Karate Club Opens at Granite Run Mall

A traditional Japanese Karate Club made its debut on the upper level of the Granite Run Mall next to Sears with a grand opening last weekend.

The Kaze Shotokan Karate Club held a grand opening on Sept. 22 where club members put their training to the test during a demonstration at the center court of the mall. Shoppers were treated to displays of basic karate punches, blocks, and kicks along with one-on-one sparring and detailed patterns of movements called kata.

"This is a great opportunity for Delaware County residents of all ages to develop and strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits,” said Sensei Marcia Ransom, 5th degree black belt and chief instructor of the Kaze Shotokan Karate Club. “In addition to learning self-defense, we instill a strong emphasis on respect and character building.”

Kaze is an accredited dojo (training hall) and, although testing is never required, members have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and be awarded colored belts as they move up in rank and eventually test to earn a black belt.

Shotokan Karate is rich in tradition and is the original form of the martial art that was introduced to Japan from Okinawa in 1922. Since then it has spread around the world and now to Media.

“Locating our new dojo at the Granite Run Mall gives more students the chance to be exposed to traditional karate,” said Ransom. “And allows parents a chance to get some shopping done.”

The club offers separate classes for beginners, children, teens and adults, advanced students and seniors. Members will learn basic self-defense techniques including blocking, punching, and kicking, how to put those moves together into sequenced forms (kata), and how to spar (kumite) against other members.

Classes will be offered throughout the week except on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Ransom began her Shotokan training in 1986 and is a certified instructor, judge, examiner, and dedicated member of the International Shotokan Karate Federation. She is a former National Kumite champion, five-time Mid-America and three-time East Coast kumite champion, and has been a member of first place kumite and kata teams. She has also competed internationally as a member of the USA team, placing third in Individual kumite and second in team at the 2008 ISKF World Shoto Cup Tournament.

She has been teaching in Delaware County for more than three years.

The Kaze Shotokan Karate Club is affiliated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation, headquartered in Philadelphia, and the East Coast Shotokan Karate Association.

For more information, contact Ransom at (484) 558-0845 or send an e-mail to info@kazekarate.com. You can also visit the Kaze website at kazekarate.com.

This press release was provided by representatives for Kaze Shotokan Karate Club.