Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
Martial Arts:
Each location will be under Phys Ed and Humanities:Re-enactment Arts Categories
- A project is required for each class on the student's schedule.
- Additional registration at location is required.
- Students must begin in September!
Register with your school asap in order to complete and ensure your registration for the class. All students must complete a project for this class. Ask your mentor for details.
Choose your type of martial arts: TaeKwonDo, Karate, etc. Weekly group lessons and belt testing fees are covered along with annual membership fee for the student, if applicable, up to $350 per student for the semester. Fees above $350 are the responsibility of the family. Uniforms, belts (if charged separately), and other club fees such as Black Belt Club, are not covered.
Here is a list of area martial arts dojos/dojangs that have been approved by the Partnership and background checked.
Benton Harbor: READY Taekwondo
R.E.A.D.Y. Taekwondo Spring 2024
- Grandmaster Al Smith
- 1968 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Contact: 269-325-2930
- Business hours: M-TH 4:15-8:15, FRI/SAT: Closed Sunday: 3-4:00
- email: grandmasteralsmith@yahoo.com
- R.E.A.D.Y. Taekwondo Facebook
Before starting, check with location regarding testing dates and possible additional fees beyond what the partnership covers. Ready Taekwondo is a non-profit organization run by Grandmaster Alvin Smith, 9th degree black belt. Not only will you learn excellent martial arts skills, but the school focuses on training the whole person by focusing on discipline, respect for authority, self defense, and overall mental well being. Ready Taekwondo teaches all ages and levels, and is proud of its support of students from all ethnic and social backgrounds.
Taekwondo and especially R.E.A.D.Y. has shown the following benefits in student’s lives:
- Self Defense
- Mentoring
- Weight Control
- Discipline
- School Grade Improvement
- Bully Prevention
- Respect for Authority
- Obedience to Parents and Teachers
Refer to syllabus for current class schedule!
READY Syllabus
Bridgman: Blue Knight Taekwondo
Blue Knight Taekwondo Fall 2024
Authentic Korean Taekwondo
- Chartered Branch of United States Chung Do Kwan Association
- Kukkiwon – World Taekwondo Headquarters Certified – Seoul, South Korea
- More information available on the Blue Knight website
- email: blueknighttkd@hotmail.com
At Blue Knight Taekwondo in Bridgman, MI, Partnership Students pay nothing.
Uniforms, gym bags & training gear are all provided free each semester.
There are no belt test fees, and no hidden costs.
Owner: Grandmaster Darwin J. Eisenhart - 8th Degree Black Belt
- Former U.S. Army, Former St. Joe Police Officer, Executive Protection Specialist
- 45 years teaching experience in Berrien County, MI
Staff of Instructors
- Senior Instructor/Public School Liaison: LuAnn Eisenhart – 4th Degree Black Belt
- Head Instructor/Partnership leader: Justin Eisenhart – 3rd Degree Black Belt
- Associate Instructor/Partnership Graduate: Eric Loucks – 1st Degree Black Belt
- Associate Instructor/Partnership Graduate: Ellie Loucks – 1st Degree Black Belt
Course Overview:
Education & Physical activities for development of health and fitness, self discipline, confidence, coordination, self defense skills, and general life improvements.
Course Objectives:
Each of the semesters at Blue Knight Taekwondo are scheduled for 11 weeks. The first 8 Weeks are instructional where the students learn everything required to pass their Final Exam and promote to the next grade level (except for higher belt grades where two or more semesters are required for advancement). Week #9 is Pretest Evaluation where students practice their Final Exam, and are checked for readiness to take the advancement test. Week #10 is for review and corrections of any areas that need improvement before testing. Week#11 is the Final Exam.
Schedule Overview
Partnership students must register and attend registration & orientation class in September 2024 on one of two days (choose one): If unavailable for either one of these classes, please contact Blue Knight Taekwondo via email by September 1st to arrange an alternated date. *Choose to attend only one Registration class in September Registration at site required with at least one parent present at initial visit in September. Review syllabus for detailed information.
Visit the Blue Knight website for a complete schedule and more information. Email blueknighttkd@hotmail.com to notify us of your intent to enroll in the 2024 Fall Semester.
Niles: Hong's and Legion
Hong's USA: Taekwondo, Habigido, Gumdo Boxing Spring 2024
- Classes begin Monday, Jan. 8th!
- Ages K-12
- #269-687-5000 soonpilhong@sbcglobal.net
- website: HongsUSA.com
- 1118 Ontario Road, Niles
Schedule:
- Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5pm: Taekwondo
- Tuesdays 4:30-5:00: Habgido
- Thursdays 4:30-5:00: Boxing
- Fridays 4:30-5:00 Gumdo
Grandmaster Soonpil Hong, PhD
- 9th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo through Odokwan, Jidokwan, Kukkiwon, and Korean Taekwondo Association.
- Doctorate in Physical Education/ U.S.
- Army Middleweight Boxing Champion 1984.
- Korean Taekwondo Association for the Disabled - Referee 1st Class.
- Grandmaster Instructor Licensed 1st Class - Taekwondo, Habigido, Gumdo.
- Received Best Trained US National Sparring Team Coach for US Olympic Team 1999.
