Consuelo Cruz is happy to have two children in classes at the Southside Improvement Association's Shihan Vincent Joyner Martial Arts School.

She said Cassidy, 14, and Lillian, 12, benefit from the structure, the discipline and the exercise of the Shudo-Kan karate program.

"Most kids would be sitting in front of the TV," she said. "This is a tremendous program for kids, especially those who wouldn't otherwise have this opportunity because of cost. Discipline and exercise add confidence, and the students are also learning history and culture."

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Phoenix Center III and Robertson Charter preschool.

At a recent session at Robertson, 19 students, including six newcomers, were learning basic moves. Instructors were Lisa Biba, teaching the youngsters, and Kenneth Ambrose, teaching older students. Both are black belt achievers.

Ambrose, 52, has been in karate for 35 years.

"This is Okinawan-style orthodox karate," he said. "We're trying to keep it simple."

Rob Betts, 21, was among the older students. He has received four trophies in competition.

"I like the conditioning and the fighting in competition," said Betts.

Lavonous Farris, 18, a three-year student, likes sparring. He has collected four trophies and three medals.

Daniel Ross, 18, has received three gold medals and four trophies. He likes stick fighting.

The youngest student was Brycen Pickering, 5. Instructor Biba said 5 years old is the best starting age for karate students.

The program is named for Vincent Joyner. He died at age 49 on Aug. 23, 2006.

"The karate program was started in 1969-70 by Vincent Joyner at Southside Park," Ambrose explained. Joyner was a seventh-degree black belt.

The Southside Improvement Association has expanded. The new boundaries are 16th Street to U.S. 51 South and Lake Shore Drive to Wood Street. Activities, in addition to karate classes, are neighborhood clean-ups and literacy programs.

For information, call 791-0830.

bfallstrom@herald-review.com|421-7981

If you go

WHAT: Southside Improvement Association's Shihan Vincent Joyner Martial Arts School

WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Phoenix Center III, 249 S. Webster St., and Robertson Charter preschool, 1424 E. North St.

COST: $25 fee per family

NOTABLE: Classes are open to all ages, male and female. Enroll at Phoenix Center III.

What is karate?

Karate is a martial art and system of self-defense that originated hundreds of years ago in Okinawa but was greatly influenced by an even older tradition from China.

Literally, "karate-do" means "the way of the empty hand," referring to the fact that no weapons are used to attack and defend, but only the hands, feet and body.

- Source: Japan Karate Association