Rich Noe opens karate dojo

Custer has a new way for residents to get their kicks on Thursday evenings.
Oh, and they can get their punches too.
Southern Hills Shotokan Karate is now accepting students for its beginner classes, which take place every Thursday at the Lo-Ru West Dance School at 25086 Shamrock Rd. in Custer. That location is also home to Dakota Greens.
The classes, which are available to everyone age 6 and older, are taught by sensei Rich Noe, a second degree black belt who has been teaching karate for six years and training for 16.
Rich said he first got into karate with his oldest son, Isaac, when the two were searching for activities outside of homeschooling to enhance his education. The activity he was originally going to undertake fell through, and a friend at Noe’s work told him he taught karate in Lakefield, Minn., where the Noes lived at the time.
He also said the first lesson was free.
The two went to the first lesson, and Isaac was instantly hooked. Rich said he felt it would be a good activity to do with his son, so he joined in. For the next six years they continued to train, only stopping to deal with family medical issues.
As his younger children began to get older, they also wanted to try karate, so it wasn’t long before Rich and his children were back in the dojo. Now all of the Noe siblings have trained in karate.
Shotokan karate is traditional Japanese karate, which Rich says is “less flashy.” Students learn the physical aspects of karate, such as punching, kicking and blocking, but they also learn self control, confidence and discipline.
Southern Hills Shotokan Karate is a part of the United Karate Association International, and Southern Hills Shotokan Karate falls into the Midwest group that covers Minnesota, both Dakotas and eastern Montana.
Rich teaches no-contact sparring, although the more advanced a student gets, the closer they can come to striking their opponent without actually connecting. Along with these techniques self defense is taught, such as what to do if someone grabs you.
One of Rich’s daughters got to put her training to the test when she was playing around with some friends and a boy came up behind her and put her in a headlock. The next thing he knew, he was on the floor.
“She said, ‘hey, it worked,’” Rich said with a laugh.
Rich emphasizes karate is defensive by nature, and Shotokan does not focus on “winning a fight,” but rather, stopping a threat and getting away from danger. Younger children are taught what to do if a larger person grabs them.
“Escape, scream stranger and run,” Rich said. “That’s the basic self defense training at the lower levels.”
Rich said he has room for a maximum of 40 students, as the dance studio will hold around 20 students per class. Those interested can come to either class on Thursdays. He also encourages parents to sign up with their children to make it a family activity.
Rich also said someone who thinks they aren’t athletic enough to learn karate should attend, saying karate isn’t about athleticism or strength, but rather, learning the proper techniques.
“It’s a place where we have a lot of fun,” he said.
Cost of the classes is $7 per lesson, which is paid monthly. Family discounts are offered with the first two students paying full price and the remainder of the family being free.
To sign up, contact Rich at 952-452-1909 or email shshotokankarate@proton.me.
For more information visit midwestukai.com/mid
west-dojos/custer-sd.