Steel Wolf Karate stays busy for the summer

MOSES LAKE – Steel Wolf Karate has plans to keep busy during the summer months following their break for the Fourth of July and into the future. These plans include expanding their regular classes and getting more involved in creating community activities. 

“There's a lot to be said for just having a productive physical outlet,” said Robert Heale, the owner and head instructor for Steel Wolf Karate. “Kids are full of energy and we’ve got to help them direct it somewhere that’s constructive.” 

The regular karate programs at Steel Wolf will continue as usual throughout the summer with classes for ages 6 and up. They run year-round and only close for about one week each quarter. 

Classes for children ages 4-6 are held through the Karate Cubs program, which has grown to become one of the dojo's strongest demographics since the dojo first opened. 

“Extracurricular activities for that age range are a little bit lacking in our area with how much growth we have with young families,” said Heale. “So that one fills up quick.”  

Steel Wolf Karate just held a private sparring tournament over the weekend with their students currently attending the school. This tournament was designed to prepare the students for future competitions and acclimate them to a tournament-style format, he said. 

“From there, we’re looking at doing maybe a bigger event where the parents can watch next year,” said Heale. “Or possibly visiting some events outside of the Moses Lake area.” 

The dojo has plans to hold a weeklong summer camp August 11-15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost will be $149 per student and open to anyone age 6 and up, whether they already attend classes at Steel Wolf or are looking for an introduction into karate, said Heale.  

The summer camp will feature all the usual karate training with the addition of dodgeball and nunchucks. Students must bring their own water and sack lunch each day, but all other supplies will be provided.  

“They get a lot of real practical defense and all of the emphasis on the character skills that we have in our normal program and then we get to do some fun stuff too”, he said.   

Heale also runs a couple of classes with Moses Lake Parks and Recreation during the summer and year-round. The first is an introduction to the karate program available to everyone, even if they are not enrolled at Steel Wolf, that runs every Saturday for six weeks and is offered once a quarter, year-round.  

The other program is a Tai-Chi class which has grown in popularity with people aged 40-60 years of age.  

“It’s a great one for light exercise, health and wellness,” said Heale.  

Heale said he has plans in the future to offer a women’s self-defense class at the rec center through the Parks and Recreation department with the city. Those interested in any of their classes can sign up for these classes through the city of Moses Lake website. 

“I really enjoyed building a good working relationship with the city of Moses Lake and their parks and rec department, so I’m looking at how I can do more programs with them,” said Heale. 

Steel Wolf Karate

2707 W Broadway Ave. Unit C
Moses Lake, WA 98837
steelwolfkarate.com
509-761-9583
MrHeale@SteelWolfKarate.com 

    Students at the dojo get into a defensive stance during one of their classes. Steel Wolf Karate will be offering a weeklong summer camp in August open to both registered and nonregistered students.
  

    One of the older students at Steel Wolf Karate practices during a class at Steel Wolf Karate. Steel Wolf Karate has classes open for ages 6 and up and has been working with the City of Moses Lake to create more classes at the Larson Rec Center that might appeal to an older crowd.
  

    A group of students training together in their class at Steel Wolf Karate.