oei-Kan Karate Do, the Cortland YMCA’s ongoing Karate Program is pleased to offer two free self-defense classes, Saturday January 30, at the Cortland YMCA at 22 Tompkins Street.

There are two available classes, one for youth and families and one for teenagers through adult. Youth and families will kick off the day at 2:30 p.m., ending at 4 p.m. Teens and adults will follow from 4:15-5:45 p.m. The program will be taught by Sensei Gary Busby, a 5th degree black belt with over 30 years studying and teaching Koei-Kan. Sensei Busby is a direct pupil of Shihan Bellott, a prominent leader in martial arts in the country. Koei Kan Karate is Japan- and Olympic-certified.

Sensei Busby said participants will have an opportunity to see and participate in basic self-defense moves. The courses will be interactive, and students from Koei-Kan will be using skits to  demonstrate how men, women and children can protect themselves when necessary. The teen and adult classes will focus more on protection for nights out, and is ideal for students who are entering college next fall.

Sign up in person at the front desk, or by phone at 756-2893. From the Cortland YMCA and the Koei-Kan Program, “Domo arigato”; thank you for your community support.