Continuing education & specialty workshops

We believe that knowledge comes from many different sources, so each month we bring in a special guest instructor to lead a 3-hour workshop. These are leading professionals from the martial arts, stage, and film communities that come to share their expertise. By bringing these experts to southeast Michigan, we make learning from other teachers and about different movement styles more accessible to the local community.

 

September 22, 2024 - Martial Concepts & Technical Tricks for the Actor

Instructor: Justin Krall

Date & Time: September 22, 2024 (Sunday) @ 12-3pm

Location: Riverside Arts Center (76 N. Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI)

Cost: $60 (Members $45)

COVID Protocols: Proper masking (N95, KN95, or Surgical mask maintaining coverage of the nose and mouth) as determined by the instructor is required. As this is a private event, this is non-negotiable.

Class Description:
Nothing takes the audience out of the moment like a fight scene that feels lethargic or choreography that just doesn’t feel earned. Come learn some biomechanics and body work that will really give your choreo impact to make it sell! This workshop is focused on building on unarmed combat skills.

About the Instructor:
Justin is the founding director of Creative Action Training (C.A.T.), specializing in a diverse range of skills and experiences. He is a fight director, instructor, stunt actor, writer, and deviser with a strong focus on pedagogy and incorporating real-world martial arts training into safety-conscious fight direction. Justin's journey in the world of martial arts led him to spend a full year abroad, immersing himself in training at the Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in Jiangsu province. While his expertise lies in kickboxing and unarmed martial arts choreography, it's only the tip of the iceberg.

No matter the story or style requirements, Justin has it covered. His repertoire includes proficiency in staff, knife, sword and shield, longsword, smallsword, single sword, and more. With 15 years of dedicated training and experience, he currently holds the title of an Advanced Actor Combatant and Apprentice with Fight Directors Canada. Justin's quest for knowledge has also seen him learn from independent stunt coordinators and instructors over the years.

In addition to his training services, Justin's creative prowess shines through in several world-premiere productions he has brought to life through C.A.T.

 

Past Guests & Topics

Past guest instructors and workshop topics have included:

  • Kevin Inoyue: Theatrical Firearm Safety (SAFD Certification Course)

  • Carmelino Huang Guiao II: Wing Chun Kung Fu Fundamentals, Baat Jaam Do (Butterfly Sword vs Straight Sword)

  • Taqqee Khabir: The Art of Arnis (Kali Doublesticks), Silat, Espada y Daga

  • Jess Finley: Shoot the Point (Longsword)

  • Amie Root: Singlesword

  • Da’Mon Stith: Combat and Movement in the African Diaspora (capoiera and 52 blocks), Maghrebi Sabre

  • Sean Michael Chin: Pressing the Engagement (Rapier & Dagger)

  • Adam Baglereau: Quarterstaff

  • Ian Rose: Smallsword

  • Mike Lubke: Longsword Efficiency, Takedowns

  • Rosa Nicolás: La Verdadera Destreza (Spanish Rapier & Dagger)

  • Rodney Rice: Exploring the Half-Sword

  • DC Wright: Sticks of Jackie Chan

  • Patrick Kelly: Sword & Shield Fight Design for Film

  • Sarah Flanagan: External Acting & Breath Work

  • Tammy Everett: Flee and Fight

  • Jason Speicher: Knives: A Cook’s Tour

  • Jen Pan: Consent-Forward Intimacy for Theatre