In April 2023, Rob Mathers started offering a Filipino martial art and form of self-defense, called Arnis at WSCC. In September, he plans to offer a conditioning class to promote overall well-being, fitness, and health. Then, in January, a Kung Fu will be offered as well. More details
are below.
Conditioning Class
The conditioning class focuses on a series of dynamic moving exercises to improve range of motion, strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance. These moving exercises involve a progression of difficulty and intensity so all skill levels can participate. Initially, participants will practice a few of these exercises at their own pace to discover areas of the body that need to be strengthened, stretched, and loosened. This process helps relax the body and improves range of motion. After the warmup phase, students will learn how to modify the moving exercises to gradually increase difficulty and intensity. As students progress, new moving exercises will be introduced.
The conditioning class will be offered on Saturday from 10-10:45am. The class is
primarily designed for adults and youth (15+). However, adults can practice with their kids
(10+). No equipment is necessary for this class. Wear something comfortable.
Cost is $5/person or $10/family.
Arnis Class
Interesting fact: Arnis is the official martial art of the Philippines. Students will learn a
style of Filipino martial arts called Pinakatay Arnis. Pinakatay means cursive writing and
specializes in continuous cursive movements.
Initially, students practice solo drills and methods for continuous movement. Then,
students will practice the solo drills on a punching bag. To emphasize safety, beginners will use a
padded stick. Once students demonstrate a sufficient level of skill, they will be allowed to use a
rattan stick.
Over time, training also involves striking using hands, elbows, knees, and feet. If
students are interested and have achieved an appropriate level of skill and control, sparring is
available. Sparring requires appropriate safety gear. Talk to the instructor for more information.
The Arnis class will be offered on Saturday from 10:45-11:30am and Thursday from 10-
11am.
Classes are for adults and youth (15+). No equipment is necessary to attend this class.
After a couple months, students will probably want to obtain their own sticks so they can practice during the week. Wear something comfortable.
Cost is $10/person or $15/family. Monthly rates are available.
Questions on the classes being offered? Contact Rob.
Instructor Bio
Rob Mathers has had a lifelong interest in learning martial arts. After 3 decades, he
gratefully acknowledges the many teachers, mentors, senior students, training partners, and
sparring sessions that have instructed, pushed, encouraged, corrected, provided feedback and
suggested methods for improvement. Among these experiences, Rob would like to specifically
thank Mr. Gary Myers, Sifu Zhang Yun, and Haniti Wesley Crisostomo.
In 1994, Rob started learning Kung Fu and Arnis with Mr. Gary Myers in Garner North
Carolina. In 2006, he was promoted to 3rd degree black belt. These early years of training
provided a solid foundation and a thirst to learn more. Since 2004, Rob has greatly appreciated
the detailed training from Sifu Zhang Yun (www.ycgf.org). Rob has been formally accepted as an
in-door student and lineage holder. In 2013, Rob began learning Pinakatay Arnis with the
Crisostomo family (www.pinakatay.com). Presently, Rob has been promoted to instructor and
holds the rank of Bagani.