Class Overview
Our desire is to promote family 
health through the practice of karate together. We encourage parents to participate in the class with their children, although this is not required. Ages range from 6 to 60+ in a co-ed environment.
The lead instructor is Sensei Mike Schepers (4th Degree Black Belt), who studied under Shishou Ralph Batykefer, Jr. (Master and 6th degree Black Belt).
The dojo can be found on Facebook here.
Schedule
Classes are held:
- Tuesday evenings: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Saturday mornings: 10:00am – 12:00pm.
Location
Classes are held in Education Building 3. Please use the concrete ramp between buildings 2
and 3.
The Oak Grove Dojo meets at Oak Grove Baptist Church . The church and dojo (located in Education Building 3) are located at 2106 Churchville Rd Bel Air, MD 21015-4908.
Bible Study/Devotions
Classes will include a brief time of Bible Study and/or prayer. You may wish to bring a Bible and notebook. Missing the Devotions may result in your being excused from future classes.
Exercises and Stretches
Classes will have a period of warm up exercises designed to help you increase your flexibility, strength, stamina, and quickness. This should make you sweat a little, and possibly a bit sore the next day. That will show that your body has gotten a good work out. Push yourself and give it your personal best. However, also be aware of your limits and don’t push yourself too hard too fast.
Tai Chuan Do Training
After exercises and a short break you will be instructed in the martial art of Tai Chuan Do. This is a well rounded style that includes katas or forms designed to train the body to execute various moves in succession. It also includes a variety of blocks, hand strikes, kicks, and numerous self-defense techniques. It is not possible to cover all of this material in one or two class periods, so your consistent attendance is necessary to learn all of the maneuvers and techniques, and to advance to higher levels.
Cost
There is no monetary fee for attending class at this time, but we ask that you attend the Devotions as part of your commitment to class. We will accept donations and monetary gifts to defray the costs of equipment expenditures for the class.
Karate uniforms or gi may be purchased on your own, or through the head instructor. However, gi are not required at the beginner level.
Testing fees will be collected for students wishing to advance to higher ranks.