We've been teaching martial arts in Monroe, Wisconsin, since 1991. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the gym at the Senior Citizens' Center, 1113 10th Street, Monroe. 
We teach children from age 7 up, and adults of all ages. Adults can take classes with their children, come to the adult sessions, or do both.
WHAT WE TEACH
Our program is designed to teach effective self defense, as well as the sport and art of karate. We believe that tournament competition is a useful method for tracking progress, but tournaments are not our primary focus. We teach how to safely increase your flexibility, and how to precisely control your muscles. Our classes includes elements of stretching, self-defense, conditioning, art, and sport.
The non-physical aspects of our program emphasize development of self-confidence, personal responsibility, and service to the community.
Our style is a broad interpretation of the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do focuses on kicking, particularly high kicking. To that we add hand techniques derived from boxing, which includes punching and movement. In close-quarters, we borrow from judo, which has techniques to throw opponents and control them on the ground, and from wrestling, which includes escapes from the ground. We also borrow liberally from other martial arts.
CLASSES
Combined Class runs from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Anyone can take this class. The focus is on teaching children, but adults who want to work on their basic technical skills may find the class helpful. Parents are also welcome, and encouraged, to take this class with their children. We often end class with games that help the children learn physical and mental skills that transfer to karate. Adults can find some of these games challenging, and we modify some things depending on the makeup of the class.
Adults Class runs from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Children transition into the Adults Class around age 12, depending on their interests, physical size, and emotional maturity. Material is presented more quickly in Adults Class, and there are more opportunities to work on advanced skills.
INSTRUCTORS
The head instructor is Timothy J. Burns. Mr. Burns earned his black belt in 1988 from Karate West in Fort Collins, Colorado. He taught a martial arts program for youth in Fort Collins for 3 years, and has been teaching in Monroe since 1991. For more information, please go to the Instructor Information Page.
Other Ronin Karate Black Belts teach classes from time to time. During the summer session of 2005, Colin Burns taught class. Colin earned his Black Belt from Ronin Karate in 1998, and his Black Belt from Rock Valley Judo in 2004. He is currently living in College Station, Texas, where he is a member of the Texas A&M judo team.
TUITION
Tuition is $39.00 per session (approx. 12 weeks) for Monroe residents ($32.00 for each additional family member) and $42.00 per session for non-residents($37.00 for each additional family member). All tuition payments are handled directly by the 
Monroe Park and Recreation Department at 1110 18th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566. Tuition may change at any time. Call the Park and Recreation Office at (608) 329-2460 for the most current information.
If you would like to enroll in the program but can't afford it, fee reduction may be available through the Park and Recreation Department. The Department is dedicated to making sure those who are interested can participate, regardless of their financial ability. You can get more information by contacting the Park and Recreation Office at (608)329-2460.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Except for gym shoes and inexpensive items that can be picked up anywhere, the instructors sell everything you will need. Please see the Required Equipment Page for details.
RANK and ADVANCEMENT
We teach our program in belt-level steps. Our students begin at the No Belt level, moving to White Belt when they know the basic techniques and stances. Advancement to White Belt is done in class. Testings to all other belts are held periodically, generally on Saturdays. For more information, please go to our Testing Information Page.
TRYING IT OUT
Feel free to come and watch a class before signing up. You can talk to us after class about what you saw, or if you have any questions. If you have questions before you come, please e-mail Mr. Burns, or contact the Monroe Park and Recreation Department at 329-2460.