Martial arts academy holds open house

• AKF Martial Arts instructors

Jeremy Helwig (left) is the AKF instructor teaching in River Falls; he stands beside AKF co-owner Greg Garves, who owns the three-location academy with wife Diane. Journal file photo

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The AKF Martial Arts Academy, which opened in River Falls last summer, invites everyone to an open house event 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, inside the AKF studio at 318 N. Main St – beside the Dollar General store.

Co-owner Greg Garves, a 5th-degree black belt, said people can take tours, get more information, have some snacks and enter a drawing for a six-month membership to the academy. AKF started in Amery 11 years ago, opened a second location in New Richmond then started the River Falls branch.

Garves said about 33 students are enrolled at River Falls and taking classes from permanent instructor Jeremy Helwig; at least five of those have advanced their skills to the next “belt” level. The academy serves more than 300 students collectively from its other two locations.

AKF stands for the American Kyuki-Do Federation, which relates to the style of martial arts the academy teaches. Garves said the instruction is “big on character lessons” and that student ages ranges from 3 to 75.

Find more information on the AKF Martial Arts Academy at its website: www.exceptionalmartialarts.com.

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