USA Karate Now Open in Woodbury

USA Karate will host an open house Saturday to mark its new location in Woodbury.

The martial arts studio opened in mid-April and accepts students as young as 3 years old, said John Lysaght, program director.

The Woodbury USA Karate is located at 779 Bielenberg Drive, near Akita Sushi Bar and Grill and DeLeo Bros. Pizza.

The head instructor is Katie Anderson, who earned her first black belt at age 12 and received an "Outstanding Competitor" award from the North Central Karate Association in both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 tournament seasons.

USA Karate, founded by Grand Masters Gordon Franks and Pat Worley, will celebrate 40 years in the Twin Cities this year.

“We’ve got a lineage that a lot of programs don’t have,” said Lysaght, adding that students can participate in competitions.

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, June 21.

Open House

The Saturday, June 22, open house runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features food and refreshments, along with seminars from international champion Ross Levine.

The schedule includes:

• a karate class for children from age 3 to 12 at 10:30 a.m.; and
• a black belt demonstration at 11 a.m. 
  
• an adult class at 11:30 a.m.