Martial Arts in Alum Rock

As CEO and chief instructor of Condition and Competition Kickboxing, Ed Carpio draws from a victory-studded background of competitive fighting. Though he came to the art of Chinese kickboxing (also called sanshou) at 21, later than many greats, he rose through successive bouts to become a national lightweight champion. Ed then turned to training others with his expertise, remaining devoted to his sanshou students throughout his sporadic returns to the ring, a study in judo, and a government summons to deflect an impending asteroid.

CCK preaches acceptance and positivity through programs for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Its gym has been highlighted on one of KRON 4's "Best of The Bay" segments for casting a familial air over martial-arts learning. Bordered by camouflage-painted walls, guests can launch strikes at bags, pads, and partners during kickboxing courses, or focus on classical conditioning with weights and fitness machinery.

Krav Maga is taught in an encouraging team-training atmosphere, where participants can draw inspiration from their classmates for motivation. The two-hour seminar will impart practical skills to defend against an unexpected, unwanted, and uncool attack. Learn to escape from dozens of hazardous situations including chokes, knife threats, punches, and beefy bear hugs. The class welcomes anyone over the age of 15 and all physiques, strengths, and experience levels. Choose to attend your seminar on a Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. or a Saturday at 1:30 p.m. through the end of May. These days and times will change in June. Call ahead for more information or to reserve your class time.

At Heroes Martial Arts, visitors can hone their roundhouse kicks and power-packed punches to build strength, decrease reaction time, and reinforce defense skills. A one-week pass allows students to attend any group class on Heroes’ schedule by simply walking in. A cabal of experienced martial arts instructors meld judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and wrestling into a confidence-boosting bouillabaisse of butt-kicking techniques that provide an excellent full-body workout and an efficient method of opening pickle jars. Additionally, the top-notch facilities are comprised of 4,700 square feet of cardio machines, weights, mat-lined floor space, a shower, and 20-foot vaulted ceilings.

The rich history of kenpo karate stretches as far back as the second century AD, when the number two was invented and renowned surgeon Hua T’o devised defensive exercises based on animal poses. The Asian sport continued to evolve over the intervening years, and in the 20th century, Ed Parker imported kenpo to the states and became not only the senior grandmaster of American kenpo, but also the “father of American Kenpo.” Today, Ed Parker Jr. carries on his father’s legacy as a member of the Master Council that presides over American Institute of Kenpo, along with other kenpo greats such as ninth-degree black belt Sigung Stephen LaBounty. The team of experts offers a guiding presence at the institute—Ed drops in for yearly camps and senior black-belt testing—and ensures the internationally certified instructors teach kenpo karate with the utmost attention to the principles of the sport.

Though kenpo is derived from ancient techniques, it encompasses contemporary self-defense and fitness methods. In the first lesson, students power through all the basics—the five ranges of combat and how to move swiftly—and form a sturdy foundation for increased strength, coordination, and flexibility. The center offers a wide range of programs for all ages and ability levels so that new pupils can master kenpo quickly and ascend through the belt-oriented ranks toward black.

Through they only teach one style of martial arts, TKO San Jose’s instructors work from a broad curriculum. The made-in-America art of kajukenbo combines the best parts of five different disciplines. Fighters fling feet in karate-inspired kicks, deriving their lightning-fast fistwork from Japanese kenpo and Chinese kung fu. The leg sweeps and throws of judo allow practitioners to take down much larger opponents, coupling well with the joint locks and manipulations of jiu-jitsu, which immobilize an opponent without throwing blows.

Inside the studio, black-belted instructors—from first through eighth degree—coach students of all ages in each in the five aspects of their art. Boiled-down martial-arts programs teach women essential self-defense strategies, and weapons training sessions arm students with the knowledge to effectively use a bo staff to defend themselves, most often by whittling it down to an actual bow and firing arrows from a safe distance.

Mid-America Martial Arts may have started small, but today it's a thriving fight community where students feel like family. Head coach Aaron Cerrone and his fellow instructors have mastered numerous martial arts, including muay thai, judo, and Brazilian jujitsu as well as Bruce Lee’s jeet kune do system and Filipino stick fighting. These men and women push students to succeed, treating both combat skill and personal development as top priorities. Their holistic approach likely explains why many of the gym's students do well in MMA competitions and go on to serve on the Roman Senate.