January 2007 Grand Re-Opening
An
interview with Mr. Sorce
Mr.
Sorce sits down to talk about the studio on this landmark occasion.
Q. When did your facility originally open?
A. August, 2004
Q. Why did you decide to remodel the facility?
A. We needed more room for classes, and wanted the new space to be very special.
We wanted to offer as much workout and viewing space as possible to make
the training facility the most comfortable it could be.
I believe that the aesthetics of the environment can enhance students’ training experience by providing a special look, feel and energy in the dojang. You wouldn’t necessarily see a Koi pond or artwork at a gym or other fitness facility. We carefully designed our dojang to be unlike any other in the area.
Q. How big was the original facility and what is it like now?
A. It was 1600 square feet, but now we have 3300 square feet. We created
a special environment, not a gym, but a Zen-like place in which to train,
practice and share with others. We will be adding programs and special
classes throughout the year.
Q. Will you have any new offerings?
A. Yes. We will offer a new program called Fast Defense. It’s a realistic,
intense class for adult martial artists and non-martial artists alike. Black
Belt Magazine called it the “best self-defense program of 2006.” We
also plan to bring in nationally known instructors throughout the year, including
a gathering of instructors from southeast Wisconsin from emergent martial
arts schools who share our open philosophy of training to build camaraderie
and share knowledge.
Q. How will the changes positively impact the facility, instructors, students?
A. Program changes and additions provide opportunities for students to learn
more and do more. We provide shared learning opportunities and students
can choose for themselves what they want to do more of in the way of martial
arts. This approach helps facilitate self-improvement and personal growth
in ways that other schools can’t match.
Q. What does your facility offer? What classes, lessons?
A. Sorce Martial Arts offers classes in traditional Taekwon-do (Korean karate),
Inayan Eskrima (Filipino empty hand and weapon art) and Danzan Ryu Ju Jitsu
(traditional Japanese Ju Jitsu). Our curriculum is designed to help people
of all ages and learning styles understand martial arts concepts and techniques.
Our curriculum includes practical self-defense techniques and meditation,
which helps calm the mind, improve focus and strengthen willpower. We frequently
offer specialty classes and host instructors from other disciplines or
schools to help broaden our students’ experiences in the martial
arts. On-going programs are offered for children, youth and adults, beginners
to advanced. Classes vary and are offered weeknights, Saturdays and some
weekdays.
Q. Is there a type of person who tends to be into martial arts?
A. People of all backgrounds are interested in the martial arts. Our students
are business and medical professionals, teachers, trades people, college
students, parents and veterans. They come from various cultural backgrounds
and range in age from 6 to 60. Their reasons for practicing martial arts
also varies, from self-defense and physical fitness to mental or spiritual
growth. They all want to be treated with respect and receive personal attention
in their training goals.
Q. Is martial arts growing in popularity? If so, what accounts for the growth?
A. Yes, martial arts is growing in popularity, especially among adults. This
is due to the benefits that martial arts provides. Our school tends to
attract adult students who share a similar philosophy of learning and sharing,
and this is one of the reasons that people who try our school usually stay
for a long time. They come to our school to learn from and train with others
who are of similar mind. They are often surprised at the benefits they
gain through their practice, including improved mental focus.
For youth and children, we believe that martial arts is serious, not just entertainment or a place for kids to go after school. We teach that martial arts should be practiced with commitment and attention and that the lessons learned in class can be applied outside of the dojang. We work together with parents and teachers if requested, to provide an integrated approach to helping individual children succeed in their overall development, confidence and even academics. As a result, most children find that their efforts result in accomplishments they never could have imagined. This is where the fun starts!
Q. What do you hope the changes will do for your business?
A. The facility re-design and expansion affords us more options and space
for classes, seminars, business services such as team-building events and
more. We hope the changes will attract more people in the community to
experience the benefits that martial arts can provide.
Q. Have any classes been held since the remodeling?
A. Yes. Classes have been held to their regular schedule for the entire remodel,
except for two weeks during the holidays. We closed for those two weeks
in order to complete the electrical wiring, install the counter and other
details.
Q. What have peoples’ reaction been to the changes?
A. The response from students, families and the community has been overwhelmingly
positive.
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