South Austin Karate

I have been in and out of martial arts for 47 years. I have attended various schools in different cities and attained three black belts and instructor rating in two different disciplines. I know what constitutes a great school. South Austin Karate is a great school. I have had my kids there for seven years. Our eighth year is just starting.
There are two different types of programs. The after-​school and daytime summer programs are aimed at kids from five years old through the end of fifth grade. The night program is more geared towards people from middle school through adult. After-​school and daytime programs focus on martial arts but also include things like knife throwing, motor skills, study time, etc. Night school focuses on martial arts.
There are many things to love about South Austin Karate. If love these features as much as I do, you will be very happy with this school.
* Students are taught to respect themselves, their family, their schoolteachers and their karate instructors.
* All of the instructors are top-​notch at their job. They love kids and they all know how to work well with students.
* Sensei Bainton, Master Castro and Mr. Hoover are all in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame because of their expertise and commitment to being great instructors.
* Students have to turn in their report cards and have a minimum grade point average in order to test for their belt ranks. You don’t get a black belt here without also being a good academic student.
* Kids 15 and under are required to do chores at home and to turn in a chore list every time they come to class. This reinforces respect for their home and family.
* The testing requirements are the same for all students. My twelve year old son had to meet the same requirements for black belt as the adults. I love this fact.
* The black belt test here is the second-​toughest I have ever seen. There is no school in the Austin area that produces better-​equipped black belts.
As to the art– Bakido is an amalgam (like many arts). It is practical, easy to practice almost anywhere and is easily adaptable to various sizes of opponents. Fewer kicks than TaeKwonDo, more takedowns than traditional karate and fewer circular motions than Kung Fu. Overall it is a tremendously effective way of defending yourself. The weapons are nunchuks, staff, dan bongs (short stick), spear, sword, double sword, knife, belt, and neckties.
I very highly recommend that you visit the school and observe some classes. I think you’ll love it.