Shotokan Karate Jutsu at The Aquatic & Fitness Center of Cherry Hill

We are proud to announce that we are now in Cherry Hill. As of June 1st 2003, Shotokan Karate Jutsu will be conducting classes on a regular basis.

Classes will be in Traditional Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate Jutsu also places emphasis upon the original defensvie applications that are covered by our style of karate. These bring elements of ground fighting, joint locking, and throwing as well as the punching and kicking methods taught in most karate schools today.

If you are interested in self defense, sweating, losing a few pounds, sharpening your focus or just want to start on your way to becoming a Black Belt, stop by for some more information.

SHOTOKAN KARATE JUTSU at the Aquatic & Fitness Center of Cherry Hill

Traditional Japanese/Okinawan-style Shotokan Karate, taught by a staff of highly experienced karate and fitness professionals in a health club environment

Karate: Fitness with a purpose… *Self Defense *Self Esteem & Confidence *Goal Attainment

Teaching Staff Profiles:

Sal Lopresti, Sr., Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt), Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1972, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1976 *Graduate of Instructor Training Programs from theISKF/JKA and Long Island University; Instructor for these programs as well *NJ State Champion, 1976 *Team Champion, 1980, Pan Am Games *East Coast Karate Champion in Kata and Kumite, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982 *International Kata Champion, 1985, at Long Island University in NY *Outstanding Instructor Award, Long Island University, 2003 *Owner of Body Max Health & Fitness in Sewell, New Jersey

Ron Romano, Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt), Technical Director USA-SKF *Graduate of Instructor Training Programs from theISKF/JKA; *Numerous Regional, Natioanl and International Championships

Paul Lopresti, Godan (5th Degree) Technical Director of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1977, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1982 *Junior Kata and Kumite East Coast Champion *Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training from Glassboro State College *Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association *Served as athletic trainer for Moorestown High, Rowan College and as an intern for the Philadelphia Flyers *Graduate of the Long Island University Karate Instructor Program, Outstanding Student Award Recipient *Website addressWWW.SHOTOKANKARATEJUTSU.COM *Presently working on a series of instructional karate videos*Co-Author of Karate: Martial And Sport Vol. 7 * Recognized as Yudansha (Black Belt) in Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu

Maureen Graven-Eells, Yondan (4th Degree) Coordinator of Aquatic & Fitness Karate Center *Began training career in 1986, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1989 *Co-director of Group Fitness at the Aquatic & Fitness Center of Cherry Hill *B.A. Degree in Education from LaSalle College, Outstanding Student Award *Special Education teacher, 1989Teacher of the Year Award from Burlington County Special Services *Creator of the Special Needs Karate Program for Children and Adults with Special Needs *Certified fitness instructor, including Kickboxing, Spinning, Yoga, Urban Rebounding *Creator of various Educational and Fitness Programs for children and teens

Joe Zaprala, Godan (5th Degree) *Began training career in 1973, achieved Shodan (1st Degree) in 1977 *Former police officer in Philadelphia *Student of the ISKF/JKA Instructor Training Program *East Coast Kata and Kumite Team Champion, 1978, 1979, 1980 *National ISKF/JKA Team Kata and Kumite Award winner, 1978, 1979, 1980

Tony Savino, Godan (5th Degree) *Began training career in 1973, achieved Shodan (1st Degree) in 1978 *Twenty years of teaching experience *Graduate of Instructor Training course

Frank Kummer, Yondan (4th Degree) *Began training career as a college student and achieved Shodan (1st Degree) in 1989 *Graduate of Instructor Training course

Joe Lauricella, Sandan (3rd Degree) *Began training career in 1964 in Ka-ju-ken-bo *Received rank of Shodan (1st Degree) in Goju Ryu in 1983 *Has trained in Isshin Ryu, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and Tang Soo Do

Pam Sodaski , Nidan (2nd Degree) *Began training career in 1995, achieved Shodan (1st Degree) in 2000 *Instructor of Special Needs Karate for over 8 years

John Paolone, Nidan (2nd Degree)

What Is Karate?

Karate is an ancient fighting art passed down to the present from the East. Shotokan karate is of Okinawan origin. It is an “empty-handed” style of fighting; participants learn to use their own bodies for self-defense. Who can train in Karate? Shotokan Karate Jutsu is a karate school for EVERYONE! We welcome participants of all ages and we even have an off-site school for Special Needs participants. We offer classes for children ages 4-104! Our instructors strive to help each karateka (karate participant) achieve his/her personal goals, should they be physical or mental. Karateka are taught to perceive karate as a lifelong endeavor, thus enabling them to transfer their skills (improved self confidence/self esteem, improved coping skills, improved physical skills , etc.) to everyday life.

