Free Trial Class

Wednesday, April 4 at 7-8 pm is a trial Bellydancing class.  Class is free to anyone (non-members, gym members, martial arts members).  All levels are welcome, no previous experience required.

This class will introduce students to Tribal Bellydance, posture, and basic moves. New students, both beginning dancers and those new to Tribal, will enjoy this class as an introduction to the Tribal Bellydance style. The class is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in Tribal Bellydance, and will introduce you to some fun moves that will give you a kick start to your Tribal Bellydance journey!

Please wear exercise clothing or dance-wear. Clothing should be tighter rather than looser to make it easy for your teacher to see your body doing the movements. You do not have to bare your belly if you do not want to.  No street clothes please.  We normally dance in bare feet, but dance slippers or other soft sole shoes may be worn if preferred. Hip scarves will be available to use for class. Jingling, beaded, or coined scarves are not necessary.

Tribal Bellydance Description

Tribal Style Bellydance is earthy and mesmerizing, while at the same time it promotes a sense of community with fellow dancers and a positive, fun workout.

Tribal Bellydance was developed here in America and is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Dance and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Using a “lead and follow” format, dancers communicate using subtle cues and dance primarily in a group setting. The opportunity to communicate through the body, through the music, and through the group dynamic appeals to many dancer’s sense of community, which is encouraged and fostered in classes and “open dance” venues.

Instructor, Laura Wilson’s Dance Biography

Laura is an ever-evolving artist & dancer. She is a tribal improv and fusion belly dance performer and instructor from Milford, NJ.  Best known for her sword and Raqs Senniya (tea tray) dancing and balancing, Laura slinks across the stage with liquid movements, respectfully borrowing traditional influences while incorporating more modern expressions of dance.

Performing both improv and fusion has been both a passion and a pathway to Laura, inspiring her to show the strength, power and fluidity of dance. Educated in art and design, creativity is and has always been flowing through Laura’s soul. Dancing solo, or as a member or the tribal improv troupe Hipnosis, Laura has been seen in venues across the country.

Through teaching, Laura hopes to create a comfortable, safe and creative environment for students to explore bellydance, promoting positive body image and personal growth through dance.

On October 23rd, the Ultimate Grapplers Challenge (UGC) Nationals were held at the Hamburg Field House in Hamburg, PA.  Nate Soto of Team Hammer placed 3rd in the intermediate/advanced heavyweight division and took 2nd place in the over 200 pound absolute division.

On Tuesday, November 23, 3rd Generation Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Fadi Khouri will be holding a Jiu-Jitsu Seminar from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at LVIRK Training Center.  Fadi Khouri is LVIRK’s BJJ Instructor Rami Khouri’s brother.  Cost for seminar is $25.

Anyone interested should sign up in the lobby.  All proceeds will be matched and donated to Compassion International (www.compassion.com), an organization that helps underprivileged children around the world.

LVIRK Training Center instructor and professional boxer, William Miranda, went head to head with 2006 and 2008 World Heavyweight Toughman Champion ”All Lee” McGinnis of Pittsburg, PA in the Steel City Fights on Friday, December 17, 2010.

Although McGinnis outsized Miranda, Miranda stood toe to toe with McGinnis throughout the fight.  The match was very close as both fighters exchanged and took hard blows during the four round fight.  McGinnis and Miranda’s fight was awarded Fight of the Night and ended with McGinnis winning by unanimous decision.

Every New Year, millions of Americans make resolutions to improve their health, break bad habits, get organized and remove stress from their lives.  It’s that time of year when many people look forward to a fresh start in life and resolve to improve their health.  Making a serious commitment to your own health and well-being may be the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.  However, the problem with the start of a new year is that most good intentions are often derailed within a few weeks.

“A New Year’s Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.  The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year’s Day.  Some examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more environmentally responsible.”

