BURRILLVILLE – A new karate class that follows guidelines for social distancing will begin this week, with a second-degree black belt instructor teaching kids the basics in a safe, outdoor setting.
Local instructor Audrey Hussey will host the beginner’s class two days a week at Stillwater Mills Pavilion, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. Classes are geared for children ages six to 17, and the first will take place this week on Wednesday, July 8.
Hussey is the owner of Village Martial Arts, and was teaching karate to students at both Callahan and Steere Farm Elementary Schools before the pandemic, through a partnership with the Burrillville Parks and Recreation Department. She promoted her first two students to orange belts in February.
The second-degree black belt instructor also has plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in the gray building by the Harrisville pavilion, but the planned built out of the structure has been held up by the pandemic. Her after-school program was also shut down with the closing of schools statewide.
She’s hopeful classes can begin at her indoor location this fall, but in the meantime, the outdoor classes will allow students to keep a safe distance.
“There will be no sparring or contact during this session,” Hussey explained. “We will follow social distancing protocols and sanitation methods required by the state of Rhode Island.”
Starting Wednesday, Hussey’s introductory class will aim to help children to learn discipline, focus, fitness and leadership. The program costs $40 for one month of single-night sessions, or $75 per month for both sessions, and will run through the end of August.
Hussey just recently received the go-ahead for the class, but is hopeful some local families will be interested.
“I don’t think I’m going too have many students to start with because we’re only just getting this out today, but I’m going to stick it out and see how do I do with word-of-mouth and social media,” she said.
Those interested are asked to fill out the registration form and waiver and bring it to the first day of class. Checks should be made payable to Audrey Hussey, and cash, credit and debit are also accepted.
Questions can be directed to Hussey at (401) 575-8477.
