I am posting here as well as the coop part of the boards to open this up to everyone.
Hi Everybody
I am hoping to get together a class for home schoolers this school year.  I have found an instructor, Ish Calleros, that I think is fantastic.  The method he teaches is Kung Fu San Soo. He teaches in a traditional class method, teaching general techniques and doing conditioning.  But what sets him apart is that from square-one, he starts teaching self defense in a very practical way.  There is still an advancement component and belt tests.  There is the potential to become a black belt, etc.  But I am super excited about the fact that he teaches a practical way to use what you are learning.  And it goes beyond that.  He talks throughout his classes about things like how to walk and present yourself to avoid being a victim.  He emphases empowerment and self confidence. And he does all this in a fun, interactive environment that kids love.  He incorporates games and the kids will have to opportunity to practice self defense techniques on the instructors as well as each other in a safe way.

I took my college age daughter to him to check him out for women's self defense lessons and he taught her three techniques for getting out of life-threatening situations in less than an hour.  And these are things that my 110lb daughter can do against a 200+lb man!  Of course, the thing is to practice these kind of things over and over so that you can do them in a stressful situation without thinking.  I told him that every girl should learn those techniques.

Now I want to emphasize that because of the self defense nature of his teaching, you need to be clear that this is not a class for the faint-hearted.  He speaks plainly and bluntly and will teach the children that if they are ever in a bad situation that should do things like gouge eyes, hit windpipes, kick groins, etc.  He will, of course, emphasize that the techniques they learn are never to be used in anger, or lightly. But if you have concerns about the temperament of your child, you might want to think about it.  But this class is ideal for children that have experienced bullying, that need to improve their self-esteem, that you want to feel confident that they would know what to do if ever in a situation like we hear about on the news.

He has some information and a short video on his website that I would encourage you to watch.  I know that he would also be fine with you going to either observe or participate in one class for free to see if you like the way he teaches. The kid's classes are at 6:25 pm.  Mon and Wed are the slightly older kids 9 and up and Tue and Thur are the little guys under 9.  You might give him a call if you want to go check it out, or you could probably just show up.  Here is the site:  http://www.sansooabq.com/Home_Page.php

So NOW for what is willing to do for us!!!  He will teach a class for us TWICE A WEEK for $55/child/month.  This a killer deal!!!  It includes the uniform.  He asks in return for a semester commitment.  So what that means is this:  We pay $55/ month for 3.5 months for the Fall semester.  Classes would run from September through mid-December, but because of holidays, we have a total of 28 classes.

Then for Spring there would be s similar set up Jan through April.  People could choose to continue in the Spring if they wanted (hopefully most would) or they could just do Fall.  And maybe more people would want to join in the Spring.  

Ages for the class would be 5 and up.  If we get enough interest, we could look at dividing into 2 classes kind of along the lines that he does his classes.  But if not then we would all be together.

So right now, I would like to get an idea of the interest level to see if we can get a class together.  Ish is very flexible and accommodating. I am thinking that maybe Mondays and Wednesdays at either 1:30 or 2:00 would be good.  Since it is impossible to accommodate everybody's schedule, I would like to hear input on this but I am mostly concerned about conflicts with pre-existing co-op classes or activities or other organized home school activities rather than individual conflicts.  If there are other times that people would like to suggest, I am willing to listen.  I feel strongly about not doing mornings as a lot of us reserve that time for actual studies.  And Thursdays obviously conflict with park day.  I am willing to consider Fridays but would really like to avoid that as a lot of field trips, etc are planned on those days.  
So in a nutshell:
Kung Fu San Soo
2100 Juan Tabo NE ~ near corner of Juan Tabo and Menaul
M & W 1:30pm
$55/month/child for 3.5 months
ages 5 and up
Uniform included

So if you are interested, please reply to this thread with the ages of the children interested and thoughts on times/days.  Please feel free to ask questions!

This is something that my two girls would be interested in. They are 6(almost 7) and 10. They are athletic-but have never done martial arts. I hope others are interested. Let me know what I need to do.
~Janelle

I have no problem with that. I actually like that he will teach them in a manner that is more real to life situations.

Hi Janelle
There are some other people interested on the private side of the coop board.  So we will probably be doing the class.  How are the days/times for you?

I would like to get both of my girls in activities on the same day. I can't drive to town the 4 days per week. The older kids are M/W and the younger kids are T/Th right? Is there anyway we could get them on the same days? Just an idea. The time frame is perfect. I am still very interested-just can't afford to drive to town that often. Thanks!

Janelle
It's looking like we would do all the kids together Mon and Wed.  I am thinking about moving the time to 1pm,  How would that be?

I think maybe you were reading the part about Ish's regular classes in the evenings.  The homeschool class would be just for homeschool kids.  I listed his regular classes so if you want to go check out his teaching style, you can go to one of the regular classes for a "test drive"  but our class would totally separate.

Oh I see- yes Monday and Wednesday at 1pm would be perfect for us. Thanks!

Bumping this up to see if anyone else has any interest.  I talked to Ish and we are moving it to M & W at 1pm.  This will be a fun class and I hope some other kids will join us.

OK everybody!  We are set to begin next Wed the 7th of Sept.   Please show up 10-15 minutes early  12:45 that day so that we can fill in paperwork and get uniforms before the class.  

Ish has offered a $12 discount if people pay for the semester in advance ~ $180/child.  Otherwise, please be prepared to pay $55 for the first month.  Also, please send me info on the ages of your children and if they are average size for that age or significantly smaller or larger.  That way Ish can try and have the right uniforms on hand.


I hope to see you there and I am looking forward to the class!

Please let me know if there are any questions

There is still room if anyone else would like to join in

Class begins Wed!!  Ish is super excited and committed to making this an excellent class!!  Please plan on meeting about 12:45-12:50 for the first class on Wed so we can fill in paperwork and get uniforms.  Some of the children may not get a uniform that day because Ish may have to order more of certain sizes, but he will have them by the second class on the following Monday.  So everyone please wear comfortable clothing like shorts or sweats and a t-shirt.  ISh also recommends that all of the boys get a cup to protect their privates.  You probably don't need it the first class but get one when you can.  You can get them almost anywhere like Walmart or anywhere they sell sports equipment.

Here is what Ish had to say in an email he just sent me:   I am completely excited about this, and cannot wait to begin teaching this class! I am working on some practice-at-home notes so that the kids will have a follow-along homework guide for the class. I am bursting with ideas for this semester curriculum to get them versed on practical application of self-defense, and I just cannot wait to get started!

If anyone else would like to join in, just show up on Wed or contact me.  If any of you are thinking about it but not ready to commit, come Wed and try it out!!