Tradition dictates that every 365 days, you should try to kick bad habits and start your life anew. So sit down with a cup of coffee, a paper and a pen, and reflect: What kinds of New Year’s Resolutions will you make for yourself this January 1st?

1. Be realistic by setting achievable goals.
2. Describe your resolutions in specific terms.
3. Break down large goals into smaller ones.
4. Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan.
5. Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we at LVIRK Training Center, wish you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

LVIRK Training Center offers Martial Arts private lessons for new and current students in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing, Self-Defense, Isshin Ryu Karate, Karate Weapons, Ashtanga Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, and general fitness. Martial Arts private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience.  To schedule a Martial Arts private lesson with any of our Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Boxing, Self-Defense, Karate, Karate Weapons, or Yoga instructors, please call (610) 443-5107.

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, Anderson A. and Logan S. competed in the Ultimate Grapplers Challenge (UGC) in Hamburg, PA.  In the 90-100 pound beginner no gi kids division, Logan took first place.  He won his first match in the division by kimura submission and won his second match by rear naked choke.  In the 100-110 pound beginner gi division, Logan won first place by winning both matches by submission—the first by kimura and the second by arm bar.  In the kids absolute over 100 pounds division, Logan defeated his first opponent by arm bar and his second opponent by points.  Logan won first place in the absolute division to take home the belt.  Thanks to Logan’s wins, Team Hammer took second place in teams for kids.

In the 145 pound beginner teen and adult division, Anderson lost his first match by arm bar to an older, bigger opponent.  In the next match, Anderson’s opponent was closer to his own age and size and Anderson defeated him with a rear naked choke.  Anderson lost his third match by arm bar to give him the bronze medal in his division.

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, three members of Team Hammer made their amateur Kickboxing debut at the Althouse Kickboxing event in Hamburg, PA. James Rivers was outmatched by a larger, more experienced opponent in a Muay Thai match and lost by TKO in the third round.

In his first time in the ring, Jouse T. showed great heart in a leg kick match.  Jouse traded punches with his opponent throughout the first round.  Jouse’s first fight jitters showed when his opponent caught him with a head kick, which eventually led to a TKO stoppage by the referee.

Steve Kaiser fought hard for the entire three rounds of his debut leg kick match.  Steve traded punches and kicks with his opponent throughout all three rounds.  In the second round, Steve showed great strength and determination when he survived a scary head kick.  At the end of the battle, the judge’s decision went to Steve’s opponent.

All of the fighters showed a lot of heart and should be very proud of themselves for having the courage to step in the ring for their amateur Kickboxing debuts.  These fights were a great learning experience for them on their path to become the best MMA fighters they can be.

February 3, 2011 is the Chinese New Year and marks the start of the Year of the Golden Rabbit. The Rabbit years so far have been 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011. According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  The year of the Rabbit is a time to focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships.  You should concentrate on creating a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you can calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit is a lucky sign.  People born in the Year of the Rabbit are usually private and somewhat introverted, but are friendly and enjoy the company of good friends.  Rabbits are tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable, kind, and calm, and try to avoid confrontation at all costs.  Rabbits are also keen, wise, intelligent, and quick and can talk themselves in or out of most situations.  Rabbits typically have good communication skills and artistic ability.  Rabbits make good teachers, counselors, managers, communicators, painters, or musicians.

Happy Year of the Rabbit!

On Saturday, February 5, 2011, Team Hammer’s John “Iron Bull” Doyle fought Gemiyale Adkins in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships Mixed Martial Arts event in Atlantic City, NJ.  Doyle dominated Adkins in the first round with takedowns and submission attempts.  In the second and third rounds, Doyle and Adkins exchanged a fury of punches.  Doyle attempted multiple takedowns in the last two rounds but Adkins gained dominant position on the ground giving him a slight advantage.  The bout was a brawl until the very last second of the third round.  The judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Adkins.  This event will potentially be aired on MyPHL 17 sometime in February.  Check your local TV listings.