Metamora Martial Arts offers weekly karate and tai chi chuan classes through the Metamora Park District and private lessons.
Click a box below to learn more about the program.
About Metamora Martial Arts
Established in 2002
Class Offerings
Join us for weekly martial arts classes with the Metamora Park District!
Metamora Martial Arts holds weekly karate classes and tai chi classes at the Metamora Park District office on the historic town square.
We are a proud affiliate school of the International Okinawan Budo-Kai.
Karate
Participants will learn the dynamic punches, kicks, forms, and practical self-defense applications of Shinmei Shorin-ryu karate.
Karate classes are Tuesdays from 6-6:50 p.m.
Tai Chi Chuan
Participants (18+) will learn basic, low-impact postures and forms from old Yang-style tai chi chuan for increasing strength, flexibility, balance, and self-defense.
Tai chi chuan classes are Tuesdays from 7-7:45 p.m.
Private Lessons
Private lessons for martial arts are held at Sensei Adam’s home in Metamora.
Participants under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please contact Sensei Adam for pricing and availability.
Core Values
Learn what guides our teachings.
Curiosity
We are guided by what piques our interest.
Growth
We seek self-improvement.
Thoroughness
We are dogged in our pursuits.
Achievement
We recognize and celebrate our accomplishments.
Meet Your Instructor
A lifelong Metamora resident, Sensei Adam Bockler brings 20 years of experience to our students.
I began learning Okinawan Shuri-ryu karate as a high school freshman in 2003 under Metamora Martial Arts founder Sensei Joe Chianakas. He promoted me to 1st-degree black belt in 2006 and 2nd-degree black belt in 2009. In 2012, Sensei Chianakas passed Metamora Martial Arts to me.
I also trained under Sensei Dave Hawkey from 2005-2015. Sensei Hawkey was a student of Master Robert Trias, the Navy veteran who brought karate to America from Okinawa in the 1940s.
In 2010, I began training with Si Tai Gung Steve Aldus in the Chinese martial arts of tai chi chuan, Hsing-i chuan, and baguazhang. Mr. Aldus certified me as a black belt and assistant instructor (sifu) in those styles in 2019. Through all my martial arts experience, my lineage can be traced back to 1602.
Currently, I train under both Sifu Aldus and Hanshi James Gifford, 9th-degree black belt and chief instructor for the International Okinawan Budo-Kai. I am a 2nd-degree black belt in Shinmei Shorin-ryu karate.
I have competed in and won forms and sparring competitions throughout Illinois and Iowa.
Beyond karate, I live in Metamora with my fiance and her daughter. I work from home as a project manager for the marketing agency ONEFIRE. Since 2016, I’ve taught classes with the Metamora Park District.
Certifications & Specializations
Sensei Adam holds a variety of internationally recognized certifications and specializations.
Get the most out of martial arts classes in a safe, effective way.
Certified Instructor
International Okinawan Budo-Kai
Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise
MMA Conditioning Specialist
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Certified in First Aid / AED / CPR
American Red Cross
Fitness Nutrition Specialist
American Council on Exercise
Certified Level 1 Instructor
DDPY
Awards, Seminars, & Training
Sensei Adam holds a variety of internationally recognized certifications and specializations.
Sensei Adam has been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame on three occasions:
A Brief History of Metamora Martial Arts
Serving Metamora Since 2002
Founded in 2002 by fourth-degree black belt Sensei Joe Chianakas, Metamora Martial Arts was originally an after-school karate club for Metamora Township High School students.
Over time, Mr. Chianakas opened up the program to hundreds of students at Metamora Grade School, Riverview Grade School, and Germantown Hills Middle School.
Our students have competed all over Illinois, Iowa, and even the U.S. Open in Orlando, Florida.
In 2008, Black Belt Magazine honored Metamora Martial Arts with two awards:
- Best Children’s Program.
- Best Humanitarian Act for our Relay For Life Break-a-thon held in 2007.