COURSE OFFERINGS
Course offerings include:
Please consult our calendar for course dates, or feel free to call us at 385-4985 with any other questions, or to sign up for the next class. You can always come by and see us, too! We're located at 1620 NE 3rd Street in Bend, right above Radio Shack.
Tai Chi
Grace. Balance. Fluidity. Peace. These are a few words that people easily associate with the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Tai Chi practitioners hope to balance the mind, body and spirit by controlling each movement and coupling them with smooth, steady, deep breathing techniques. Each movement is continual and leads directly into the next. Tai Chi forms are not thought of as a series of individual movements, but as one long movement, one thought, one action,
carried on for ten seconds, ten minutes, or as legend has it - for ten days - as one master once studied a single form for without ceasing.
This is an introductory class and is perfect for adults who may have some physical difficulties such as arthritis or muscle weakness, as the fluid movements increase blood-flow to the limbs, improve circulation, and cause no damage to or stress on the joints and bones. Additionally the exercises improve muscle quality which helps to support the skeletal system and prevent injuries. This class can be taken standing or sitting. Sensei Brian has nearly two years of experience
teaching Tai Chi to wheelchair-bound seniors, with great success.
Senior Tai Chi - Bend Villa Retirement Center
If you would like to schedule a 1 day workshop, or a 4 week course, for your group, please email kristina@bendchamber.org. We have special deals for nonprofit organizations, large groups, and seniors. Individuals may also schedule private lessons. Please give us a call at 385-4985 for more information.
Children's Karate Classes (age 6-12)
(What are kids' karate classes like at Sortor Karate?)
We have all heard of studies showing martial arts training to have a positive effect on kids, even in life outside of the karate school. Why is this so?
At the Sortor Bushido Kai dojo, a big part of the answer is found in the principles that guide our actions and decisions every day, inside the dojo and out. "Bushido Kai" means "The Way of the Warrior," and refers to seven precepts:
- Gi-ri Justice
- Meiyo Honor
- Yu Courage
- Chu Duty
- Jin Compasssion
- Rei Courtesy and Humility
- Makoto Honesty
In feudal Japan, these seven principles led warriors to lives of service to their fellow man. It is these principles we hope to instill in each our students.
 
With a solid foundation in these positive values, children at the Sortor Karate dojo learn that karate means "empty hands," and that it teaches us not how to strike and kill, but about ourselves, how to know our strengths and work on our weaknesses, together. This, combined with the technical, physical, and self defense skills that they also learn in class, gives kids a sense of calm control over their internal and external worlds, empowering them
to make good decisions
every day. With the caring and attentive instruction of Sensei Brian, all of this learning takes place in a positive and stable environment, allowing kids to plant their feet firmly on the ground, while shooting for the stars!
Kids' classes are ongoing and can be joined at any time. Feel free to call or email us with any questions you might have, or come by and watch a class for yourself. We always encourage parents to watch a few classes here and at other schools before deciding where to enroll their child.
Although our kids' classes generally range from age 6-12, we do accept some younger students.
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5-Year-Old Cameron R. performs at a demonstration. | If your 5-year-old would like to take karate lessons, Sortor Karate can provide the absolute best for your young child. For our youngest students, we have very small class sizes to provide personalized attention and give the Senseis the flexibility to structure each class according to the childrens' energy levels and attention spans each day. In order keep our youngest students engaged
and learning at their best, we have given them 45 minute classes 2-3 times per week. With all of this and with genuine martial arts curriculum designed specifically for young children, your little karate kid will flourish and learn to do things that will simply amaze you. In our kids' classes, we focus on overcoming fears and shyness, learning basic technique, following directions, physical coordination, self-discipline (not heavy-handed Sensei discipline!) and the ability to deal with failures
and successes in a mentally and emotionally healthy way.
However, our curriculum is serious and not meant for the child who simply wants playtime.
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5-Year-Old Jenelle at a Rank Test |
We do not play ball games in our classes, we do not allow children to NOT try their best, and we do not shortchange young students by expecting them NOT to grasp the material. We believe that 5-year-old children are capable of great things (because they are)!!
