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Monthly
Newsletter
December 2025 | #46
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Master Tim
Timothy R. Loomis
10th Dan Black Belt
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The Twinsburg Academy is finishing its 20th year in Twinsburg. We were known by a different name in a different Twinsburg location in those days, but we've been running classes continuously all these years.
Our first dojo was in Bedford Heights and opened in 1992. Before opening our first Twinsburg storefront, we taught through the recreation program, not only in Twinsburg but Hudson, Macedonia, and Aurora too.
Twinsburg is also my home. My wife Marguerite and I have lived and raised our family here since 1986. We've seen a lot of changes in the city over the years; the city is always getting better and better.
It's been a privilege to be part of the Twinsburg scene all these years, and I want to thank all my current and past students for their support.
We're starting 2026 as excited as ever to present our exceptional programs to you. We're bringing Kung Fu back to the studio in January (read more below). And, of course, we continue to offer child, teen, and adult self-defense and T'ai Chi.
Happy Holidays!
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Master "C"
Frank Charlillo
7th Dan Black Belt
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I want to express my holiday best wishes to my current and past students in our Akron, Twinsburg, and Mayfield locations. I'm looking forward to 2026. We're starting strong with many classes, events, and tournaments planned.
January is usually time to look ahead to new personal goals. If getting in shape and learning something new is part of your goals, consider martial arts. Our $49 4-Week Starter Special is a great way to try us.
By the way, if you're looking for a Christmas gift for a loved one, that $49 4-Week Special includes a uniform and is a unique gift to find under the tree. All our locations accept the $49 Special. Contact any of them, or purchase it on-line. You can pick up the uniform at any studio.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!
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Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays!
Twinsburg will be closed for the
holidays from 12/23/25 - 1/2/26.
Akron will be closed for classes
12/22/25-12/26/25 and
New Years Eve & Day.
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Wrap It Up Day
with Sensei Lauren
Parents, drop the kids off at the dojo and get your last-minute shopping done or just enjoy the day to yourself.
The Kids will be playing games, having snacks & lunch, decorating cookies, watch a movie, play dodgeball, and make some holiday crafts.
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Monday December 22nd
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
$25/child
Register at the Dojo
Twinsburg is Welcome Too!
| | | You can find all our information, classes and events on our website: https://theacademyofself-defense.com/ or call or text us at 330-814-5058. Check us out and Like us on Instagram and Facebook. | | |
We welcome you to training. You've made a very good choice!
- Adam Kinasz - Self-Defense
- Maverick Milia - Self-Defense
- Kevin Craig - T'ai Chi
- Eric Davis - T'ai Chi
- Clint Shank - Self-Defense
- Jay Perez - Self-Defense
- Melody Walton - Self-Defense
- Violet Bohannon - Self-Defense
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Welcome Back Sensei Dan
Dan Diamond has returned to the area teaching in the Nordonia School district in his day job.
We are very pleased he's back on the mat assisting Master Tim and Master "C" in Monday/Wednesday classes. You'll also see him assisting in the new Kung Fu class in January.
GIVE HIM A BIG WELCOME WHEN YOU SEE HIM!
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Self-Defense 101 & More...
Join us for an evening of hands-on self-defense basics. Master Tim will answer all your self-defense questions. You will practice real self-defense skills and techniques. Self-Defense strategies and tactics will also be discussed.
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Master Tim will also introduce the benefits and practice of the Chinese practices of kung-fu and T’ai Chi Ch’uan. The Twinsburg Academy of Self-Defense is starting a new program of kung-fu in January and enrollment is open now.
Friday 12/5/25 6:30-8:00 p.m.
$25 / person, pay at the door
Call (330) 237-9594 for info and registration
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Master Tim is in the News...
Master Tim was featured this month in an online magazine called Voyage Ohio. Check out the article by clicking the link.
Read Article
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T'ai Chi Fan
Accepting New Students in January
Learn T'ai Chi fan from Si Fu Kathy. Classes are Mondays 11:00-11:30 a.m.
You don't have to be a member of the studio to attend. We highly suggest you have some T'ai Chi background though.
Non-Members: $50/month
Members: See Si Fu Kathy
| | | Call (330) 237-9594 for Information & Registration | | |
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Kung Fu is Back in Twinsburg!
Kung Fu will be returning to Twinsburg starting in January. We haven't offered this program since COVID. We're very excited to add it back to our weekly schedule of classes. We're taking enrollments NOW. Check the link below.
Kung Fu Class Schedule
Tuesdays / Thursdays (Starts Jan 6th)
6:00-7:00 p.m.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
The Kung Fu program is for those 16 and older. It's what we refer to as "long path" martial arts. Our main goal is to transform the body into a lean, mean fighting machine. Kung fu is known for producing power, balance, flexibility, speed, and strength. As the student progresses in training, the self-defense aspects become more apparent.
