Intro to karate class trains in self-defense

Students interested in self defense and discipline are encouraged to sign up for the college’s Intro to Karate class said Recreation and Fitness Director Roxanna Butler.

Butler said there will be two sessions — the first session starts Oct. 5 and goes through Oct. 26. The second session starts Nov. 2 and runs until Nov. 23.

“The class costs $80 for the four-week course,” she said.

Butler said the cost includes a uniform, known as a gi.

The class will meet from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the Wellness Center’s group fitness room, located on the first floor of the Main Building.

Butler said the class is age 6 and up.

“The class will have a wide range of people,” she said.

Sports and Recreation Specialist Eric Watson said James Ray will teach the class.

Ray started training in martial arts in the fall of 1975 and has been teaching students for more than 20 years.

Watson said Ray has five black belts in various martial arts — Kong Soo Do, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Unarmed Combat, and Jiu-Jitsu. He also has been inducted into several martial arts hall of fame.

Butler said students can sign up for the class multiple times.

“The instructor will keep working individually with the students no matter how many times they have taken the class,” she said.

“They also will be able to move up and obtain higher belts.

“The students will have the option to get a belt.”

According to the Recreation and Fitness fall catalog, Intro to Karate is designed to introduce students to the basics of karate and self defense.

“This class is also a good way to relieve stress, get and stay in shape, and learn valuable self-defense skills,” the catalog reads.

For more information or to enroll, call 405-682-7860 or visit www.occc.edu/news/2013/recandfitfallprograms13.

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