MISSION STATEMENT

To provide instruction in Taekwondo, Judo, and Self-Defense to students of all ages

Spirit Forge Martial Arts

Founded by Master Christopher D. Moore in 2013, with the name drawn from the famous quotation by legendary Japanese swordsman, author, artist and calligrapher, Miyamoto Mushashi (1584-1645), “One thousand days just to forge our spirit, ten thousand days to polish what we have forged.”

The Korean striking martial art, Taekwondo, consists of stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks with a strong emphasis on kicking techniques. Judo is a Japanese grappling martial art renowned for its powerful throwing techniques and effective groundwork which includes joint locks, pins and chokes.

The Taekwondo taught and practiced at Spirit Forge Martial Arts is under the authority of World Taekwondo and the Kukkiwon, Taekwondo’s global headquarters in Seoul, Korea. All Taekwondo instructors hold Black belt ranks issued by the Kukkiwon. Sparring is full-contact under World Taekwondo Rules with student safety of primary importance. The Taekwondo curriculum at Spirit Forge Martial Arts includes the practice of Taeguk, Palgue and World Taekwondo black belt poomsae, or forms.

Judo instruction follows the original syllabus of techniques established in 1882 by Judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano, and practiced at the Kodokan, Judo’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The Judo instructors at Spirit Forge Martial Arts hold ranks issued by United States Judo, Inc. and the United States Judo Association. In addition to a full complement of throwing and grappling techniques, the Judo curriculum at Spirit Forge Martial Arts includes the seven kata, or forms, recognized by the Kodokan.

Taekwondo and Judo are both practiced as competitive martial sports globally, including in the Olympic Games.

Master Moore brings over sixty years of experience in Taekwondo, Judo, Koseido Jui-Jitsu and Koseido-ryu Karate-do to his position as Head Instructor. In addition to his considerable martial arts experience, Master Moore is also a lifelong strength athlete and coach and has studied such diverse disciplines as ballet, flexibility and mobility training.

Master Moore has developed curricula for Taekwondo and Judo that incorporate traditional martial arts and modern training methods into comprehensive programs which provide students with the highest quality instruction while remaining rooted in the time-honored martial arts values of integrity, discipline, perseverance, self-control and humility. Instruction is scaled to each student’s age, physical condition and experience.

Every prospective student is provided with a free introductory lesson after a thorough evaluation by Master Moore. Classes begin with a warm-up which includes light cardio vascular training and stretching. Judo students are taught falling techniques, throwing and grappling techniques; Taekwondo students are instructed in stances, blocking, kicking, striking and punching. As students’ progress, they are gradually introduced to more advanced training, including sparring, always with safety as a primary consideration, forms training and, in the case of Taekwondo, board breaking. In addition to Master Moore, instruction at Spirit Forge Martial Arts is provided by a group of experienced and highly-qualified instructors including, Kyoshi Ron Pardini, 8th Dan Judo and Master Cornelia Moore, 4th Dan Taekwondo. All instructors are SafeSport trained and certified (uscenterforsafesport.com).

Spirit Forge Martial Arts is located in the Pittsburgh Barbell facility, 331 Station Street, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Classes are currently scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Acceptance of students is at the sole discretion of Master Moore and is without regard to age, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

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