If you are a parent of a 5-year-old and you'd like to see if he or she is ready for martial arts training, please give us a call at 385-4985 to schedule a free private evaluation in which Sensei Brian will help your child get acclimated
to the dojo atmosphere, walk your child through some basic martial arts moves, and see whether he or she is able to follow direction and focus on a task for at least a few minutes at a time.
How do you know if your child is ready for martial arts training? If your child knows right from left, can follow directions, is comfortable being 10 to 15 feet away from you while taking class, and can focus on one task for at least two or three minutes at a time, then the answer may be yes. If not, don't worry! It is completely
normal for 4, 5, or 6-year-olds to not be quite ready for karate at that age. Give it a year, and in the meantime, try tumbling or gymnastics. Gymnastics is a fantastic sport for very young children to learn how to use their bodies, but in a less structured environment.
Whether you are the parent of a 5-year-old or an 11-year-old, we encourage you to come in today and take advantage of our discounted Beginner's Package which includes a free uniform and belt, 1 private lesson to get your child started,
and a whole month of group classes. It's a great way to get to
know the dojo and the teachers, and see how your child enjoys the classes. We'll see you soon!
Adult Karate Classes (age 13+)
 If you’re ready to build a solid foundation of martial arts knowledge, and gain an understanding and appreciation of the many styles, while you get into great shape and have a lot of fun making new friends, Sortor Bushido Kai Karate is the place for you!
At the Sortor Karate dojo, our adult martial arts
classes strike a perfect balance. In this fun, welcoming atmosphere, students work with focus and determination, learning diverse skills, from high flying gymnastic kicks, to powerfully grounded blocks and strikes, to grappling. (What's it like to take a class at Sortor Karate?) Students in this class, whether male or female, whether a teenager or in their 50s, have a blast and make close friends, while sweating it out and striving for their
best together every day.
Our martial arts classes are based on the traditional Japanese style of Shotokan. This is a linear, hard style of karate utilizing strong blocks, kicks, punches, and strikes combined with solid stances, footwork, sweeps and full-body throws. But the Bushido Kai system is not limited to this one style. We incorporate the fast and flexible kicking of Tae Kwon Do, the smooth throws and wristlocks of Aikido and Judo, the fluidity and grace of Tai Chi forms and self-defense, and the
speed, martial gymnastics and acrobatics of Wushu.
 Bushido Kai founder Stuart Quan knew that to limit martial arts with declarations that one style was superior to others was to limit the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the arts as a whole. Stuart himself received training in many different styles, and came to realize each style’s strengths and weaknesses. He also realized
training in one style strengthened his knowledge of the other styles, and each worked together to broaden his complete understanding. Sensei Stuart passed this appreciation and respect for many different styles on to Sensei Brian.
Martial arts training has been proven to improve mental focus, self-discipline, cardiovascular health, bone density, and muscle mass and to alleviate
ailments such as weight problems, stress and high blood pressure. Are you ready to change your life?
Homeschooler's Karate Class
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Students practice self defense. | We love homeschoolers! Sensei Brian and wife Kristina were both homeschooled, so homeschoolers hold a special place in their hearts. The homeschool parents and students that you will meet when you become a part of the Sortor Karate dojo family are a wonderful, fun group of people.
The homeschooler's class is in the same format as our children's karate classes except that it is an "all belt
levels" class, and it is geared towards homeschoolers ages 6-16, rather than just 6-12. We have a convenient class time at 11:00 Wednesday mornings. Homeschooled students are encouraged to use the homeschool class weekly to supplement their regular weeknight karate classes, and get to know all the fantastic homeschooled students that we have at every belt level along the way! Please check the calendar for more information on class schedules.
Children's Violence Awareness and Preparedness Course
 Every day children in Oregon are abducted, lost, and face violent situations at school or in their neighborhoods. This course for children ages 6 to 12 focuses on such topics as non-violent conflict resolution, avoidance and prevention techniques, as well as practical hand-to-hand escape
movements designed with children's unique strengths and weaknesses in mind. Improving children's self-confidence, strength, and awareness of themselves and the world around them are top goals of this course.