Karate for Athletes

Karate is a great complement to all sports! Power, strength, agility, coordination and mental concentration skills are all part of karate training. Many professional athletes, past and present, are students of karate! Karate is well-balanced, so there is not a concentration in one area of athleticism to the exclusion of another.

Karate for Women

All women would benefit from karate training! Women learn how to defend themselves, both mentally and physically, from “attackers” in all areas of their lives. Women develop confidence and lose worry! Speaking of losing, as weight control is an issue for many women in our society, karate is “exercise with a purpose”, a way to keep in shape while learning valuable skills. Karate is an opportunity to make a commitment to your physical and mental well-being. Some women may feel intimidated by the “fighting” aspect of karate. Our instructors are dedicated to the safety of all our students and no one will be required to perform tasks that are uncomfortable. Learning to “fight” is part of the self-defense process. (Ironically, most women learn to enjoy this aspect!) Karate also has an artistic element. Kata training can be appreciated as much for its beauty as it is for the self defense application of its moves.

Karate for Seniors

No one is ever too old to learn something new. We can adapt techniques to suit everyone’s needs. Just inform your instructor of any concerns you may have before the start of class.

Karate for Children

If you ask most karate practitioners they would agree that they wished they started karate as a child! Children are capable of developing their bodies to their fullest potentials. Most children don’t get as much exercise as they should; our karate instructors enjoy enabling our younger students achieve physical -and mental- goals! Karate training is transferable to all sports and can be considered a sport itself! In fact, it is one of the few sports that helps develop both sides of the body simultaneously, thus being of benefit neurologically, as well! For youth who aren’t “into” team sports, karate is a personal achievement sport. Our young members are encouraged to compete in tournaments, giving them an opportunity to win trophies and socialize with teammates. Karate training helps children and teens develop a sense of commitment and responsibility. Seeing this commitment through to the black belt level is a lesson in achievement! Karate training for younger children (ages 4-7) is a great way to encourage physical, neurological and emotional development. Attention spans at this age are short so karate training is interspersed with engaging activities which further enhance a child’s understanding of self-control, fairness, cooperative and competitive play and fitness. Our instructors pay close attention to our young karateka and we encourage open communication with our students and their parents before the beginning or at the end of a class session. We care about our students and we want karate to be an enjoyable experience!

Karate for People with Special Needs

The Shotokan Karate Jitsu instructors have a commitment to sharing their karate style with all who have a desire to train. Karate has been touted to be a great “sport” for children with ADHD. Our instructors have experience in this area so if you or your child has special needs, please bring it to our attention so that we may help tailor your training program to suit your needs.

What do the belt colors signify?

The “obi”, or belt worn by karate participants signifies the student’s rank, or level of proficiency. Students progress by taking tests to assess their abilities. Students begin at White Belt and strive to achieve Black Belt rank. Traditionally belts are not laundered and students usually save their belts as they pass through their ranks. Karate Testing Students advance from ranking of 10 kyu (white belt) to Shodan (1st Degree black belt) through belt testing. The rate at which a karateka advances will vary from student to student although generally a student will need a minimum of classes or months training before testing. There will be an additional fee for testing and we will keep testing costs to a minimum. Testing schedules will be posted and students must receive permission to test prior to the test date.

Dojo Etiquette

Karate students are required to exhibit the utmost respect for their fellow karateka in class. Although karate is a contact sport, there will be no tolerance of unnecessary roughness and safety will be our priority. Our “Dojo Kun” is repeated at the close of each class to remind us of the guidelines under which we practice our martial art. Karate at AFC Members of the Aquatic & Fitness Center of Cherry Hill will receive a discounted price for the Shotokan Karate Jutsu program. Families pricing is also discounted. Members and non members will be given an introductory membership which includes a uniform. Members and non members may take advantage of babysitting services at AFC (additional fee). Parents of our younger students may stay to watch classes or sit with their younger children in the babysitting room for no additional fee. Shower facilities are available at AFC and non members are welcome to make use of them. We do, however, respectfully request that non members refrain from utilizing other areas of the gym. Membership inquiries about the Aquatic & Fitness Center may be directed to the Front Desk or the Sales Department. Programming Costs Price lists are available. We aim to provide excellent instruction at competitive prices. Karate “equipment” is minimal. One trains in a gi (uniform) and bare feet. However, should you wish to purchase protective hand or foot gear, etc., we can make them available to you at low cost.

Questions?

Any karate questions may be directed to Maureen Eells at

The Aquatic & Fitness Center 856-751-5177