The fluidity of motion embodied by martial arts evokes an inherent lyricism usually found only in the interpretive dances of slam poets and the arias of demolition experts. Experience the dynamic elegance of a roundhouse kick with today’s Groupon: for $19, you get one month of lessons (up to two per week) at USA Karate, plus a uniform and school patch (a $50 value). This Groupon is good at all six locations in Anoka, Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Maple Grove, and Shakopee.
Since 1973, USA Karate instructors have helped martial-arts apprentices as young as 4 gain technical expertise and focus while developing healthy minds and bodies. Today’s deal arms Van Damme protégés with two classes per week and ample opportunities to master the cinderblock-busting basics of self-defense, kicks, strikes, and blocks. Black-belted instructors integrate students’ individual life achievements into martial-arts training by rewarding them for demonstrating commitments to areas such as academics, community, physical fitness, clandestine operations, and spelunking. Students learn to set and work toward both short- and long-term goals, lending them valuable life skills that form a sturdy foundation for effective self-discipline and confidence.
Unlike parents at roller-rink pizza parties, parents at USA Karate are encouraged to watch and participate, as parental support and positive feedback have proven to be strong motivators for dojo-denizens-in-training. Schedules vary based on location, but classes are usually held Monday–Saturday.
USA Karate
Gordon Franks and Pat Worley are more than black belts. They’re ninth-degree black belts who share their chosen martial art with youngsters and adults alike through USA Karate, the school they cofounded. The school - which opened in 1973 and has been operating for more than 40 years - was featured on the local CBS station and teaches self-defense techniques that help students graduate to higher-level belts and translate into increased agility, coordination, and self-confidence.