Martial Arts
At Club “NAHA” Karate-Do, our goal is to inspire and enable our students through karate training to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring individuals. Club NAHA Karate-Do strengthens the spirit, mind, and body by providing a positive karate dojo environment that focuses on caring, confidence, honesty, leadership, respect, and responsibility. We offer capoeira, jujitsu, and karate classes with a variety of options for youth through adults, and lessons are offered in 7-week sessions.
Club “NAHA” Karate-Do is predominantly the style of Shudokan Karate, which is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shudokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially, strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt levels develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling and some jujitsu-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt kata. Kumite (fighting) techniques are practiced in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.
VISIT the Official Club “NAHA” Karate-Do website or find us on Facebook.
Winter Session Notes
Dear Club Naha Parents, and Students,
I hope this message finds you well! As we approach February school vacation week (February 17-21), I want to share an important update regarding our schedule.
This year, February school vacation coincides with the final week of our Winter Session. As a result, weekday classes will not be held during vacation week (February 17-21). Instead, the last week of Winter Session weekday classes will be held during the week of February 24-28, which was originally planned as an off week between the Winter and Spring I Sessions.
Please note, Saturday classes will run as normal during vacation week and will not be affected by these changes.
Additionally, we noticed an error on the schedule: the white belt beginner class is currently listed as starting at 10:40am and ending at 11:30am. The correct times for this class should be 10:30am to 11:20am. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. An updated schedule has been attached to this email.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we make these adjustments. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best Regards,
Shihan Craig Sargent
207-873-0684 x220
Shihan Craig’s Recent Trip to Japan & Mexico
Late in 2024, Shihan Craig took a fantastic trip to Japan and Mexico to train and learn from other martial artists. Learn more about his journey, here.
Schedules & Information
Clinics & Seminars
Spar Wars
These monthly Sparring Sessions for current Club NAHA students are designed to help enhance sparring skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Details
- Second Wednesday of each month
- Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14, Jun 11, Jul 9
- 5:40-6:30 pm
- $10/session
- Students must bring their own sparring gear
Current Schedule Information
The Winter Session runs January 6-February 22 (now extended to Feb 28 – see above notes)
December 9 – registration opens for AYCC Members and currently enrolled students
December 16 – registration opens online
Other Information
- Gear:
- Students must change into their karate uniform prior to arriving for class and belt must be tied appropriately prior to entering the dojo.
- New students to class should wear a t-shirt and lightweight pants that allow for flexibility. Appropriate uniforms are required prior to the 3rd week of the session.
- Uniforms and other gear are purchased at the Welcome Center, and picked up with receipt with Shihan Craig Sargent.
- Viewing Area Access: Spectators may sit or stand in the viewing room to watch class, but should not interrupt instruction.
Private Lessons with Shihan Craig
Experience personalized training with our private martial arts lessons. Tailored to your goals and skill level, these one-on-one sessions are perfect for mastering techniques, improving fitness, and building confidence at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Shihan Craig will provide focused guidance to help you achieve your best. Take control of your martial arts journey—schedule your private lesson today!
Email Shihan to schedule.
Registration Options
The AYCC offers three simple ways to register for our 7-week sessions.
- Call the Welcome Center at 207-873-0684.
- In person with the Welcome Center.
- Online
Financial Assistance is available on most martial arts programs.
Session Information
Find our full registration and session schedule and information on our Registration page.
Summer Camps
Club Naha International Karate Camp
Train all week with Shihan Craig, PLUS Shihan Javier Diaz and Renshi Fernando Diaz from Club Naha Mexico! They will also have guest instructors from their dojo in Mexico – a fun filled, intense-training filled week!
Details:
-
- August 2025 Dates are TBD
- Fees
- $TBD.00/week per student
- $TBD.00/day per student
- Additional youth in the same home = $TBD.00/week per student
- For CURRENT Club “Naha” Karate-Do students
- Ages 8+
Pictured left to right: Shihan Javier Diaz, Sensei Kira Buker, and Shihan Craig Sargent
Tournaments
Elm City Karate Challenge
Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the AYCC
Registration begins at 7:30 am
Tournament begins at 9:00 am.
Events Include:
- Flag Sparring
- Kata
- Point Sparring
- Weapons
- PLUS – Grand Championship Divisions
Fees:
Pre-Registration (before April 18)
- $TBD.00/all events
- $TBD.00/Black Belts who assist with event judging
Registration April 19
- $TBD.00/all events
- $TBD.00/Black Belts who assist with event judging
Vacation Camps
December, February & April Karate Vacation Camps
February Vacation is almost here and Club “Naha” Karate-Do is excited for the return of the ever-popular, February Karate Camp!
Details:
- Dates
- December 23, 27 & 30
- February 17-21, 2025
- April 21-25
- 9:00 am-3:00 pm
- Fees
- $100.00/week per student
- $45.00/day per student
- For CURRENT Club “Naha” Karate-Do students
- Ages 7-17
- Before & After Care is available in the After School Program
- Open 7:00 am-5:30 pm
- Seperate registration is required.
- $5.00/day
- Register in person, by phone at 207-873-0684 or online
- Flyer
Shihan Craig Sargent
Head Karate Instructor
Shihan Craig Sargent holds the rank of Nanadan (7th degree black belt) in Shudokan Karate and the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Hensan Ryu Karate. His martial arts journey began in 1992 at the Waterville Area Boys and Girls Club in Maine, where he learned they style of Hensan-Ryu from Shihan Ken Walsh. In 1999, he began training in Shudokan Karate under Shihan Javier Diaz. During this period, he also trained in Kickboxing under Sensei Bob Hartley and practiced Danzan Ryu Jujitsu under Sensei Rich Charlebois from 2009 to 2012. Shihan’s full bio can be found here.
207-873-0684 x200
Elm City Karate Challenge
Returns April 2025
Club Naha Karate-Do Presents the Elm City Karate Challenge held right here at the AYCC.
Martial Artists from around New England will compete in Kata, Point Sparring, Flag Sparring, and Weapons
Tournament Fees:
Pre-Registration by April
- $xx.00 per athlete
- $xx.00 for black belts who volunteer with judging during the event
Registration at the Door
- $xx.00
- $xx.00 for black belts who volunteer with judging during the event
