About Black Dragon

Black Dragon American Kenpo Karate has been created to instruct students interested in true self defense. American Kenpo Karate is a fairly new style of martial arts, having been developed by Mr. Ed Parker in the early 1950’s. American Kenpo Karate is a modern self defense art that works regardless of age or physical conditioning. Because we all have differing body types and abilities, students are encouraged to make the techniques 'their own'.

Black Dragon Is...

Black Dragon is owned and operated by Eric Sollenberger - 1st Degree Black Belt trained directly by 8th Degree Black Belt Gary Ronemus to use our Kenpo in an honorable way, and only use the force necessary to end an altercation. The owner of Black Dragon continues to train for more advanced levels of Black and instruct at Mr. Ronemus's studio on nights when Black Dragon is not open.

What can I expect as a student of Black Dragon?

As students you will be respected - we never belittle or put down our students. While you will be respected, also you must show respect - to the studio, your instructors and your fellow students. You can expect to be challenged often, both mentally and physically. We are always looking to push farther to better ourselves, we challenge our students to do the same.

How do I become a student?

Firstly, we encourage you to come to the studio for a free week of classes - to see if Kenpo is right for you. If the fit is right, we encourage you to try Kenpo on a monthly basis. American Kenpo is not the right fit for everyone, it is a serious and true self defense martial art that is only to be used when warranted.

Kenpo sounds awfully rough, it is appropriate for a child?

American Kenpo can be geared for children with ease. In our Little Dragons program, our younger students are tought techniques in a slightly different way. Children are encouraged to work out altercations with words and good sense, only resorting to using their knowledge when it is absolutely necessary. Children learn discipline and respect in our studios. Many parents experience a change in attitude after just a few classes. Most of our instructors are also parents, and have extensive experience working with children.

I have no formal martial arts experience, can I still come and learn?

We all had no experience when we first began training, there is no prerequisite for becoming a student.

Do I need to be in great shape to learn Kenpo?

No! We all have differing body types and experiences. Students are encouraged to work out and warm up with instructors and do their very best, but are not penalized for performance. Our instructors warm up with the students for all classes, we would never ask that a student do more than we can do ourselves.

Do Kenpo classes get on our knees and bow?

American Kenpo practicioners do not kneel and bow to any direction, idols or any other person. We respectfully perform a very short bow at the waist to show respect for our training areas when entering and leaving. We perform a short bow at the waist to our instructors and one another when classes begin and end. Our bows are short and we retain eye contact when we bow.

Do Kenpo instructors have a special name like "master" or "sensei"?

No. We are instructors, not masters of anyone else because of our knowledge or experience. As an American Martial Art, we do not call our instructors sensei. Instructors should be regarded by "Sir" or "Ma'am" respectively, or by Mr. or Ms. An example would be to call me Mr. Sollenberger or Mr. Eric.

When are classes held?

A full class schedule can be found here.

Am I required to fight or spar?

Black Dragon Kenpo students are permitted to spar once they have achieved their Yellow Belt ranking. Requiring a full belt level experience ensures that the student has been acclimated to the studio and is aware of what is expected in terms of respect and control. Because sparring is a tool to judge how well students are retaining knowledge, students are required to spar when possible. Sparring helps students to not fear being hit, or making contact. All sparring is supervised by Black Belt instructors to ensure safety.

What is the cost of classes?

Classes for Little Dragons (ages 6 to 12) are offered at a cost of $60.00 per month.
Adult Classes are offered at a rate of $100.00 per month.
There is a 20% discount on additional family members who also sign up for classes.
There are no required contracts with Black Dragon, but prepaying for specific blocks of time are permitted.

Directions to Black Dragon here