Youth Mixed Martial Arts
Youth Mixed Martial Arts are coming this fall at SolarYou Yoga in Downtown Kirkland!
We offer two groups: age 6-12, and 13-and up.
AGE 6-12 Y.O. GROUP
For ages 6 to 12 this program teaches all of the qualities often associated with martial arts - dedication, determination, discipline, honesty, integrity, perseverance and focus. People often have a keen sense of wonder and curiosity. They need direction and a place to focus their energy.
Martial Arts has proven to be an excellent activity to build character and mold people into determined, focused, individuals who become successful, contributing members of our society. At SolarYou Yoga we build these qualities into our students by one kick, one punch, one class at a time.
Students taught by Mr. Doug Hicks, our Lead Instructor, have gone on to become Stanford Physicians and Harvard Lawyers. With the proper direction and support every child has the ability to succeed and martial arts helps them create the inner drive and qualities of character to do so.
This program is a combination of striking and grappling arts.
AGE 13 & UP Y.O. GROUP
Our Teen and Adult program offer classes for Ages 13 and up. There are many reasons adults choose to study martial arts. They include fitness, weight loss, learning to protect oneself and a fascination with martial arts movies and Icons like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and many others.
The primary focus in this program is teaching people how to protect themselves and their loved ones in the modern world. This can be de-escalating a single threat or surviving a mass casualty incident like an active shooter.
The curriculum is derived from Israeli Krav Maga, Systema, Modern Military Combatives, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics programs.
It is much more than a physical program of learning fighting skills. Students develop the mental attitudes and emotional control to survive and thrive in violent encounters and face real world threats with courage and strength.
REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT YOUTH MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM
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ABOUT DOUG HICKS
Training in the Martial Arts and Combatives has been a lifelong passion for me.
I hold professional certifications and Instructor rank in several specialty areas including; Defensive Tactics, Baton, Aerosol Weapons, Ground Control, Edged Weapons, Less Lethal Devices, Force- Response to Resistance, Weapons Retention, Reality Based Training & Scenario Based Training.
It all started with watching Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon on the big screen.
I started my Martial Arts career in 1981 studying Traditional Chinese Martial Arts. I was a committed and serious student practicing regularly and helping junior students every chance I had as I advanced in rank. I earned my Black Sash in 1985.
From there I joined the Canadian Army and after serving 2 years regular force transitioned to the reserves serving 5 more years.
While I took a break from regular Martial Arts study I learned about military combat, tactics, and strategies for war.
In 1988 I joined the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service. I became a Firearms Range Officer and received my Defensive Tactics Instructor certifications. I studied Conflict Management and Crisis Resolution and served as an instructor at the Ontario Police College and more recently at the New Mexico State Law Enforcement Training Academy.
I enjoy teaching people how to protect themselves and deal with violence in real-world situations. I also provided training for Officers at my own department and advanced training for Special Weapons Teams.
Over the years I kept up my personal training in Martial Arts studying Japanese Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, Filipino stick and knife fighting, Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Russian Martial Arts. Although I am curious about and respect traditions, my focus has always been on learning what is most effective, regardless of where it comes from or what it is called. I continue to study and learn from a variety of people today.
I have developed my own teaching style and approach to Martial Arts and Combatives. I love sharing this with others and have been teaching for over 30 years.
It is an honor and a privilege to help other people learn skills that will empower them and give them the abilities to not only survive in conflict and violence but to thrive in all aspects of their lives by acknowledging their own inner strengths, conquering their fears, and attaining a level of self-mastery that few will experience.
Martial Arts and Combatives are vehicles for self-awareness and personal mastery. I will continue sharing the endless benefits of these practices with others as I continue to grow and learn myself. Every day brings something new.