By: Brianna Brown
Statesboro Karate offers classes for all ages, even as young as 4-years-old. They offer a number of classes throughout the week.
The black belt class listens to the instructor as practice comes to an end. The black belt class meets three times a week.
Following the black belt class, the Hitman Academy (Brazilian jiujitsu) begins to practice immediately after. All participants must warm up before beginning.
Troy Bowen, a student, takes a breather after doing the core warmups. Having a strong core is important in jiujitsu.
Andrew Anderson, a student, is doing core exercises from one end of the mat to another. "I've gotten used to the burn the more I do them," he said.
The instructor, Quentin Rosenzweig (right), demonstrates the next move to the class. Everyone picks a partner to practice the new skill on.
Rosenzweig completes the demonstration. "If there aren't any questions or concerns, you guys are free to break off into pairs," he said.
Jared Sapp (left) and Andrew Anderson (right) choose eachother as partners. The pairs have 5 minutes in each round to practice.
Sapp gets thrown onto the ground by his partner. Each pair has to alternate with being the one trying to get away.
Anderson (right) puts Sapp (left) into a hold using his legs. The instructor scans the room to make sure all students are on the right track.
The instructor approaches the pair. "Use more of your left leg next time, when your butt hits the floor you should immediately raise your legs," he tells the pair.
Justin Anthony (grey shirt), a student, suffered from an injury, making it hard to perform fully out. "Can we do a more modified version?" he asks his partner.
The class is practicing the new move. Each group will have to find a new partner for the next round.
Troy Bowen (right) and Wislyndia Jean (left) are partners now. "I like the challenge," Bowen said.
Jean (left) has Bowen (right) in a hold. "I like that no one takes it easy on me just because I'm the only female here," she says.
The pair is tired. After practicing the move for a while, the groups are able to get a quick water break before returning to the mat.
Andrew Anderson practices with his new partner, J.I Morgan. This is the last round before the end of practice.
The pair is about to begin the new exercise. It is J.I Morgan's turn to be the opponent.
Andrew Anderson struggles to get loose from his partner. In order to get loose, they must tap the mat to signal to their partner.
The class has come to an end. The class will be held again on Thursday.
