HKA PROGRAMS

The HEILMAN KARATE ACADEMY, INC. offers a variety of training programs in traditional martial arts. Arts taught at the HKA include the following:

• Okinawa Kenpo Karate-Do
  
• Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo
  
• Personal Self-Defense
  
• Anti-Bully / Safety Kids Program
  
• Kendo / Iaido Program
  
• Women's Empowerment Seminars

The following presents a brief overview of each of the programs offered at the HKA.

• Okinawa Kenpo Karate:
  
  The HKA teaches a style of martial arts that traces its lineage from the 1733 in Okinawa, Japan. The style is known as "Okinawa Kenpo Karate", and was founded by the late Master Shigeru Nakamura in Okinawa. Mr. and Mrs. Heilman were students of Master Seikichi Odo, the successor to the system founder. Mr. Heilman received his "Hanshi" (Grand Master Teaching License) from Master Odo prior to his death. Hanshi Heilman is recognized as one of the leading practitioners of this old Okinawan art in the world.
  
  
  
• Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo:
  
  The HKA is also one of the few schools in the States to offer special training in Okinawan Kobudo (weapons). All of the HKA Black Belt Instructors are certified in both Karate and Kobudo. The weapons system taught at the HKA also traces its lineage from 1733 with direct connection to some of the greatest weapons masters in Okinawa. The weapons program taught at the HKA comes from the teaching of Master Seikichi Odo, one of the top weapons masters in the world.
  
  
  
• Personal Self-Defense:
  
  A key focus of the HKA Program is to provide our students with the mental and physical skills necessary to survive in the modern world. As a result, a significant amount of training focuses on dealing with the perfection of ones self-defense skills. Mr. & Mrs. Heilman have been leaders in teaching Self-Defense Programs throughout Berks County since 1972.
  
  
  
• Kendo & Iaido:
  
  The HKA is also pleased to offer a Kendo & Iaido (japanese sword art) program for its senior members. The Kendo/Iaido classes are directed by Mr. Rick Zondlo and are offered two-three times a week.
  
  
  
• Safety Kids:
  
  The HKA has also been offering its unique Safety Kids Program started in the min-1980's. This program. We take the fundamentals of traditional Okinawan Karate and integrate the safety concepts of SAFETY KIDS, INC., a child saffety program endorsed by law enforcement agencies across the country. Our program is designed to develop coordination, balance, strength, self-discipline, self-esteem, responsibility, life protection skills (self-defense) and basic personal safety in a fun filled and energetic environment.
  
  
  
• Women's Empowerment Program:
  
  The Women's Empowerment Program is a nationally acclaimed program developed by Mrs. Heilman. She, along with her mentor, Ms. Bobbi Snyder (one of the first women Black Belts in the States and a Pioneer of Women's Self-Defense Training), has become recognized as one of the leading teachers of such a program in the States. This special program is conducted on a quarterly basis and provides training opportunities for those women who do not have the time to participate in a full year around martial arts program.
  

KARATE-KOBUDO PROGRAMS:

Our regular Karate Program is for both Children and Adults. We start our children at 8 years of age and older. Our Adult Program is unique in that is is focused to older adults (Boomers). All of our four Senior Instructors are all in their mid-50's to early 60's. Our moto is one is never too old to learn self-defense. Our Karate classes are divided into both Beginner and Advanced Levels.


We also place a strong emphasis on encouraging our young students to excell in their school work through our HKA Honor Roll Achievement Awards. For those students who attain an "A average" on their report card, they are presented a "Honor Roll Trophy". For those students who achieve this award four times, they also receive a "Honor Roll" patch for their uniform.