Karate Academy set to offer free seminar for college-bound students

When teenagers graduate high school and head off to college, they embark on what can be the among the most exciting years of their lives.

However, those years come with inherent dangers as well.

With a nod to the danger of attacks to which college students are open, the All American Karate Academy will host three seminars for college-bound students this summer.

The three standalone sessions, which will last about one hour and five minutes, will cover general awareness of the dangers of violence on campus as well as a crash course in some basic self-defense tactics.

The goal is to bring about an increased awareness for college students, particularly those preparing for their freshman year.

"We're just trying to make the community aware that the world's changing," academy co-owner Steve St. Pierre said. "As it's changing, we have to change with it. I think awareness is the big key."

The three sessions are set for one Saturday in each of the next three months: June 7 at 2 p.m., July 12 at noon and Aug. 2 at noon.

The seminars are free of charge and will take place at the All American Karate Academy, 1021D Indianapolis Rd., Greencastle.

"We know summer time gets to be kind of crazy, so we want to get some options out there for everybody," co-owner Niki St. Pierre said.

Each session will feature a guest speaker with a law enforcement background, such as Jeff Patterson of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The St. Pierres will also present part of the program, which will include a question-and-answer session for the college-bound students and their parents.

To reserve a spot, call the academy at 653-1300.

All American Karate Academy opened 11 years ago and has been growing ever since. The St. Pierres have changed locations twice, most recently to the current Indianapolis Road location in the old Marsh building.

The academy now opens at 6 a.m. each weekday, and features classes Monday through Saturday including fitness kickboxing, "Fit and 50+", chi meditation, Little Ninjas, Karate Kids, adult karate, boot camp, sparring, pilates, step aerobics and specific strengthening classes. There are five personal trainers on staff as well as a group fitness instructor.

Even as they continue to try and build their business, the St. Pierres see a program such as the upcoming seminars as a way of supporting the community that has supported them for more than a decade.

The academy has also started a competition team that travels regionally.

"Primarily we're trying to make sure we give back," Steve said.

"It's about public service and public awareness for everybody right now," Niki added.

For more information about the academy and its services, persons may call 653-1300.