Business Details
Martial Arts & Fitness for All Ages in Independence, MO
At Long's Shotokan Karate Academy-Health Moves, we are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages become the best versions of themselves through disciplined martial arts training. Our expert instructors prioritize personalized goal-setting, fostering a welcoming environment where students develop physical strength, mental resilience, and core values like respect and discipline. With over two decades of experience, weve built a community-centered culture that emphasizes character development alongside technical skill, ensuring every student gains confidence, focus, and lifelong tools for success. Our programs cater to children, teens, and adults, combining structured learning with engaging activities to make martial arts accessible and transformative for everyone. 
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Teen Martial Arts
Adult Karate
Kickboxing
Self-Defense Training
Highlights and features
- We offer tailored programs for all ages, from Lil Dragons (3-6) to adult kickboxing.
- Our instructors are certified black belt professionals with decades of combined experience.
- We emphasize character development, including respect, discipline, and perseverance.
- Students gain practical self-defense skills and improved physical fitness.
- Our community fosters teamwork, leadership, and family-friendly values.
What people say
Patient with little kids
Well-behaved students
Improved self-confidence
Family-friendly environment
Lifelong skills
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts program (ages 7+) builds confidence, discipline, and physical coordination through structured lessons. Students learn self-defense techniques, respect, and focus while engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities. The curriculum promotes social skills and academic performance by teaching goal-setting and perseverance in a supportive environment.
Teen Martial Arts
Teen Martial Arts classes address challenges like moodiness and low self-esteem through disciplined training. Students develop judgment, respect, and goal-setting skills while improving fitness. The program emphasizes leadership, anti-bullying strategies, and real-world applications of martial arts principles to foster maturity and resilience.
Adult Karate
Adult Karate combines self-defense training with high-intensity workouts to build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Classes focus on practical techniques, stress relief, and community building. Participants gain confidence through skill mastery while enjoying a supportive environment for all fitness levels.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing classes deliver full-body workouts that burn calories, build muscle, and improve cardiovascular health. The program blends martial arts techniques with aerobic exercise to enhance agility, coordination, and endurance while reducing stress through dynamic, high-energy routines.
Lil Dragons
Lil Dragons (ages 3-6) introduces foundational martial arts skills through playful, structured activities. The program develops motor control, listening skills, and early discipline while fostering confidence in a fun, encouraging setting tailored to young children's developmental needs.
People
Mark Long
Hanshi (Chief Instructor)
Mark Long is a Team USA gold medalist and certified behavioral coach with over 20 years of experience training students of all ages. He emphasizes character development alongside martial arts skills, creating a family-oriented environment that values respect, discipline, and personal growth.
Questions
Can martial arts help children with self-control and focus?
Yes. Our structured classes teach emotional regulation, respect, and attention to tasks, which translate to improved behavior at home and school.
Do teens benefit from martial arts beyond physical fitness?
Yes. Students develop judgment, anti-bullying strategies, and goal-setting skills that enhance academic performance and social interactions.
Is martial arts suitable for adults with no prior experience?
Yes. Classes accommodate all fitness levels, focusing on gradual skill development, self-defense, and stress relief in a non-competitive environment.
How does kickboxing differ from traditional martial arts?
Kickboxing emphasizes cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning while teaching practical self-defense techniques through dynamic, full-body workouts.
What makes Lil Dragons classes unique for preschoolers?
Our Lil Dragons program uses playful activities to teach motor skills, listening, and early discipline while introducing martial arts fundamentals.