This invaluable class makes a wonderful, team-building, educational health and safety exercise for your children's youth group, school class, sports team, Boy or Girl Scout Troop, or social group. Groups of 4 or more may book private Children's Violence Awareness and Preparedness Workshops. To do so, just contact kristina@sortorkarate.com or call 385-4985.
Women's Self-Defense
While we’d rather not think about  it, our world is becoming a more and more dangerous place, especially for women. Statistics say one in three women will be the victim of a violent crime in her lifetime. We can’t know when we’ll be faced with a dangerous situation - but we can train to be ready for
it.
At Sortor Bushido Kai, our Women's Self-Defense and Awareness class was designed so you can be ready. The class covers all aspects of general self defense, including:
- Tips for avoiding violent situations
- Strategies for a successful escape
- Highened self-awareness
- Simple and effective hand to hand combat skills
- How to use your strengths and compensate for your specific weaknesses
- Advice about using, and defending against, today’s common weapons
- Facts and statistics about victims and violent crimes
- Inspirational self-defense stories
 Too often we get caught up in everyday habits that are very sensible, polite, and socially acceptable. This class is designed to break those habits and increase awareness of the little things that can make all the difference. This includes simple things like the various ways your house or car keys could be used to save your life.
The Sortor Bushido Kai dojo was established to give people of all ages a positive place to grow through the martial arts. We care about the safety, health, and well being of our students and our community. Women are particular targets of most types of violent crime, because criminals see women as easy targets. It is important to us that women feel safe in their homes, at work, and in the community, and that women understand their value, and let attackers know
they will not be an easy target.
Regular classes are run through Bend Parks and Recreation District at our dojo. You may also sign your Girl Scout troop, sports team, school class, church group or club up for a private Women's Self-Defense Workshop. This is a great educational and team building exercise that will truly benefit each woman in your group, making them more aware and safer in every day life. To sign up or for more information, just email kristina@sortorkarate.com
or stop by the dojo between 5 and 8 p.m. on any weeknight. We can't wait to see you there.
 
Senior Self-Defense
As sick as it is, the reality today is that predators single out the weak, the handicapped, and those they know will not fight back. "Easy prey" are prime targets for perpetrators of theft, abuse, and fraud. Learn in this class how NOT to make yourself a target. Learn practical ways of escaping or avoiding scams (from telephone/mail fraud to door-to-door con artists), purse-snatchings, muggings, car jackings and more. Don't
let yourself be a victim! Even in this uncontrollable modern world, you DO have the power to implement concrete preventional measures to keep yourself safe!
Sensei Brian has worked with seniors, and dug deep to research senior safety concerns. This specially designed course runs for four weeks with two classes per week. Each class is 45 minutes. The four week course is $30. Please note that this is not a permenant class and runs only at special times. Contact the dojo for more information about class times.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are included with every Beginner's Package for one simple reason: They are a vital part of any program of martial arts study. All students should take a private lesson before their very first group class, when preparing for a test, tournament, or patch workshop, and any time they feel that they need to supplement their regular classes with some focused, one-on-one study of a particular topic.
Young children, those with behavioral or attention
difficulties, and those with special physical limitations may benefit from regular bi-weekly or monthly private lessons. Private lessons cost $45 each or 3 for $115 and are all taught by Sensei Brian Sortor. They last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour depending on the student's wishes.
If you have a nonconventional work/school schedule, or if you simply prefer the focus and convenience of personal training, you may choose to begin or continue your martial arts training through private
lessons only. Schedule them for any time that suits you, and prepare for a workout!
Private lessons are $45 each, or 3 for $115, and are also included as a free bonus in many of the training package options offered by the dojo.
Please consult our calendar for course dates, or feel free to call us at 385-4985 with questions, or to sign up for the next class. You can always come by and see us, too! Our door is always open for guests and spectators.
Sortor Bushido Kai Karate - 1620 NE 3rd St.
Bend, OR 97701 - 541.385.4985
kristina@sortorkarate.com
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