Work Out with a purpose
Empower Yourself with Our Martial Arts Training
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Empower Yourself with Our Martial Arts Training
For more than 40 years, Eight Star Martial Arts/Red Dragon Karate School has been providing high quality martial arts instruction to children and adults from all over the capital district and beyond.
Our emphasis on mind-body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard exercise programs. From our youngest learners to our most seasoned black belts, our world class instruction can help you and your family achieve your goals.
Whether you are interested in internal arts — like Tai Chi Chuan or Qigong (Chi Kung) or want to earn a black belt in Karate, we have you covered.
Martial Arts - an exercise with a bonus! Learn to defend yourself while getting in great shape and relieving stress. Our emphasis on mind – body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard health club type exercise programs. participant to go as far as possible on their journey towards martial arts excellence.
As an individual endeavor, martial arts develops self-respect, self-discipline, self-confidence, physical fitness, physical flexibility, mental flexibility, and a host of other desirable outcomes.
As a social endeavor, martial arts develops respect, camaraderie, and self-control through the practice of self-discipline and respectful partner work.
Whether your goal is increased agility, balance, self-confidence, self-defense skills, personal development, or to earn a black belt — our school can get you there.
We have multiple programs, classes, and styles to fit every learner.
Karate
Karate is a great discipline for building children’s (and adults’) self-esteem…
Our belt system is one key to building confidence. When students understand what to do to earn their next rank, they are able to set reasonable goals, giving them a great sense of ownership and accomplishment. We stress, however, more internal aspects of martial arts. We enforce our rules and monitor behavior in class, and we expect the same good behavior at home and in school. While providing a positive outlet for kids to channel some of their excess energy, our program stresses the importance of self-control and respect.
TAI CHI CHUAN and QIGONG (CHI KUNG):
Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) are popular meditative movements for anyone, including people with health or mobility issues…
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art characterized by slow, graceful, meditative movements and is renowned for its health benefits (improving strength, balance, agility, and overall well-being).
We teach Tai Chi classes for health and advanced classes in weaponry and martial applications. Whether you want to practice solo forms and Qigong (moving, mediative exercises) or engage in two-person Push Hands and Martial Applications, our school can meet your needs. Join the millions of happy, healthy people around the globe who have made Tai Chi and Qigong an integral part of their wellness routine.
~ common martial arts aphorism
Master Roland Lavigne has been certified as an instructor by the William C. C. Chen School of Tai Chi Chuan since 2011. In 2023, Great Grandmaster William C. C. Chen awarded Master Lavigne the highest level diploma from the William C. C. Chen School of Tai Chi Chuan. Master Lavigne holds a fourth degree in Pukulan Kilat Pentjak Silat under Master Jim DeVoe; through the Cemo Sai Temple and the Institute of Pentjak Silat. He owns and operates Eight Star Martial Arts/Red Dragon Karate School in Ballston Spa, New York — teaching Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Pentjak Silat, and Qigong.
Join us over school breaks for movement and fun!
Celebrate your special day with us!
Yellow sashes and higher may join our demo team!
Self-defense is about situational awareness and gross motor skills. Learn basic strategies to protect and empower yourself and your loved ones. The simple techniques taught in these workshops are effective, devastating, and easy to remember under pressure. Check out our monthly calendar for workshop offerings.
Our students participate in many local martial arts tournaments around New York State. Check the monthly calendar for information.
Master Lavigne is honored to be asked to teach at seminars at martial arts seminars around the world. ESMA/RDKS students are highly encouraged to travel with him to learn from other world class instructions. For current seminar schedules, see our monthly calendar.
“Mr. Lavigne is one of the rare individuals that anyone could feel comfortable around. He’s humble and kind in conversation and teaching, but powerful and dominant on the dojo floor. He’s a man I’m proud to say I’ve trained with and learned from as a member of the ZDK and an attendant of SMAF. I would encourage anybody to take the opportunity to learn from him."
-Gennedy J.
"Sifu Roland is a natural teacher and shares his enthusiasm for the martial arts in a variety of ways. His advanced students are very supportive and great teachers, too. I am never bored in class because every class is different. This is a wonderful school to attend and a good deal for what you learn. I highly recommend joining the Red Dragon Karate Family. If I can do it in my upper fifties, you can, too!"
-Dana M.
“Roland Lavigne was a guest instructor in our Summer Program… His organization and attention to age-appropriate activities were evident and well executed. His instruction also included life-skills for protection from predators. He was patient, kind and extremely adaptable with each age level and they all enjoyed their time with him, and learned so much. Mr. Lavigne brings his skills and talents generously to the children.”
-Ann S. and Lana Z.
"As a karate instructor to me for the past six years, Mr. Roland Lavigne has proven to be a remarkable, responsible and patient Martial Arts instructor. I am amazed at the variety of techniques that he can teach. Mr. Lavigne is always very patient with me and my classmates and will help in an instant if asked. Not once have I seen Mr. Lavigne raise his voice or lose control of his class.”
-John T.
“Roland Lavigne was contracted to offer Tai Chi classes to the residents at our senior apartment facility through a grant from the Arthritis Foundation. His class was so successful… he has been teaching here for more than two years. His gentle, kind personality and professionalism have earned him a very loyal following. Roland’s classes, according to the residents, have had a positive impact on their lives.”
-Joelle B.
Our programs and classes accommodate all ages and fitness levels, making it simple to add martial arts or internal arts to your active lifestyle.
Enjoy a FREE class and take the first step toward achieving YOUR potential. If you have questions about the opportunities available to you in our program, send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Eight Star Martial Arts/Red Dragon Karate School is located at 2100 Doubleday Avenue (Rt. 50) in Ballston Spa, New York, in the Carousel
2100 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa, New York 12020, United States
Mon | 05:00 pm – 08:30 pm | |
Tue | 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm | |
Wed | 05:00 pm – 08:30 pm | |
Thu | 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm | |
Fri | 05:00 pm – 08:00 pm | |
Sat | 09:00 am – 12:00 pm | |
Sun | Closed |
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