444 Dogwood Avenue
Franklin Square
(516) 485-50256
Joseph Silburs, the owner of Traditional Karate America, has been at his Franklin Square location for a year. It's a place where people can apply the lessons of karate to life. "This is more than just a karate school," he explains.
"We have a personal development program," continues Silburs. "Students can develop self-control, discipline, confidence and character." Programs are for all ages, starting at 4-years-old. "There's three programs. There's Little Dragon for 4 to 7 years-old. Junior Class for 8 to 15 years-old. And adult class for 16 years and up." These classes are divided into basic and advance.
Students begin with the introductory program, which is two private lessons. "We work with the student on an individual basis." Depending on the previous experience of the student, they may need less or more private lessons. "I have to figure out what belt to start them off at," says Silbur. There are 8 belts, and then there is the black belt. "It takes the average student four years to become a black belt."
Along with learning self-defense, there are other benefits to taking a karate course. Silbur says, "These classes benefit weight loss, health, focus, concentration and improved grades in school for kids."
The lessons that children learn in karate help them with the outside world. "They learn the tools necessary to focus," elaborates Silbur. "Kids learn that they can do anything they want if they put their mind to it. They also learn the difference between right and wrong and to stay away from peer pressure.
"That's the whole point to what they do. We don't only want them to be great here at the karate school, we want the kids to be great outside, too, with the successes in life."
Traditional Karate America is open Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