- 2022 International Referee of the year at the World Police Taekwondo Championship, South Korea.
Course description: Returning students will work on advancing. New students will learn basic Taekwondo: (majority kicking), Habgido (ground attacking/Accupressure), Gumdo (wooden/foam/bamboo) sword, and Boxing (all punching) form.
Legion Martial Arts (Niles) Fall 2024
- Classes begin September 9th
- Ages 5-15 for Kids classes
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 4:30-6:00pm - 211 N. Main St. Niles
- #269-818-7297 eddietorres09@yahoo.com
Master Edward Torres: 1st Degree Blackbelt certified under the ICTF and Mixed Martial Artist with 15 years of experience.
Master John Young: 7th Degree Blackbelt certified under the ITCF.
Course Description:
Legends Martial Arts offers a variety of martial arts. Primary curriculum for children studies in Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, and Traditional ICTF Taekwondo. The focus of various arts allows children to learn and adapt to a variety of different situations involving martial arts. Our curriculum incorporates discipline, respect, integrity and self-esteem as well as being fun and educational.
St. Joseph and Stevensville: Hyde's, Legion Fighting Alliance, Lunar and YMCA (BHSJ)
Hyde's Lifestyle Taekwondo Fall 2024
New Location: 2024 Washington Ave Suite 4, St Joseph MI
Contact: Master James Austin Hyde - 4th Degree Black Belt
Phone: 269-210-1214
Email: hydejames376@gmail.com
Grades K - 12
Classes begin August 30th, to register email Master James at hydejames376@gmail.com or call or text 1-269-210-1214
Schedule:
Wednesday and Fridays: ages 5-9 (5:00pm), ages 10-15 (6:00pm), ages 16+ (7:00pm)
Thursdays: ages 5-15 (6:00pm)
Course Description: Taekwondo is a great program for our students to take. The program teaches our students how to be disciplined in all areas of their life. We teach our students how to have self-control, stay courteous, keep a strong perseverance, and most importantly how to have a indomitable spirit. We focus strictly on our tenets of taekwondo because in doing so we bring out the best in our students.
Hyde's Lifestyle Taekwondo Syllabus
Legion Fighting Alliance: Jiu Jitsu Spring 2024
Grades: K-12
Location: 4410 N. Roosevelt Dr., Studio C, Stevensville (next to Stay and Obey)
Contact: Johnathan Scott 269-635-3549
Class begins: Jan. 1
Day/Time: Mon/Wed/Fri. 5:15-6:00
Kids' Jiu Jitsu classes offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn valuable self-defense skills, develop coordination and physical fitness, and grow their confidence and focus. In a supportive and inclusive environment, kids are taught age-appropriate techniques and strategies under qualified instructors' guidance. Training alongside fellow students fosters teamwork and friendship, making it an ideal activity for kids to stay active and develip valuable life skills while having a blast on the mats!
Lunar Martial Arts Fall 2024
- Classes begin September 3rd
- Location: 211 Hilltop Rd, Suite L5, St. Joseph (entrance on west side)
- Instructor: Master Andy Dixon, Leslie Woods, Landon Woods
- #269-332-4450, email: lunarmartialarts@gmail.com
- website: lunarmartialarts.com
- If students have previous martial arts experience, other class times may be substituted.
- Must take a minimum of 16 hours of classes per semester.
Schedule:
Ages 4-6 - Classes are available Mon-Thurs 5:30-6:00pm (choose one class per week)
Ages 7+ - Classes are available Mon-Thurs 5:30-6:15pm (choose one class per week) for beginners. If students already have Martial Arts experience, Master Dixon will evaluate prior to beginning class to determine which class would be best suited to the student.
Class description: Beginner students will learn the foundations of Songahm Taekwondo and perform a skill assessment every 8 weeks. Students will be introduced to key life skills which are reinforced in every class including respect, discipline, honesty, belief, communication, and self-esteem.
Benton Harbor/St. Joseph YMCA Fall 2024
Karate
- Contact: Allison Kiggins akiggins@ymcagm.org 269-683-1552
- Instructor: Steve Lage
- Website: YMCA Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
- Classes begin in September
- Adult/ Young Adult Karate (Ages 12 and up)
- Youth (Little Dragons) Karate (Ages 7-12)
Course Description (complete overview on website):
Adult/Young Adult Karate Develop self-confidence, self-discipline, goal-setting, and respect for others, all while learning how to defend yourself through studying a traditional Okinawan Martial Art, Isshinryu Karate. This ongoing course covers the complete system, beginning with basic blocks and strikes and effective self-defense techniques, advancing with kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and advanced street- oriented self-defense techniques, giving you the confidence needed to stay safe.
Youth (Little Dragons) Karate Course Objective - Through the discipline of Isshinryu Karate, students develop confidence, goal-setting, patience, good manners, and respect for others while also learning easy self-defense techniques to help keep them safe. Drills develop good listening skills, gross and fine motor skills, focus, balance, coordination, and self-control. This ongoing course builds good character as they begin with the basic blocks and strikes, advancing with kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and advanced self-defense techniques, giving them the confidence needed to stay safe.
*Students may purchase their gi (uniform), but it is not required.
*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Teacher of Record: Sara Smothers
