Business spotlight: Family-owned Antioch marital arts center offers variety of private and group lessons

By Roni Gehlke
Name of business: CLAW Martial Arts

Type of business: Martial Arts

Owners: Sifu Craig Lawrence and Sibak Cathie Lawrence

Founded: September 2006

Address: The classes are held at the Antioch United Methodist Church on the Rock, 50 Walton Lane, Antioch

Phone number: 706-1006

Web Site: www.clawmartialarts.50megs.com

Hours: Classes run Thursday 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Sunday 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Other times by appointment.

Number of employees: It's family-owned.

Products and services: Small group and private lessons in the martial arts systems Kajukenbo and Shotokan. Classes include traditional Kata, sparring and self-defense training by awarding-winning team Sifu Craig Lawrence (third-degree black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System Shodan (black belt), Shotokan Karate System and Sibak Cathie Lawrence (black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System.

Free introductory classes are offered to all family members just by stopping in and donating nonperishable food for the Church On The Rock Food Pantry or the Antioch Ministerial Fellowship Food Closet.

"Our mission and vision to develop the spirit, mind and body of our students through the teaching and practice of martial arts," Craig Lawrence said. "To go beyond just developing the technical skills of accomplished martial artists by imparting philosophy students can apply in daily life. To create a black belt excellence in all students."

How did you get into the business?: "Our Church, the Antioch United Methodist Church better known as the Church On the Rock, was interested in establishing a Martial Arts Community Outreach Program," Lawrence said. "My wife and I, who having been training in martial arts for years happened to be in the right place at the right time."

The Lawrences worked closely with their pastor to establish the program as another open door or pathway to the church for community members.

Best part about the business?: "Seeing our students set and achieve goals as they grow toward excellence in all that they do," Lawrence said.

He said the benefits of training at CLAW Martial Arts are increased confidence, discipline, respect and self-esteem. He also said that those who participate in marital arts have increased focus and concentration for academics and life's goals, as well as increased coordination and flexibility for all ages.

"I also believe it gives great stress relief for greater peace of mind and increased cardiovascular strength for more energy," he said.

Worst part about the business?: "Paperwork," Lawrence said.

Key to success: "Always focusing on the student to help him or her achieve his or her highest skill level and potential," Lawrence said.

Biggest misperception about the business: "Many people look at martial arts and just see punching and kicking," Lawrence said. "Martial arts really focus on the development of the mind, body and spirit."

He said that students leaning the values of respect, integrity, self discipline, and setting and achieving goals are as much a part of martial arts as is learning how to defend themselves and their loved ones.

Future plans: "Continue our community outreach through teaching effective martial arts and widen the pathway for community members to reach our church," he said.
— Roni Gehlke