Elite Edge Training |
About Us…
Elite Edge Training is dedicated to promoting traditional martial arts, realistic close combat training, and cutting-edge fitness training on the internet and throughout the central Iowa area. Originally the Des Moines Karate Club, the name was changed to Elite Edge Training to reflect both the diversity and level of programs that we offer. No one in the area offers the variety of effective instruction that we do.
Traditional martial arts include Japanese/Okinawan karate and weapons (kobudo), and various forms of Japanese swordsmanship. Karate classes are based on age and offered twice per week. They are concentrated, fun, and challenging for all ages. Karate is an effective defense-based art form that includes a variety of striking, throwing, and locking techniques for use against multiple assailants and weapons. Traditional weapons (kobudo) such as staff, sickles, truncheons, and flails are also included in the training.
Japanese swordsmanship is centered around Iaido, the art of fast drawing and cutting. It includes various methods of using a live blade in different scenarios and wooden swords in full-contact partner exercises. Swordsmanship is for older teens and adults. We also offer a unique study group for training in advanced use and strategy of an array of ancient Samurai battlefield weapons and fighting methods.
We also teach modern combatives & self-defense training that is based on karate, behavioral research, and various military and law enforcement systems. Military and law enforcement use our classes for refresher and advanced training to keep them alive when it really counts. We consistently get feedback from all our professional and civilian clients that this is some of the most effective and comprehensive training they have received. Mixed martial artists use us as “basic training” to get them ready for competitions. We pride ourselves on the level of no-nonsense training that can only be found through our facility. For adults only.
Training is offered in structured group classes, through private instruction, and at on-site workshops and seminars. We offer specialized introductory classes for each program for beginning students. Corporations, organizations, law enforcement, military, and college students get special pricing.
The chief instructor is Michael Hanson. He is a graduate from the Army's Master Fitness program and has received civilian fitness cerifications from the National Strength and Conditiong Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the International Sports Sciences Association. He has trained in martial arts for over twenty years and his main disciplines are karate, Japanese swordsmanship, and modern combatives. He has also trained in Tai Chi, various forms of old Samurai fighting methods, different karate styles, and several other martial disciplines. He has researched old fighting and fitness methods from cultures around the world and how they relate to each other. He has used this study to help hundreds of people throughout North America and Europe meet and exceed their martial arts and fitness goals for many years. Michael believes in the truth of traditions in culture and the necessity of progressive techniques in today's world. We know you will enjoy this unique approach in your training!
| Elite Physical Training (EPT) |
Mon, Wed, Fri 5:30 -6:00pm |
| Lil' Tigers Lil' Samurais Youth Karate Adult Karate Kobudo |
Tues & Thurs 5:30 - 6:00pm |
| Japanese Swordsmanship Kenkyukai |
Sun 1:00 - 2:30pm |
| Shooto |
Mon & Wed 6:00 - 7:00pm |
Open Training |
Sat 12:30 - 2:30pm |