American Freestyle Karate • Modern Arnis • Self-Defense

ARTICLE FROM BLACK BELT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1992
SCHOOL OF THE MONTH

SCHOOL: Dan Anderson Karate School
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR: Dan Anderson
STYLE: American freestyle karate and modern arnis
LOCATION: 311 Northeast Roberts, Gresham, Oregon
DATE OPENED: 1985
STUDENT ENROLLMENT: 180
SENIOR INSTRUCTORS: Justin Mangum, Dianne McRae, Tim Gustavson

Dan Anderson has been around the martial arts block a time or two. From the early '70s to mid-'80s, he competed in tournaments across the United States. He has faced off against the likes of Howard Jackson, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Steve "Nasty" Anderson, and a whole host of other noted karate competitors. Now he teaches what he's learned in the tournament ring as American freestyle karate. And teaches it well, apparently - his Dan Anderson Karate School is one of the largest martial arts studios in the Portland, Oregon, area.

"American freestyle is basically a curriculum based on my own design and experiences," Anderson explains. "I studied the Korean martial arts for several years, but over time I learned more techniques that are effective, so I incorporated them into the curriculum." In addition to American freestyle, Anderson also teaches the weapons techniques of modern arnis.

According to Anderson, nearly 75 percent of his students are children. "The thing that is most unique about our school is our attitude toward training children," he says. "Our viewpoint is that kids are as able to learn as anybody else."

Instead of bringing the program down to a child's level, Anderson treats the youngsters like adults. "Kids have the same potential as adults," he claims. "They just don't have the same body size, the same familiarity with their body, and the same education level. But everything else is there - the desire and the potential. We know they can become as technically proficient and as intelligent in applying their techniques as anyone else. So in that respect, we don't coddle them."

Another thing that makes Anderson's school different is its emphasis on communication. "A lot of karate schools stress discipline," he says. "We stress both discipline and communication; they're both important. Instead of talking down to or talking at an individual, we teach our students to talk with each other, because communication is both ways."

Anderson claims that communicating in this way aids in teaching discipline. "Our students respect us more and are more willing to follow the rules when we are open with them and explain what is required of them right off the bat," he notes.

A list of rules is posted prominently in the studio, so that each student knows what Anderson expects. "It's a strong set of ethical guidelines," he explains. "Each student knows where the line is. If they step over that line - wham! - they get nailed, and they get nailed fast."

Anderson believes his students actually appreciate having a set of rules to follow. "They like the fact that there is order," he says. "They like to know that there are parameters that they can work within."

Anderson credits his wife Marie, for the school's greater success. "She is a very good 'people person' and has a good business sense. We operate quite well as a team."

"This school has been a real education for me," Anderson says. "Before, I always operated a club just to have sparring partners around and help my own skills. But now, I'm giving back. This is the first school I've really run for the benefit of the students, and it feels really great."

- David W. Clary

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Clary, David W. "School of the Month." Black Belt Jan. 1992: 96.

**Changes have been made to the original Senior Instructors list and the 2nd to last paragraph to keep the article up-to-date.