White Heron Martial Arts
Inspired fitness. Black belt life.
Traditional Karate
Study the old to learn the new
Welcome to White Heron Martial Arts
<Scroll Down>
At White Heron we train in traditional Goju-ryu Karate-do. Karate is the best way to learn self-defense, improve physical fitness, exercise the mind and forge the spirit.
Getting Started
​
White Heron offers classes for all ages and all fitness levels. You don't need previous martial arts experience nor be in great shape to start. You need to show up.
All classes are small with a good student-to-teacher ratio. Youth classes are family-friendly. Adult classes are dedicated only for those over the age of 15. The intensity of the training increases with belt rank, and builds slowly as students progress through the ranks.
Classes
Our Martial Arts school teaches traditional Japanese Goju-ryu Karate-do. All ages and fitness levels welcome. We understand that each student has a different style of learning, and we aim to accommodate all of our students.
Adult Karate
Ages 16+
​
Strong body.
Focused mind.
Youth Karate
Elmira - Ages 9-16
&
Heidelberg - Ages 6-8
​
Family-friendly karate classes.
Private Lessons
1-on-1 or small groups
​
Learn Karate, Tai Chi, self-defense at your own pace.
Tai Chi
​
Meditation in motion.
Karate Program
​
Karate is a traditional Japanese empty-hand martial art. At White Heron, the style of karate we teach is Goju-ryu. From the Japanese, ‘Goju-ryu’ translates as ‘hard-soft style’. As it's name implies, this stye encompassing both the hard striking linear attacks such as kicks and closed fist punches, as well as softer, circular techniques, for blocking, locks, grappling, and takedowns.
​
​
Karate training improves one’s physical conditioning: power, speed, strength, balance, and flexibility. It also offers a calm state of mind: improving focus, discipline, confidence and mental acuity.
