Martial Arts in Geneva, IL curriculum blends multiple styles

World Martial Arts Academy’s core-curriculum offers a complete regimen of physical conditioning that improves health and fitness but more importantly benefits the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. We have developed our program from the combined experiences of our instructors. Our unified curriculum is unique and blends the best aspects of multiple arts including Shotokan Karate, Filipino Martial Arts, Aikido, Krav Maga, Yaw-Yan Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and others.

At all times — in training and in everyday life — our students are taught to follow the guidelines of Karate set forth by the Father of Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, in his Dojo Kun (school oath):

Seek perfection of character
Protect the way of truth
Endeavor to excel
Respect others
Refrain from violent behavior

SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

Karate-Do is a martial art that that originates from the fighting methods indigenous to Okinawa. Karate-Do, which means “the way of the empty hand,” is a striking art that employs punching, kicking, and open-hand techniques, as well as elbow and knee strikes. SHOTOKAN is the style of Karate created by GICHIN FUNAKOSHI (1868-1957). Funakoshi popularized Karate throughout Japan in the early 1900s through public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university Karate clubs. He is known as the father of modern-day Karate. Shotokan is the name that Funakoshi gave his first school (dojo). Shoto means “pine-waves”, which describes the movement of pine tree needles when the wind blows through them. Shoto is the pen-name that Funakoshi used in his writings. Kan means “hall”. Shotokan Karate-Do provides the base of our standard curriculum.

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS

“Filipino Martial Arts” (FMA) refers to the fighting methods that developed in the Philippines in both ancient and modern times. ARNIS, ESKRIMA, and KALI are the most popular names and are commonly associated with a stick, knife, and sword fighting. There are numerous styles and systems of FMA. Most teach weaponry as well as hand-to-hand combat, as weapons are mere extensions of the hands. The popularization of FMA is largely credited to “PROFESSOR” REMY AMADOR PRESAS (1936-2001), the founder of Modern Arnis, who made it his mission spread FMA to the rest of the world. In 2010, the Republic of the Philippines declared Arnis as its National Martial Art and Sport. FMA begins around 12-18 months into our standard curriculum. It is also offered as a separate stand-alone program for adults.

AIKIDO

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by MORIHEI UESHIBA (1883-1969). Translated as “the Way of Harmony” or “the Way of Harmonious Spirit,” Aikido practitioners blend with the motion of an attacker and redirect the attacking force. Aikido techniques maintain a firm and stable center while using circular motions to control and direct the opponent. Throws, pins, and joint-locks usually complete Aikido techniques. Basic techniques are spread throughout the standard curriculum. Aikido becomes more of a focus after achieving black belt. Aikido is also offered as a separate stand-alone program for teens/adults.

KRAV MAGA

Krav Maga (“Combat Contact”) is the self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This is a no-nonsense approach to personal-protection, with a focus on quickly and efficiently identifying and neutralizing threats. We teach the civilian program of Zohar Tactical Krav Maga, developed by former IDF Special Forces Sergeant, Eric Zohar. “Fortune favors the prepared!” Krav Maga techniques and concepts are found throughout our martial arts curriculum. We also offer Krav Maga as a separate stand-alone program for teens/adults.

YAW-YAN

Yaw-Yan is Filipino-style of kickboxing developed by Napoleon A. Fernandez, who based it on older Filipino martial arts. Since its inception in the 1970s, Yaw-Yan has dominated the kickboxing scene in the Philippines and has proven very effective against other stand-up fighting arts. Yaw-Yan kicks emphasize a hip-torquing motion and downward-cutting angles. The style also has shown effectiveness in delivering attacks from long range. We are affiliated with Yaw-Yan Tigreleon, headed by Master Jojo Stagen, as appointed by Grandmaster Napoleon Fernandez. Yaw-Yan techniques and concepts are found throughout our martial arts curriculum.

Curriculum

SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS

AIKIDO

KRAV MAGA

YAW-YAN

WEB SPECIAL FOR KIDS

WEB SPECIAL FOR KIDS

WEB SPECIAL FOR ADULTS!

WEB SPECIAL FOR FAMILIES!