Train that’s functional, effective and genuinely enjoyable
An adult class starts with warm-ups that double as conditioning, then moves through Taekwondo basics, forms, and partner work. Because our style mix includes Aiki Jutsu, a big part of every session involves training with a partner: learning to feel an attacker’s force, redirect it, and finish with a joint lock, throw or pin — practical skills that work when they need to.
It’s excellent exercise without being a chore. You’ll build strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness at a pace that respects your body, whether you’re brand new or getting back into shape. No previous experience is needed — our most interesting adult students are the ones who started with zero background.
From green belt, adults can also add the Kobudo weapons path — bo, nunchaku, sai, tonfa and more. And for those who want the deepest self-defense toolkit, the Aiki Jutsu ranks stand on the Kenji Ryu lineage our founder established in 1986.
A self-defense program with real depth
Most schools teach one style. We teach three — each filling a gap the others leave open.
Taekwondo
Kicks, strikes and blocks that build striking power, mobility and confidence — the active, athletic foundation.
About TaekwondoAiki Jutsu
Redirect an attacker’s momentum into joint locks, throws and pins — effective control without relying on size or strength.
Aiki ranksKobudo weapons
Bo, nunchaku, sai, tonfa and more — sharpening coordination and giving you tools beyond empty-hand technique.
Weapons programTrained under a lineage with real history
Our head instructor Mr. Steve Hanford — 6th Dan Taekwondo, 4th Dan Kobudo, 2nd Dan Aiki Jutsu — began training at age 7 and studied under founder Mr. Ken Gillenwater, who opened the school in 1986 and founded the Kenji Ryu Aiki-Jujitsu lineage. The Aiki Jutsu you’ll learn traces directly back through that lineage, taught the way the founder taught it.
Meet our black belts →Adult classes by location
126 S Main Street, North Webster, IN 46555
Adult Taekwondo several evenings a week, a daytime option on Thursdays, and the dedicated Aiki Jutsu class. Contact Mr. Hanford for the right session.
Monday
- 7:15–8:15Aiki Jutsu
- 8:30–9:30Adult Taekwondo
Thursday
- 11:45–12:45Adult Taekwondo (daytime)
- 7:15–8:15Teen Aiki Jutsu
- 8:30–9:30Adult Taekwondo
Friday
- 8:30–9:30Adult Taekwondo
Columbia City YMCA (upstairs), 950 E Van Buren St
Adults are welcome in the Tuesday and Thursday evening advanced classes at the YMCA. Contact Mrs. Bond.
Tuesday
- 6:45–7:45Advanced (adults welcome)
Thursday
- 6:45–7:45Advanced (adults welcome)
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Rd, Fort Wayne
Wednesday advanced sessions at Aldersgate are open to adult students. Contact Mr. Hanford.
Wednesday
- 11:00–12:15Advanced
- 2:30–3:45Advanced
Class times change seasonally. The calendar and Facebook page always have the latest.
Your first class is free — and so is your uniform
Come try adult karate and self-defense at no cost. Show up in comfortable clothes, train with the group, and decide after. No commitment, no pressure.
What families say about Adult Karate
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Parent name — parent of a student
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Adults questions, answered
I’m out of shape. Do I need to be fit to start?
Not at all. Adults begin exactly where they are and build up gradually — no experience, flexibility or current fitness level required. Our adult students include people who hadn’t exercised in years; you train at your own pace, every session.
I’m older — is it ever too late to start?
Never. We teach adults of all ages, and the programs are scaled to respect your body. Joint locks, throws and weapons work emphasize leverage and timing over strength, so they stay effective at any age.
Will I actually learn self-defense?
Yes. Beyond the Taekwondo striking, our style mix includes Aiki Jutsu — using an attacker’s momentum against them into joint locks, throws and pins — skills that work without relying on size or strength. From green belt you can also add Kobudo weapons.
Is it a good workout?
Training is excellent conditioning that never feels like a chore — strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness through genuine martial-arts practice. It’s a fun way to get fit that keeps you coming back.
What does the first adult class cost?
Your first class is free, and every new student also gets a free uniform. Come in comfortable clothes, train with the group, and decide after — no commitment and no pressure.
Learn self-defense that really works
Book your free adult class today — training that’s practical, challenging and enjoyable.