calm and aware in dangerous or threatening situations. Techniques taught are Joint locks, different types of throws, breakaways, escapes and counters and last but not least, ground work. We teach assessing and dealing with threats from a standing position, but also from the ground. Learn body kinetics, torque, positioning and leverage. Uniforms are mandatory see instructor. Great cross-training for wrestling.
Judo
Judo does not use striking techniques of any kind. It's a sport, based on other person's aggressive moves. Judo is two individuals who, by gripping uniforms, use the forces of balances, power, timing, and physics to subdue their opponents and it involves techniques of throwing, grapping & submission holds. It all starts from a standing position and then moves to the ground for submission techniques or to pin your opponent. Uniforms are mandatory see instructor. Great cross-training for wrestling.