A Mini-Documentary About The First Ever Black Belt Exam at Urban Martial Arts

Karate for Kids in Brooklyn

On June 15, 2013 we held our very first black belt exam at Urban Martial Arts.

It was a grueling 5-hour exam during which each karate student was tested on all the forms and self-defense techniques they’ve learned since they began as white belts, and they each had to spar for 10 consecutive rounds without a break.

Each student also had to make a speech on what it means to them to become a black belt.

This day was a huge milestone for us at Urban Martial Arts, as it was the realization of what we’ve been working toward for the last five years.

Congratulations to all the students in our first class of black belt graduates, and thank you to all the families who have supported us from day one!

Here’s a mini-documentary we made about this very special day:

Just $179 for 6 Weeks of Classes!

KarateKidsKickingGet 6 weeks of karate classes, plus a free karate uniform and T-shirt ($60 value) for just $179! Enter your email address below to see schedule and details.

Save Big If You Register for Karate After-School By Sep 30!

After School Programs in Brooklyn Save Big
The new school year is about to start…

Have you made after-school arrangements for your child yet?

If not, we have an exciting offer for you!

If you register your child for our Transported Karate After-School Program by September 30th, you’ll avoid a price increase and lock in last year’s low rates!

To get started, call us at 718-287-5500 or click here to request pricing and details.

Our after-school program includes:

  • Free transportation from six different area schools
  • Free karate uniform
  • Free T-shirt
  • Free time for homework and snacks
  • Karate classes 5 days a week
  • Character development lessons 5 days a week

But most importantly…

  • The opportunity to earn a black belt and be put on a path of a lifetime of success

Remember – space is limited!

Click here or call us at 718-287-5500.

Try our karate after-school program!

After School Programs in BrooklynThe Urban Martial Arts Transported Karate After-School Program includes free school pick-up, a free karate uniform, a free T-shirt, karate classes 5 days a week, and plenty of time for homework and snacks.

Just enter your email address below to view prices and details, and to request a free school tour.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.

What to Eat Before Kickboxing Class

what to eat before kickboxing classDo you ever take a kickboxing class on an empty stomach?

If yes, please stop!

Researchers have found that working out on an empty stomach actually causes you to lose muscle.

Plus, without fuel to burn you won’t be able to turn up the intensity, which means you’ll actually end up burning fewer calories.

So what should you eat before your kickboxing class?

Check out this terrific list on Greatist of 50 awesome pre-workout snacks.

4. Star-buffs shake: Need a pre-workout pick-me-up? Greatist’s fitness editor suggests blending 1 cup iced coffee (keep the ice) with 1 scoop chocolate whey protein.

5. Dressed up oats: Load up on carbohydrates for a longer workout with ½ cup cooked steel-cut oats topped with 1 tablespoon dried fruit and 1 tablespoon shaved almonds.

6. Perfect yogurt parfait: Feeling fancy, huh? Top ¼ cup nonfat yogurt with ½ cup whole grain cereal and ½ cup fresh strawberries.

7. Yoberries a-go-go: For the perfect blend of carbs and protein, try 1 cup non-fat vanilla bean Greek yogurt — which often packs more protein and probiotics than regular plain yogurt — with ½ cup fresh blueberries.

You can find 46 other great snack ideas in the article here.

And if you haven’t tried kickboxing before, check out our fitness kickboxing program!

Try one fitness kickboxing class absolutely free!

Just enter your email address below to view our class schedule and details, and to request a free class.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.

Video from 4th Annual Summer Barbecue

Thanks to everyone who made it to our 4th Annual Summer Barbecue on August 17th!

The barbecue is our annual tradition of getting our kickboxing and karate family together in Prospect Park for a day of good food, great weather, and even better company.

Check out the video:

If you missed it this time around, we hope you’ll join us next year!

Urban Martial Arts Represents At The Nationals Karate Tournament 2013!

Congratulations to everyone who competed at The Nationals Karate Tournament 2013 in Freeport, NY!

For a few of our students, this was only their first or second tournament and as you’ll see in the video, they showed a lot of heart!

Great job, everybody! We look forward to seeing how you’ll do in the next tournament!

Interested in karate for kids in Brooklyn NY? Learn more about our program.

Just $179 for 6 Weeks of Classes!

KarateKidsKickingGet 6 weeks of karate classes, plus a free karate uniform and T-shirt ($60 value) for just $179! Enter your email address below to see schedule and details.

