Welcome to White Heron Martial Arts
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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.
Study Group
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White Heron is not a traditional dojo. If you are looking for Karate classes in Elmira at the WMC, we have passed that torch to Driftwood Karate.
White Heron is a Study Group dedicated to training in the Martial Arts. We focus on Goju-ryu Karate, including seizing, grappling, and ground fighting, along with kobudo traditional weapons. Group sessions are a couple of classes monthly.
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+
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Strong body.
Focused mind.
Youth Karate
Elmira - Ages 9-16
&
Heidelberg - Ages 6-8
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Family-friendly karate classes.
Private Lessons
1-on-1 or small groups
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Learn Karate, Tai Chi, self-defense at your own pace.
Tai Chi
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Meditation in motion.
Karate Program
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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.
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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.