Why Aqabah Karate?

Being part of Aqabah Karate will enhance all aspects of your life. The beauty of martial arts training is that it compliments our way of life as Muslims. A true martial artist leads a healthy lifestyle, has high-self esteem and offers no excuses for doing good to benefit others. Islam also demands these qualities from Muslims. This is why we feel that Aqabah Karate is for you.

Physically, Aqabah Karate will help you increase your coordination, flexibility, agility, speed, and stamina. Students will experience significant improvements in their overall physical fitness and health within a short period of time.

Our programs also offer the added benefit of self-defense utilizing a great range of punches, kicks, joint-locking, throwing, grappling, and ground fighting techniques. This aspect of martial arts provides our students with the skills necessary to build their self-confidence and abilities for self-protection.

However, the most unique characteristic that separates us from any other typical martial arts center is the Islamic environment that Aqabah Karate offers our students. Our program is catered to upholding our Islamic values and principles. We are the only martial arts school in Maryland to offer such a program.

Remember that the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated in a hadeeth:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer while there is good in both.” (Muslim)

Aqabah Karate offers a fully equipped training facility in an Islamic environment, first-rated instructors, and a vibrant student body to aid you in becoming stronger in all aspects of life.

We invite you to visit our facility and try a two trial classes for FREE.

Aqabah Karate Class Schedule

Aqabah Karate Has Its Own World Champion

Community News -

Community News Written by Contributing Writer, Wendy-Diaz

Friday, 04 December 2009 22:51

After numerous victories in their first tournament earlier this year, Aqabah Karate shined once again, welcoming home Hernan Abu Uthman Guadalupe from the Battle of Baltimore World Championships held at Essex Community College in Essex, MD.

Abu Uthman captured two world titles in Traditional Karate and Kung-Fu forms and placed second in Men’s Sparring and third in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was the only competitor representing Team Aqabah, but he made sure to leave a lasting impression for the school.

“Participating at the tournament was my way to give Aqabah Karate publicity. I wanted other schools and competitors to know about our school and to know that Muslims are practicing martial arts, as well,” says Abu Uthman of his eagerness to compete. “I also competed to test myself and to see how I compare to other martial artists at my level.”

Abu Uthman is the latest addition to the Aqabah Karate staff assisting with both children and adult classes. He practiced the art of Kung Fu in his teens and is no rookie to martial arts tournaments; however, he took a 10 year break to focus on his education and his career.

Just nine months ago, Abu Uthman found himself significantly overweight and concerned for his health. He decided he needed to change his lifestyle and joined Aqabah Karate. After only a few months, he lost 50lbs and won titles in a number of top-level competitions, including the Battle of Baltimore.

“It was a great experience all in all. I received a lot of great feedback from a number of masters and judges. They were very impressed with our school and our level of training,” said Abu Uthman.

Aqabah Karate was not the only Muslim martial arts school present. Al Azhar Silat school also competed, as well as other Muslim martial artists from several schools. Abu Uthman said he was excited to see other Muslims during the championships.

“Seeing and competing against other Muslims made the tournament that much more fun. You knew you weren’t totally alone since there were other brothers and sisters participating and showcasing their skills. It was nice to be among them and to show them what Aqabah is capable of.”

There is no doubt that the instructors and students of Aqabah Karate are really making a name for themselves: from participating in competitions to in-house belt promotions. Now with a reigning champ in their midst, the school hopes greater accomplishments will take place. More battles are sure to come and Team Aqabah will be there to meet the challenge, insha’Allah.

The contributing writer is a member of Team Aqabah - TML