About JK Martial Arts

Our school was inspired at Park Nicollet Alexander Center. The teaching methods are 17 years old and designed to give everyone the opportunity to succeed, especially anyone with a learning disability. The karate style we teach, Shorei-Ryu, is over 500 years old. Our classes are small so our instructors give you extra attention and adapt to your learning style.

Teaching Methods

Students learn in an atmosphere of methodical, structured, repetition with positive reinforcement and rewards. They experience success in every class, which builds confidence and self esteem. The values used in the school prepare them for other life experiences; respect, discipline, honor and humility.

People who have different learning abilities benefit from consistent terms and repetition. They also benefit from learning step by step in a methodical disciplined manner. It is highly valuable for them to experience the personal success of learning a kata (a prepared combination of moves). These principles work for everyone!

The style we teach is Shorei-Ryu, which is extra beneficial to people who have learning challenges. The style being, "hard vs. soft" stimulates the muscle memory. The movements include crossing the midline, coordination and stretching, all beneficial to the body and mind. We teach to all styles of learning, visual, audible, and tactile by using all three styles in conjunction. So students and parents say it has really improved their ability to focus, their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Classes are 45 minutes long, twice per week. Start anytime. See the Classes tab or contact us for further details.

Instructors

Katherine Pierren, Sensei

Katherine Pierren studied karate for 11 years with this school. She is a second degree black belt. Since she struggled with a LD (learning disability), she understands how important it is to adapt teaching to meet individual needs.

"Teaching karate is my dream come true! I am very thankful to Sensei Wancket Yue for teaching me karate and passing the school on to me to continue. I'm also thankful to Dr. Alexander for starting this program. I am committed to giving back to the community who supported me with special education."

Katherine's experience as an Education Assistant at The Whole Learning School, Certified Nursing Assistant, a Nanny for children with learning challenges and a mother has prepared her for her role as the head instructor.

Her years of personal fitness training with a certified fitness trainer prepared her to alter the positions to meet individual physical needs.

Her karate success includes a winning record at Diamond National tournament, AKA Grand National Tournament, and local tournaments. She was inducted into the BWMA Hall of Honors as instructor of the year in 2008.

Joyce Brekke, Director

Joyce Brekke, Katherine's mother watched and supported Katherine in her martial arts training and competition. "I am thankful that Katherine was so successful with karate during her challenging middle school years! It meant a lot, since Katherine was shy and insecure. It increased her self esteem, ability to focus, memory and gave her a confident voice!"

Joyce loves exercise, and physical fitness, so when Katherine suggested she learn karate, she jumped into it. She immediately entered the competition circuit winning first place every time as an under belt. In 2007 she received her Black Belt and went on to become the NASKA National Champion in open hand forms and 2nd place in the NASKA National Weapons category. In local tournaments she won Grand Champion in forms.

Her 30 years of healthcare and business experience has prepared her to direct the school; Sales Management, Healthcare Sales, Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Assistant Director, teaching Respiratory Care and Sales to adults and teaching Baton and Swimming to children. Her experience as a mother of a child with learning challenges drives her to offer this experience to others with passion and empathy.