DETAILED TOURNAMENT RANKINGS

1ST PLACE
Jose Bernejo (10-11 Intermediate Boys Sparring)
Christopher Djama (14-15 Black Belt Boys Sparring)
Read the full article →

Why Parents Need After-School Programs Just As Much As Kids Do

After-School Programs in Brooklyn

Are you looking for after-school programs in Brooklyn?

Then you probably already know that kids who participate in after-school programs are more likely to stay in school and get better grades.

But did you know that parents benefit just as much from after-school programs as kids?

Check out this article from our archives, which explains how parents benefit from after-school programs for kids:

3. Miss fewer days of work
Parents who worry about their children’s whereabouts during after-school hours miss an average of 8 days of work each year, according to a Brandeis University study. And one study of New York City parents found that 75% of parents missed less work than they did previously as a direct result of enrolling their children in an after-school program for kids.

4. Have an easier time keeping their job
Since parents who enroll their kids in after-school programs have lower levels of stress and miss fewer days of work, it’s not surprising that they are better regarded by their employers. The study of NYC parents found that 74% of parents agreed that after-school programs made it easier for them to keep their job.

You can find 3 more important benefits for parents in the article.

Try our karate after-school program!

After School Programs in BrooklynThe Urban Martial Arts Transported Karate After-School Program includes free school pick-up, a free karate uniform, a free T-shirt, karate classes 5 days a week, and plenty of time for homework and snacks.

Just enter your email address below to view prices and details, and to request a free school tour.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.

Why You Should Never Stretch *Before* Your Kickboxing Class

Why You Should Never Stretch Before Kickboxing ClassEver wonder why we only stretch at the end of our kickboxing classes, and not at the beginning?

It’s because pre-workout stretching (or static stretching) isn’t good for you.

In fact, studies show it can actually make you slower and weaker.

Check out this article on Greatist, which explains why static stretching is the world’s worst warm-up.

The New York Times recently wrote on two new studies — with different methodologies — that illustrate the anti-performance effects of static stretching pre-workout [2] [3]. The first study, conducted at Stephen F. Austin State University, showed significant strength impairment in individuals who practiced static stretching before lifting as opposed to those who performed dynamic warm-ups. (Even when a subjects performed both types of warm-up, static stretching seemed to negate the positive performance boost of dynamic moves like explosive lunges.)

The second study by researchers in Croatia looked at a total of 104 previous studies on stretching and athletic performance. Almost across the board — and regardless of age, sex, or fitness level — static stretching before a workout impaired explosive movement and strength performance [4]. And while more research is needed to determine exaclty why static stretching hurts our performance so much, it’s likely that loosening muscles and tendons in the “traditional” manner leaves them less able to move quickly and on command come workout time.

You can find the rest of the article here.

And if you haven’t tried kickboxing before, check out our fitness kickboxing program!

Try one fitness kickboxing class absolutely free!

Just enter your email address below to view our class schedule and details, and to request a free class.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.

See What Our Summer Campers Did in Week 5

Our Karate Sports Summer Camp just wrapped its fifth week and the kids had a blast!

Our campers took a field trip to Bounce U, watched Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, and they did a ton of karate, soccer, and track & field workouts.

Our character development theme for the week was “loyalty,” so all our discussions and activities were focused on that theme.

Here’s a video with some highlights from the week:

Get Summer Camp Prices & Details

Summer Camp Photo Nick Andre JonathanJust enter your email address below to view pricing and details for our summer camp, and to request a free orientation.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.

Our Daughter Sean Earns Her White Belt

Yesterday was a big day for the Sognonvi family.

Our 4-year-old daughter Sean finally completed her first karate class and earned her white belt!

You can watch the video below, and as you’ll see, there’s something very special about the white belt she received from Sensei Serge.

Just $179 for 6 Weeks of Classes!

KarateKidsKickingGet 6 weeks of karate classes, plus a free karate uniform and T-shirt ($60 value) for just $179! Enter your email address below to see schedule and details.

See What Our Summer Campers Did in Week 4

Our Karate Sports Summer Camp just wrapped its fourth week and the kids had a blast!

Our campers did gymnastics training, watched Smurfs 2, and they did a ton of karate, soccer, and track & field workouts.

Our character development theme for the week was “health,” so all our discussions and activities were focused on that theme.

Here’s a video with some highlights from the week:

Get Summer Camp Prices & Details

Summer Camp Photo Nick Andre JonathanJust enter your email address below to view pricing and details for our summer camp, and to request a free orientation.

Be sure to confirm your request by clicking the link on the confirmation email you’ll receive from us.