Local Master Combines Best of Several Martial Arts Styles

Want to study martial arts with kung-fu master and action film star Bruce Lee? You’re too late. He died in 1973. And if you want to learn Israeli krav maga from its legendary founder Dr. Dennis Hanover, you’ll have to travel 5,500 miles to Israel. But he’s not taking new students!

The next best thing is to take classes with Barry Goldberg who earned Wing Chun certification in China as a 3rd generation disciple of Bruce Lee’s teacher, Grand Master Ip Man. He studied krav maga under Dr. Hanover starting at age 5 in Israel, and attained Instructor Level in Muay Thai in Thailand.

The local martial arts guru who opened the Goldberg Self Defense Academy (GSDA) in Stoughton (Mass.), (www.gsda1.com ) wants students of any age to put together their own teams of 2 to 6. He recommends that teams take classes 1 – 2 times per week over a 3-month period. “When students know they’re part of a regular class with others they know, it’s more fun, attendance is better, and they learn more,” says Goldberg. He says you need 3 months to master these styles.

One of Goldberg’s proudest accomplishments occurred in 2014 when he was certified by the Wing Chun Association in China. This certification announced that, Goldberg’s style became recognized as a new Wing Chun Self Defense discipline. A brass plaque on the GSDA studio wall proclaims (in Chinese) his prestigious accomplishment.

Don Thayer, one of Goldberg’s students in China, writes, “I liked the way Barry taught us to think ahead and react in order to defend ourselves. It was hands-on and refreshing. I had never heard of Krav Maga but I loved the practicality and Barry’s philosophy of cherry-picking techniques from multiple fighting styles. Why just follow one style, and why shouldn’t it be adapted to each individual? I am a grateful student.”

Jane B. says, “I’ve trained in martial arts before but couldn’t imagine a 120-pound woman facing a male much bigger and heavier. Barry’s practical, reality-based training was tailored to my own size, strengths and weaknesses. We focused on lots of elbows but also more effective punches and kicks, plus strategies so you have options when you have just a few seconds to get out of a bad situation.”

Another student said, “I have seen Barry work with kids and more cardio-focused people, too. He’s versatile in his approach for clientsof different backgrounds and goals.” A female student noted, “He was my best trainer. I gained so much confidence. I feel safer walking alone. I feel stronger, and I have a newfound love for martial arts. I would recommend Barry to anyone from kids to adults at all levels.”

Goldberg says his basic course gives students great exercise plus the ability to overcome fear, learn how to defend themselves, evade a punch or weapon, and, if needed, stop an attacker. Students include entire families, business executives, college students, individuals with special needs, and others. GSDA Self Defense and Fitness training classes for men and women are available at the studio, workplace or at a student’s home. For a limited time, GSDA is offering 20% off for all law enforcement professionals and their friends and family. (Note: Group classes for law enforcement personnel are limited to officers only.)

GSDA offers Punch Bucks. Each time a student makes a referral, they receive $5 in punch bucks for each referral good towards private classes, membership or gift certificates.

For info about individual training or classes: 781-789-9541 / barrygsda@hotmail.com. Visit www.gsda1.com.

Goldberg shares retail space at 1819 Central Street / Rte. 27, Stoughton, MA (rear – beneath Cassie’s Pizza, next to Polillio’s Garden Center), with his wife, Chere, a Stoughton native. Her shop, the Fashion Exchange Boutique, introduces a new twist to the consignment concept, where a monthly fee enables members to freshen their wardrobe and choose from accessories and home décor items.

- By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com / 508-269-0570