We offer a combination of the following types of martial arts:
• Taekwondo, meaning "the way of the hand and foot," is a general term used to describe Korea's national sport. We supplement these punches and kicks with self-defense techniques and overall endurance and flexibility training.
• Karate training takes place in a formal atmosphere with an emphasis on etiquette and self-control as well as physical ability. Training generally is divided into the practice of basic techniques and sparring. While sparring, students stop blows just short of contact so that power is always maintained with control.
• Aikido is a Japanese martial art involving a wide range of throws, joint locks, and takedowns. Aikido does not focus on punches and kicks, but rather on how to deflect the impact of punches and kicks.
• Jiu-Jitsu, meaning the “art of softness”, is a Japanese martial art styles including unarmed and armed techniques. Due to the ineffectiveness of striking against an armored opponent, the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws while standing or from the ground.
• Muay Thai, is a hard style of martial art from Thailand. Muay Thai is referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight “point of contact”. Muay Thai as it is practiced today varies significantly from its ancestor muay boran, such as in its use of gloves similar to those worn in Western boxing.
• Kung fu, referred to as Chinese martial arts or Wushu, consists of a number of fighting styles that were developed over the centuries. Stemming from physical exercises that mimic movements from animals or a history and training method that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies, myths and legends.
About Our Instructor:
Master instructor Shawn Knudsen teaches all classes. Master Shawn started his martial arts training in 1984. His accomplishments include:
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Kombido
• 4th Degree Black Belt in Aam-ka Jutsu
• 1st Degree Black Belt in Bo-Jitsu
• Holds a seat on the American Kombido Association Council
In 2004 representing the United States of America, Master Shawn competed in the World Games in Athens, Greece there he was awarded a silver medal in martial arts.
Master Shawn was also inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall Of Fame
in July of 2009.
The A.C.K. has been a part of the Council Bluffs community since 1981 and was passed to Master Shawn by his instructor, Master Randy Points in 2005. Master Shawn continues to pass on the teachings and disciplines taught by the masters before him.
