About Us
Traditional and Adaptive Students
At the Academy at Rising Sun, the only label you have is "student". We are the first martial arts school in Vermont with a dedicated adaptive program for students with disabilities. We are a non-profit organization 501(c)3. Our program is Okinawan Karate based a mix of kenpo and Tae Kwon Do. Students earn rank at their own pace with a testing format best suited for their success. We believe that the benefits of martial arts training should be available to all the seek it. We are your local karate school!
THE SENSORY STUDIO IS NOW OPEN
Built for our students with sensory issues, the studio will be used for small karate classes, mat chats, private lessons, stretching class, yoga and meditation. Our first advanced class in this space claimed it became a "think tank", allowing them to expand their techniques and ideas to flow.
I would like to thank the many people that worked on this space to get it ready in time. Bob Scarcello worked many late nights and did all the heavy lifting for this project. Kaylee Selleck, Julie Chadwick and Reilly Granger - your help was invaluable. Thank you.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019
WINTER VACATION
NO KARATE CLASSES
JAN 21ST-31ST
KIDS KARATE
TUESDAY 5PM
WEDNESDAY 4PM
ADVANCED KARATE
WEDNESDAY 5PM
ADULT/ADAPTIVE KARATE
WEDNESDAY 6:30PM
ZUMBA MONDAY & WED
YOGA - THURSDAY
Winter 2019 Classes
Kids Karate
Our kids program welcomes the traditional as well as the adaptive student. Our program emphasizes leadership skills, goal setting, body and boundary control, respect for themselves and others. We also have a strong self-defense program that will help the student feel more confident in their abilities to defuse situations.
Adult Program
The adult program is based on traditional martial arts with adaptations made for students with limitations. We teach Okinawan style of Karate with traditional kata and bunkai. Self-defense techniques encompass styles like Ju jitsu, judo throws and aikido. Beginners are welcome.
Dynamic Energy Class
This 30-45 minute class is designed for the student who needs to move. Perfect for students with ADHD. We keep this class based on traditional karate with a fast, methodical pace steeped in repetition. Some students are assigned martial arts mentors to help keep them motivated and focused.
Traditional Advanced Adult Class
COMING IN February 2019
The Academy is proud to announce the addition of a Traditional Adult class. A schedule will be posed in February 2019.
Warrior 1 - Teens
NEW PROGRAM - WARRIOR 1- TEENS. This 4 hour course will be held Saturday, Feb 9th from 10am-2pm at 77Furnace Rd, Pittsford, VT.
Open to all Middle-school and High School students. (Membership at Rising Sun not mandatory).
This course recognizes that today’s teens need better skills to overcome the obstacles they face in their daily life.
Using Martial Arts Principals, we will empower the teen to better deal with cyber bullying, harassment, threats and fear of school shootings.
When we consider the increase in teen anxiety, depression, suicide, drug abuse and in light of the police intervention at Middlebury Middle School to stop a school shooting, the need to armor our children with skills and techniques that can save their physical and emotional life is imperative. Course is limited to 12 students. $25 MEMBERS*/ $35 NON-MEMBERS. Pizza will be provided for lunch. (*Members are currently enrolled at classes at Rising Sun)
Advanced Karate
This class is by invitation only. Students are expected to participate in one other karate class in addition to advanced class. Advanced class offers theory, advanced technique, takedowns, sparring and weapons.
Happenings
Kripalu Yoga
Instructor: Paula Ligouri
A certified 500 hour Kripalu yoga teacher, Paula has been practicing for 18 years and teaching since 2011. She is trained in Yoga for Cancer, Thai Yoga Massage and Restorative Yoga.
Zumba
Taught by Lisa Tracy, this class has flexible impact and intensity to meet the needs of the beginner to advanced student. The music motivates and its hard to believe exercise can be such fun.
JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Matthew Serafin , who earned his brown belt in January is our student of the month for January. Mattie has worked extremely hard to show everyone is talent and ability in the martial arts. While taking his test, he was quick to help adaptive students fin their place. A true leader, warrior and martial artist.
Congratulations Raul Soto
Raul Soto, who was our student of the month last month, was awarded an honorary Black Belt from Rising Sun.
Soto left Venezuela right before his black belt test. He came to our dojo and has brought strong traditional technique and power. Quick to share and appreciated and respected by all, we look forward to seeing his honorary degree turn into a full one.
New Rising Sun Uniforms
All students are required to wear full gi uniform with Dojo t-shirt underneath to class.
Shoes are recommended. The dojo floor is cold and students may not workout in socks.
Calendar
Classes are subject to change
MONDAY
Private lessons by appointment
5:30-6:15Zumba
TUESDAY
8AM - Morning Stretch By Appointment
4pm-4:30 Dynamic Energy
5pm -5:45 Kids Karate
WEDNESDAY
12PM-2PM Private lessons
4pm Kids Karate
5pm Advanced Karate (by invitation)
5:30-6:15 Zumba
6:30pm-7:30pm - Adult/Adaptive
THURSDAY
4pm-5pm Kids Karate - waiting list
only
6:15-7:15 Yoga
MAKE-UP CLASS SCHEDULE * Must sign up online 48 hours prior to class
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Our Staff
Renshi Kathy Maxey-Scarcello
Opening Rising Sun Martial Arts in 2001, Maxey-Scarcello, 4th dan has been a community dojo teaching kids, adults and students with disabilities. Overseeing all curriculum and staff, the school has expanded since becoming a non-profit organization. With roots in the Pittsford community for over 30 years, Maxey-Scarcello lives in Wells, VT with her husband.
Sensei Mark Madison
2nd Dan, Mark Madison teaches adult and adaptive classes. A web designer, vocalist for the Solaris Choral Group, Madison began his martial arts training in Manchester Vt. Madison and his wife Robyn live in Danby, VT.
Sensei Reilly Granger
A Rising Sun Black Belt, Reilly Granger has returned after graduating Castleton University with a degree in Exercise Science. She has accepted the position of Assistant Director for the Academy and will be working wth all the students to increase their martial arts skills, endurance and strength. Granger started her training at Rising Sun at the age of 8. She enjoys volunteering, traveling and working with others.
Support Staff
Emily Jannene
Sempai Emily came to Rising Sun with an advanced level in Kenpo karate. Currently ranked a brown belt, she supports the adult/adaptive class.
Al Lovely
Sempai Al Lovely found Rising Sun through his grandchildren that were training. Another Kenpo practitioner, Al was quick to learn our style and supports the Adult/Adaptive class.
Josh Tabor
Sempai Josh is our highest ranking adaptive student. He is beginning his Instructor training in September 2018 and will be supporting the Tuesday Kids Karate class.
Student Support Staff Fall 2018
Kaylee Selleck
Kaylee can be found in the dojo on any given day, training, doing chores and helping other students. Invited to the advanced class at a beginner rank, she has grown from a shy, meek girl to an outgoing, strong young woman. Kaylee is assigned to the Tuesday Kids class, but I suspect you might see her in other classes as well.
How do I get on the Student Support Team?
Mature students that focus on their training, work hard and show an interest in theory and martial arts history are welcomed into the Leadership Instructors Program. Assisting under an instructor's guidance, the student learns how to guide and motivate the younger student.
Keenan Hogan
Keenan was a great asset in 2017 classes. His calm and gentle demeanor made it easy for him to teach technique to younger students. His attention to detail and incredible memory has helped him to move up in rank. Keenan is a Wednesday Kids class assistant.
Donate Now
WE ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and enable more students with Autism, ADHD, Physical and Cognitive Disabilities to benefit from martial arts training. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Belt Ranking Test Photo Gallery
LEGO Racing Fundraiser Photo Gallery
