Martial Arts such as Karate and Tai Chi are very popular amongst kids, teenagers and adults in the Cayman Islands. Luckily, to suit these interests, there are several schools on island that offer a variety of martial arts training programmes, classes and clubs.
Martial Arts originated as a form of self-defense practice or an attack skill. It is now used in military and law enforcement applications, entertainment, competitions and for physical, mental and spiritual development.
The Cayman Islands National Karate-Do Association (CINKA) is the official association for traditional Japanese Karate-Do in the Cayman Islands and is sanctioned by the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC).
Below is a list of martial arts providers in Cayman. They all offer exceptional services and a variety of martial art styles.
Purple Dragon School of Martial Arts, on the 2nd floor of the Reliable Industries Building, 313 Compass Drive, runs adult classes in Don Jitsu Ryu, fitness kickboxing and Strike self-defence classes. Each programme allows one free trial class. Office number: (345) 946 1241 and Dojo cell: (345) 916 1416. Email: purpledragoncayman@gmail.com.
The Academy Grand Cayman, located in Cannon Place, offers adult classes in Jui Jitsu, Muay Thai boxing, Krav Maga and MMA. Email: info@theacademy.ky or call (345) 323 9778 for more information.
For lessons in Taekwondo, go to the Cayman Islands Taekwondo Academy (Tel: (345) 325 1220 or (345) 328 5006) in Crown Square, Eastern Avenue. They provide classes for adults and children. They also offer an adults Jui Jitsu class twice a week, and there is a beginners class every Saturday morning for all ages from 1pm-2pm. All are welcome!
Cayman Associated School of Karate (CASK) at Kings Sports Centre on Crewe Road offers Wado Karate classes and a Tai Chi programme. For more information, visit www.caskcayman.com or call (345) 925 3367. They also run special competition classes for those competing on the national karate team as they are the official group who train the national team for the Cayman Islands National Karate-Do Association (CINKA).
Cayman Fight Factory, located at the Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gym, at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, offers adults and children over the age of 16 a wide variety of mixed martial arts and fitness classes including boxing, kickboxing and personal training. Your first class is free. Call (345) 922 0538 or email coach@caymanfightfactory.net for more information.
Kickboxing
Cayman Fight Factory at the Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gym offers kickboxing classes. Your first class is free. Tel: (345) 922 0538 for more information.
Fitness Connection offers a cardio kickboxing class which teaches the basics of kickboxing through a fast-paced workout.
Classes are performed with a partner and include exercises for strengthening the upper and lower body, as well as core strength and abdominals. Classes are held at lunch time as well as in the evenings. Call (345) 949 8485 or visit www.fitness.ky for more information and for class schedules.