MARTIAL ARTS BUSINESS TEACHERS STREET SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING AT NEW STUDIO

A new martial-arts studio that emphasizes street self-defense training has opened in Cape Girardeau.

Tracy's Karate Studio, which offers training for persons 6 and older, is in a 1,900-square-foot facility at 205 S. Plaza Way.

"We specialize in defense training rather than sports," said Roger Arpin, owner and head instructor at the studio. "We have one full-time and four part-time black-belt instructors. We provide individual one-on-one classes but also offer group classes.

"This gives a student the best of both worlds: the student gets private training and can also get a good workout in the groups," said Arpin.

Arpin said the martial-art style taught at the school is Chinese Kenpo, a sub-style of Kung-Fu.

"The school trains students in the use of practical street-self-defense technique for virtually any kind of street attack," said Randy Babb, an instructor. "With Tracy's Kenpo, a student can study one of the most systematic and structured self-defense programs available."

"We hope to help in the training of security people and police officers throughout the area," said Arpin.

Instructors Arpin and Babb are second-degree black belts and Scott Dudley, Derek Griffin and Ned Ackman are first-degree black belts.

"Individuals can schedule private classes at almost any time," said Arpin.

Hours for the new facility are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Group classes are available Mondays through Thursdays.

"Adult classes will be conducted Monday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. and Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m.," said Arpin. "Youth group sessions will be available Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.

"We'll hold a grand opening July 18," said Arpin. "Activities will get under way at 10 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m." Self-defense demonstrations will be presented at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Two prizes of introductory programs will be presented during the grand opening.