This post was contributed to by Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis.

When looking at a map of downtown Cape Girardeau, one would notice listings for restaurants, antique and vintage shops, gift retailers, churches, clothing stores, and a dojo. Wait, what? Yes, a dojo. Also known as Black Dragon Karate studio, currently located at 10 N. Sprigg.

For Claire and I, former 80s and 90s kids obsessed with classics like The Karate Kid, a chance to blog about downtown and learn how to land a devastating kick like Ralp Macchio couldn't be missed. In the spirit of bringing you more information about downtown business diversity, we were happy to oblige in a few kicks and punches taught by Nathan Henderson, owner and sensei.

Black Dragon originally opened in 2006 next to the Corner Grocery Store on Broadway. As enrollment grew, Henderson began looking for a larger studio. Luckily, Black Dragon's new home is still enriching Cape Girardeau's downtown.

Henderson has earned a third degree black belt in Chinese Kenpo and has additional experience with jiu jitsu, hapkido, freestyle fighting, and even a little stick fighting from the Philippines. Cross-training in various styles means Henderson brings a lot to the table when teaching group classes.

"You don't study martial arts; you become a martial artist. It changes you. What I tell my students is that martial arts affects every part of your life, no matter how minute the changes might seem," said Henderson.

Classes are available for all ages at Black Dragon Karate. Henderson's students range from ages five to 74. He believes a strong foundation in martial arts can improve students' confidence and discipline. The training also teaches situational awareness and protecting those who are unable to protect themselves, which can be empowering for children and female students.

Unlike other studios, Henderson wants his students to focus on learning practical martial arts skills instead of constant tournament style training. "I believe how you practice is how you perform...we're more street applicable," he said. "When you constantly fight tournament style you revert to that. And, there's rules in competition. It becomes embedded in you. We train in a continuous fighting style so students can learn how to take advantage of opportunities." Some students do attend local tournaments. Henderson is happy to assist students preparing for competition at which, he says, Black Dragon has done well.

Henderson was kind enough to show Claire and I several self defense techniques. First, he showed me a front kick. Then, I learned a self defense technique designed to take down a mugger in close proximity. He then showed Claire how she could cause maximum damage in limited space to a potential jewelry thief.

"No one gets hit as much as the instructor. Students think the floor mats are for them, but they're actually for me," joked Henderson.

By the end, Claire and I felt amazing and incredibly stress free. Henderson laughed and said, "People often ask me, 'Nathan, why are you always in such a good mood?' I say that it's because I teach karate!"

Thank you, Sensei Henderson, for sharing your studio and your passion with us! Learn more about Black Dragon Karate by calling 573-388-3293 and by visiting them on Facebook.