If interested in martial arts, then look no further than the Brewton Area YMCA where karate instructor Hiroaki Toyama teaches Yoshukai, a Japanese style form of karate.

Yoshukai is known for its rigorous physical training and self-discipline.

Toyama teaches classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for youth ages five to 15 at 6 p.m. and adults at 7 p.m. Experience varies from beginners to the advanced level.

“I want my students to learn patience and respect,” Toyama said. “We start with the basics to build a foundation. I try to show my students good basics, then they can get more advanced.”

Toyama has studied martial arts for more than four decades and is a certified eighth degree black belt. He is ranked No. 1 in the United States in the style of Yoshukai and No. 2 world-wide. He has been teaching for the YMCA for more than 20 years.

Cost for Yoshukai karate class is $35 monthly for members of the YMCA with a $10 discount for each additional member. For nonmembers cost is $70.

The YMCA is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the Brewton Area YMCA at 251.867.9622.