Progressive Martial Arts: Beyond Sparring and Kicking

Linda Lidov |

People who drive past the box-shaped, white concrete building at the corner of 29th and Sheridan know it as “the karate school.” But until they step inside, their imaginations may be stuck at images of flying kicks and the Bruce Lee howl. All it takes is a step inside Progressive Martial Arts (PMA) to understand that students are growing more than fighting skills.

Stewart Lauper, a former professional boxer who has trained in a variety of martial arts since childhood, founded PMA in 1985. With two locations and about 300 regular students, PMA’s contemporary approach weaves the traditions of Chinese and Indonesian martial arts together with sports sciences, sports physiology, and what Lauper calls “the best ideals people have about old-style martial arts.”

“We teach respect, honesty, courtesy and discipline. These ideals from the past are timeless, but seemingly lost,” he says. Lauper and his instructors, about one-third of whom are women, teach lessons about developing skills while creating life balance – building stronger bodies and character.

Progression through PMA is marked by the common belt system, but belts are more a symbol of growth – not necessarily a final product. And they are not for sale. “This is not the right place for people who want to pay money for a black belt. It’s not about accomplishing tasks and checking a list,” says Lauper. “Becoming a black belt is an evolution and recognition of what you are. It’s an important distinction of the Chinese arts.”

To maximize the martial arts experience, private lessons are included in the standard PMA curriculum. While some schools offer private lessons at a premium as a way to help students perfect certain techniques or prepare for a test, PMA gives students one private lesson per week and unlimited group classes for a flat monthly fee.

The recipe resonates strongly for PMAers from kindergarten to retirement age – whether they are here to fight, get fit or overcome some life challenge.

Michelle Burkett, a former runner, used to suffer from chronic tendonitis in her knees. After nine years of training at PMA, she can do things at age 46 that she couldn’t do before – from jumping jacks to jumping rope. A second-degree brown belt who’s mastered techniques in self-defense, grappling, boxing and sparring, she says the physical benefits complement the mental and emotional connection she now has with her body. “It’s been a real progression of my overall ability.”

PMA is a family affair for some. Paula Sherrod and her kids practice at PMA. While improving her own strength and fitness, she insists that martial arts builds her kids’ confidence, improves their physical skills at school, and teaches her daughter another valuable lesson. “Growing up, I was taught that girls shouldn’t hit. My daughter is learning that it’s ok to defend herself.”

Mark Kehm, who recently got his second belt at PMA, joined to spend more time with his son, who trains. Kehm’s discovered a sort of mental therapy through martial arts. “Here, we get to toss each other around. It’s not the stale repetitive motion you find at the gym.” His daughter Erin Wampler quickly followed suit. “It was a bonding thing for my dad and brother, and I wanted to join in,” she says. Describing classes as empowering and a cure for stress relief, she has found a new kind of bond. “PMA is like a close knit family, so welcoming. It’s been really unexpected.”

Today PMA is home for Cameron Bush, who’s trained here since age five. His parents separated early on, and now he credits PMA with giving him structure, focus and a safe place to be. “There were times I was sick of coming to lessons. But now it’s such a big part of me.” At 21, he is preparing for his black belt. He’s also a favorite teacher among young learners, passing down his own experiences to groom the next generation of martial artists.

Workouts have a reputation for being intense, and that’s the draw for many. David Fleury, who discovered PMA as an alternative to rock climbing, says, “There’s no other place that will push you this hard. It’s unbelievably unique in the effort you have to put in. They don’t give anything away here.” Drawn to the realistic street-fighting techniques of the self-defense, Fleury enjoys the workout. But, he concedes, “I’m only afraid of one class here, and it’s Ms. Glaze’s” – referring to the Zoom martial arts conditioning classes Sara Glaze has taught for 27 years.

Zoom incorporates weight training, cardio and core strengthening to help students stay on top of their fitness. “Glaze has a special charisma. If anybody else yelled at people the way she does, they would take offense,” laughs Lauper. “Her classes are hard, but fun.”

Fun is the universal word here; the place seems to command it. Classes are often rewarded with a game of handball, floor hockey, soccer or dodgeball – offering some good-natured competition while honing skills in coordination, body awareness and team dynamics.

Offering a safe space to get physical, where any feelings of self-consciousness or inadequacy are left at the door, no one is made to feel judged. Every person has a place. Mr. Lauper’s generosity of spirit contributes to that. Known to take in needy kids on scholarship, customize lessons for students with attention deficit or anxiety disorders, and even pay for gas money, Lauper has a remarkable penchant for helping. “Just bring them here. Get them in the door.”

As their craft is passed down through the ages, Lauper and his teachers are changing a few lives along the way. “You want your kids to do better in life than you. I don’t drive all my people to be excellent at everything, but to be as good as they want to be. Those are things you can feel really good about.”

www.pmadenver.com  

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