About Us

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History

Shadow Martial Arts (SMA) signed up its first students in 2001 and has grown ever since.

For the first 4 years SMA classes were taught at a local elementary school through the Crescents Community Association.

The support of the Community Association, students, and parents allowed the club to grow. By October of 2005 SMA was able to move to a permanent facility at 185 Dominion Street, in the Prince George Combat Centre. A new facility allowed them to open up more classes and utilize more training equipment.

What we Teach

Shadow Martial Arts students train in Hapkido: this is a Korean Martial Art that means “the way of harmony and energy/spirit”. Hapkido teaches kicking, striking, and sparring but mostly focuses on self-defense techniques including joint locks, throws and escapes.

Hapkido teaches the practitioner how to defend using technique and skill. Speed, reflexes and ability to redirect an opponent’s force are all key components of combat.

Other martial art styles including Ju-Jitsu, Boxing, Judo, Kung Fu and Arnis have also been incorporated into the club. Weapons including the long staff, Escrima and sword are also taught. The club also has a guest Kendo Instructor (Japanese Sword) and Ju-Jitsu Instructor. The eclectic theme of the club reflects the owners’ philosophy about Martial Arts: the art and many of its traditions need to be respected but the art also needs to grow and adapt to each student as well as to the times.

Ages

Shadow Martial Arts teaches almost all ages of students. There are Saturday Tots classes for 3 to 7 year olds; Weekly classes for Youth (8 to 15 years) and Adults (15 years +). We have a talented and fun group of students that make it a pleasure to teach them every class: the students really make the club.

What is a class like?

In an average week students will learn practical self-defense skills, weapons, sparring, grappling, kicking, striking and blocking exercises as well as enjoy good workouts. Fitness is always a strong focus of every class: strength training, power, endurance, balance, agility, flexibility and core conditioning are essential to martial arts and to a healthy life.

Every class starts with breath control exercises to help reduce stress and build “ki” energy. Kids will participate in strength competitions, play games to build speed and reflexes, and practice their skills for their next belt level. Belt testing is a part of the Hapkido curriculum but it is not the focus: everyone advances at their own pace. The club is also non-competitive, so there is no travel for tournaments.

Why?

Every student has different reasons for studying martial arts. Perhaps they train to improve confidence and self discipline, or maybe they want to learn self-defense and combat skills, while others train for the fitness and health benefits. SMA tries to provide the environment for individual success. Everyone can achieve their goals with the following:

  1. Family support. This is especially important for kids; they need supportive parents to succeed in Martial Arts.

  2. Good club camaraderie. Having motivated and fun training partners and class mates is equally important…these are the fellow students you grow and learn with.

  3. Knowledgeable and patient instructors. An instructor can help guide, support, and motivate a martial artist.

 

Shadow Martial Arts  instructor is Marta.  She has been training in Hapkido since age 8. Marta earned her 1st Dan Black Belt in 1994 and was the first woman in the Canadian Hapkido Association as well as the local Hapkido club to earn this title. In 1997 she earned her 2nd Dan Black Belt. Marta was also a Personal Fitness Trainer.  Junior class instructor is Melony Forster.

 

Come and visit us at 185 Dominion Street, Prince George.

Please phone ahead for inquiries regarding rates and registration requirements. Students 16yrs and up need a clear Criminal Record Check for registration and enrollment.

 

Telephone: (250) 564-4025 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.