Learning a martial art is not just about getting fit and finding self protection; it’s also a way to build confidence and gain peace of mind. Kingston offers half a dozen schools and martial art classes that represent a variety of approaches and appeal to both genders and all ages, from six to sixty year olds. Whether you want to learn how to move like a cat by studying tai chi, or are itching to attack that punching bag, you’ll find a class in Kingston that suits your taste, pocket book, and schedule.
Keith Bennett, a Six Degree Black Belt Master instructor, has been running Keith Bennett Karate at 58 Albany Ave. for 20 years. His school teaches the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do, which provides the physical and mental tools to enable students to live fuller lives. Bennett has 34 years of experience in karate and is passionately involved with the community, donating his time and skills to 36 different agencies. He’s especially committed to aiding Family of Woodstock and the homeless shelter and said his number one concern is reducing domestic violence aimed at women and children. This month, he will be organizing a fundraiser for the Queens Galley. This month, he is offering an on-line special discount (for details go to his website).
Brian Demorest runs a boxing and fitness gym at 777 Broadway that attracts a variety of clients. A boxer himself in the early 1990s and a trainer of both pro and amateur fighters—including over 30 world champions; Demorest trained the real-life female boxer who knocked out the boxer portrayed by Hillary Swank in Million Dollar Baby—he gives private lessons that include shadow boxing in the ring and ten rounds of punchment (the student wears boxing gloves and Demorest a special mit) as well as workouts on the heavy bag, double end bag, and speed bag. Jumping rope and an ab workout are also included, helping clients whip into shape.
Demorest also sells $90 monthly memberships to the gym, which is open six days a week. Growing up in Kerhonksen, he started boxing as a teenager while working at a boxing training camp in the Catskills. He opened his facility because “I wanted to do something different and offer a fitness alternative.” (Call 845-389-6106
Miriam Cooper taught tai chi for 20 years in New York City and now is bringing her expertise to Kingston, with a series of five Monday night classes at the BEAHive space, 314 Wall St. The next series will begin in September, and she will present a free lecture and demonstration (call 810-2919 for more info). Affiliated with the tai chi foundation, Cooper said the martial art is a great exercise for health and vitality.
“It’s based on awareness and softness,” she said. “You relax, like a cat. You get better at it as you get older and wiser.” Another appeal is aesthetic. “It’s very beautiful,” said Cooper. “It’s a meditation you do while moving. The health aspect is crucial, leaving you more relaxed and alert.”
Chung-Ma’s Takwondo is a school teaching the classic Korean martial art. It’s been located at 478 Albany Ave. for the past eight years, four of them under the ownership of Mark Davin and Andy Guattery. The school is open enrollment, and when a student first comes in, an instructor will teach basic techniques over the course of two or three weeks for free before signing the person up and charging tuition, should he or she want to make the commitment. Davin said the teachings, which encompass ten belts, are more than learning a series of moves. “It becomes a lifestyle. One attains a level of discipline and self respect.” The attention to the spiritual as well as the physical aspect has enabled kids who get involved to improve their performance at school, Davin said. Currently, the school has 47 to 50 students.
