Class Offerings and Teacher Biographies

Karate – A traditional martial art from Japan that consists of strikes with both hands and feet. Basics, forms (kata) and sparring are used to promote fitness and the ability to defend oneself. Promotion is at the discretion of the instructor, and allows the student to see tangible progress.
Alfred DiGrazia, founder of Oyama Enomichi Karate, was Brooklyn branch chief for World Oyama Karate Organization for over 20 years. He trained with Soshu Shigeru Oyama, Kyokoshin Karate’s fighting master and a student of Mas Oyama, the founder, who was taught by the founders of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu.
Alison Morea trained with Alfred DiGrazia for more than ten years, earning her san-dan (third degree rank) in Oyama Enomichi Karate. She is the mother of four children, ages 7-19, three of whom practice karate.
Glenn Reinhart received his ni-dan rank in World Oyama Karate where he studied for 12 years. He has been teaching karate to adults and children for 4 years.
Brian Pang began his training with Alfred DiGrazia in 2001, advancing from white belt to black belt in four years. In 2006, Brian founded Brooklyn Dojo.
Zane Kupper has trained in karate with Alfred DiGrazia since he was six years old and earned his black belt when he was 17. He now attends college at SUNY New Paltz.

Cardio Kickboxing – a non-contact, high energy workout that uses karate techniques to build strength and stamina and burn calories.

Aikido - founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is a 20th century ("modern") martial art. The techniques - primarily joint locks and throws - are defensive but effective. The art itself is beautiful to watch.
Liz Albin has been studying aikido for 20 years and holds the rank of yon-dan (fourth degree black belt).

Wing Chun Kung Fu/Catch as Catch Can Wrestling/Western Boxing -
Victor Parlati studied with Master Moy Yat and Grandmaster William Cheung and has run a school of Wing Chun since 1984. In 2000 he added wrestling and boxing into the program to form a mixed martial art that also covers self-defense. His classes include stretching, conditioning and strengthening, aerobics, breathing and concentration exercises and sparring.

Baby Om Yoga - for parents and their babies, from newborn to one year old.
Nicole Colbert Holds an MA in Dance from the Laban Centre in London where she also studied Iyengar Yoga. She is a certified Baby Om & Toddler Yoga teacher & continues to train at the Iyengar Institute in Manhattan. Her class focuses on the therapeutic & aligning aspects of yoga to strengthen, stretch, & energize the body & mind.

Pilates Mat – an exercise system developed to condition injured dancers includes stretching and strengthening techniques for a full body workout.
Sophia Burrell teaches hatha yoga and is certified in both pilates and yoga. She holds two pilates certifications: Half Moon Pilates and Pilates Institute of America.

Feldenkrais Method - applies physics, motor development, bio-mechanics, psychology, and martial arts to improve posture, flexibility, and coordination, and help those with restricted movement, chronic tension, and pain.
Linda Howell is a certified Feldenkrais and Bones for Life instructor as well as a licensed physical therapist.

Kids-A-Movin Creative Movement – KAM classes for 2-4 year olds are a fun introduction into the world of dance. The classes use props such as scarves, hula hoops, jump ropes, fun music, and more, to spark imaginative movement play.
Jennifer Wilenta received her BFA in Contemporary Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts and has experience teaching dance to all ages. She has been developing and teaching her KAM creative movement program for young children since 2001.

Music for Aardvarks – a musical experience for families with children ages 3 months to 5 years. Explore music through song & gesture, dance & movement, rhythm training, and instrument play; using original music that celebrates the lives of children growing up in an urban environment.
Audra Tsanos is an actress/singer who has been working with families for the last 7 years. She encourages parents to be role models for their children through music, providing an energetic, fun, playful environment. More info at Audrarox.com
Jen Milich is a singer songwriter, poet, and mom, with an incredibly positive spirit that will inspire you to rock & roll with your little one! Check out Jen @ http://www.madtownproductions.com

Story Time – a free program for pre school children that allows kids (and caregivers) to socialize in a learning environment.
Harriet Rhine was a public school classroom teacher for over 28 years and then taught at the Maple Street Nursery School for four years. She looks forward to reading with small children since her two sons are now in college.

Directions

Midwood Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center is located at 1302 Avenue H in Brooklyn, NY. The phone number is 718-258-KICK. The entrance is on E13th St. (aka Argyle Road)

Directions:

By Subway:
1)Take the Q train to Avenue H. Exit at the rear of the elevated train. If you pass the token booth on your way out, you are going the wrong way. Walk two blocks on Avenue H to East 13th Street on your left. (The right side of the street is called Argyle Road). Turn the corner and enter on E13th St.

2)Take the B train to Newkirk Plaza. Walk south to Foster Ave, make a right and go to Argyle Road. Follow directions for #6 below.

3)Take the F train to Avenue I. Take the B11 bus at the corner of MacDonald Ave and Ave I to Coney Island Avenue. Walk one block down Coney Island Ave to Avenue H in the direction opposite the way the bus turned (past a lumber yard and fruit stand; if you pass the Post Office you are going the wrong way) and make a right. Two corners later cross E13th St and make a right (the left side of the street is called Argyle Road). 1302 is the first entrance.

4)Can also take the F train to 18th Avenue and take the B9 bus following directions for #6 below.

By Bus:
5)Take the B68 bus to Coney Island Avenue and Avenue H. Walk down Avenue H two blocks towards the dead end (if you get to Ocean Parkway you are going the wrong way), cross E13th Street and make a right (the left side of the street is called Argyle Road).

6)Take the B9 bus to Foster Avenue and Argyle Road. Walk south (against traffic) on Argyle Road to Avenue H and cross it. It is now called E13th Street. 1302 Ave H is the first entrance on the left side.

By Car:
7)Coming from Manhattan, take the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge or the Battery Tunnel, and get on the BQE West. Left exit onto the Prospect Expressway. Take the Prospect Expressway to Avenue H and make a left turn. There is no traffic light at H but there is a left turn lane. It is the first turn after Foster Avenue. Continue on Avenue H for about three blocks. You will cross Coney Island Avenue. Two blocks past Coney Island Avenue make a right turn onto E13th Street (the left side of the street will be called Argyle Road). 1302 is the first entrance on the left. There should be plenty of on-street parking, except on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 11:30AM-1PM for street cleaning..