Students will enjoy the in-depth information and techniques presented in this traditionally run class. Kung fu practice strengthens the body producing a flexible, fast, and centered individual. The "internal" aspects of the training are renowned for their development of Qi (Ch'i) or life force energy. The practice of the internal martial arts has long been known to produce superior health and fitness as well as astounding self-defense.
The class presents empty hand forms, weapons forms, hand-to-hand combat, and hand-to-weapon self-defense. You will learn self-defense application of forms from your instructors. Our system is known for its real-world approach to self-defense. As you progress in your training you will develop your own unique expression of Kung Fu.
| | | WINTER MARTIAL ARTS FOR KIDS | | | | | |
Hey parents, we know you're looking for winter activities for your children
Martial art lessons are good for your kids, and they really enjoy them. It's an easy win for both of you. Now that activities are moving indoors, martial art lessons are a great choice!
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There are lots of studies showing that a
disciplined martial art class helps your kids ...
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-> Stay physically fit and manage weight
-> Manage stress and anxiety
-> Become more socially engaged
-> Have more confidence and self-esteem
-> Do better in school
-> Accept and handle responsibility
-> Learn to become Leaders
| | | | Don't you want to instill these skills in your child! | | | | |
This is an easy decision!
The time is now! We're enrolling for Fall classes and have economical specials available. Kids classes are conducted throughout the week and weekends.
Twinsburg (330) 237-9594
Akron (330) 814-5058
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| | T'ai Chi has been around, verifiably. for 2000 years and may be much older. There must be something to it's practice or it would not have lasted. I've been practicing T'ai Chi for a scant 40 years, barely a toddler in T'ai Chi time, but it has become my favorite practice in all my martial art experience. - Master Tim | | | |
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The Importance of
Zhan Zhuang
in T'ai Chi Practice
Zhan Zhuang is the time honored practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan standing meditation. But it's more than that! This simple and rather boring looking practice, when done correctly, opens doors into the deeper aspects of energy (Qi) cultivation.
I don't believe a T'ai Chi practitioner can truly advance in their understanding and advanced execution of T'ai Chi without extensive Zhan Zhuang "Stand Like A Tree" practice. It helps the student understand correct posture, it teaches relaxation, and it opens Qi channels. Holding correct and proper Zhan Zhuang is harder than it looks and requires instruction and feedback from a well qualified Si Fu (instructor).
The illustration shows the correct basic postural alignment points of Zhan Zhuang. What the picture can't show is the relaxed state of the body. When properly relaxed, the body "sinks". This is referred to as "Sung" in Chinese. This posturally correct relaxation is essential to being physically grounded and rooted. It is also the beginning of opening the Qi channels and flows of the body.
The human body is a Qi machine! Every movement of the body, through the concept of Yin and Yang, pumps Qi throughout the body. This happens in everyone, trained or not. But the T'ai Chi practitioner learns how to enhance the flow of Qi for the purpose of health, vitality, and self-defense, and Zhan Zhuang practice is essential.
Finally, though I don't like Zhan Zhuang as a primary meditation practice, it does (eventually) help to calm the mind/body. The most important immediate aspect of Zhan Zhuang practice for the new T'ai Chi practitioner is to integrate breathing and relaxation while holding the posture. Over time and practice it does help relax the body/mind. I believe a proper seated quiet meditation is the best solution for quieting the mind and bringing stillness to the body.
Has this article piqued your interest in trying T'ai Chi for yourself?
Twinsburg Only, call (330) 237-9594 to book your first class.
| | | | KIDS, TEENS, ADULTS, FAMILIES - WE HAVE CLASSES FOR EVERY AGE GROUP | | | | | |
NE Ohio families are flocking to our martial art programs in Akron, Twinsburg, and Mayfield Heights
We have classes just for kids (5-12), for teens and adults (13+), families (do classes together), and senior adults.
Spend quality family time together at the dojo. Learn real and valuable lessons through the time-tested methods we employ in our programs.
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We offer deeply discounted memberships
when the whole family enrolls in our school.
Three (or more) enrolling are FREE!
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Our youngest student is 5.
Our oldest student is 93!
Do you fit in this age range?
Everyone can use real self-defense knowledge and skills. You learn how to handle confrontational situations using your voice, body posture, eye contact, and martial skills if necessary. At the same time, you're getting your body and mind in shape.
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Our schools are gathering places!
Meet new people, make life-long friends, and establish
new business relationships at the dojo.
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Twinsburg and Akron
STARTER / TRIAL
4-Weeks of Classes $49
Includes 2 classes per week
and a FREE Uniform/Belt
Choose from
Kids, Teen/Adult Self-Defense, or Kung Fu and T'ai Chi (Twb Only)
(new students only)
| | | We offer Military and First Responder Discounts! | | | |
DROP-IN ANY CLASS $20
(restrictions appy)
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CALL (330) 814-5058 in Akron
CALL (330) 237-9594 in Twinsburg
OR STOP IN EITHER SCHOOL
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