Two Brothers Provide More Than Self-Defense Classes at Martial Arts Studio

When brothers opened Ryan and Christopher McKenna the self-defense studio Shaolin Self Defense Center, they wanted it to be more than a martial arts studio. They wanted it to be something of a community center – and they have succeeded at doing just that.

“You don’t just come in for your hour lesson and leave,” said Matina Clemente, who children Dina, 8, and AJ, 7, have been students at the studio for two years. “There’s a family feel to it.”

“We’ve built a lot of friendships with the parents in the community,” Christopher said.

In late January, the Saint James Chamber of Commerce honored the brothers for their work within the community.

“They were honored because they’re very giving with their time and energy,” said President of the St. James Chamber of Commerce Larry Glazer. “They’re very positive all the time. … They’re very involved and that’s what makes them special to me.”

Karen Caputi, whose son James, 9, has been attending classes for more than two years, said the kids learn more than just martial arts when they come to the studio.

“They learn life lessons. They learn character, discipline, respect and integrity along with how important exercise is to keep them healthy and strong. They learn about caring about people and making the right choices,” Caputi said.

Caputi also said the community gets a lot from the McKenna’s.

“At town movie nights they help set up the screen and the kids do demos for the people,” Caputi said. “The kids march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and they hold Ninja nights. We all feel like family here. I take the adult class and I love it.”

By day the McKenna’s are teachers – Ryan has worked in the elementary school environment, this year he is not working and Christopher teaches at the high school level.

“Because they are teachers they are they for you if you have an issue or if you need and opinion or advice,” Caputi said.

“They care about your kids more than the hour that they teach them,” Clemente said.

For the McKennas, martial arts were an extension of their physical fitness routine – both played high school football and ran track, and Ryan started martial arts at 17 and Christopher at 19.

“We wanted to open the school to help kids gain confidence and make the right choices when faced with difficult circumstances,” Christopher said. “As a high school teacher I don’t see confident kids making poor choices.”