Lessons in self-defense

Karate is fun, said Logan Carr. But, said the 9-year-old, it can be a lot of work. The Duluth boy trained Thursday at Inner Strength Martial Arts with his siblings and cousin. Each practiced moves with an adult. Even Logan’s mother joins the classes some days.

“I like it because you get to spend time with the family,” said his cousin, Savanna Gregg, 11. Her favorite move is the snap kick, in which you feint a kick with one leg and kick with the other instead.

Inner Strength Martial Arts provides training in karate, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. The classes help build self-confidence and increase self-defense capabilities, said Robert Mrotek, owner of the Superior-based business. In the wake of the Sandy Hook School shootings in Connecticut, he is lowering monthly class costs to $50 for children ages 15 and younger, teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters. He said it’s a chance to give back to the community, help low income families, and hopefully, save lives.

“If something like that were to happen around here, natural instincts could kick in,” Mrotek said. If a gun jammed, a gunman ran out of bullets or was side-tracked, “somebody will react right away and get in there and do something.”

Mrotek formed the school in 2009 after teaching courses and heading the martial arts club at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He brings 21 years of experience to Inner Strength.

Nick Myer has been taking classes at the studio at 1210 Tower Ave. since it opened. He appreciates Mrotek’s technique and the wide range of martial arts offered. The studio owner works well with students of all ages, Myer said. He’s able to maintain order without being super-strict.

In addition to the special for children and teachers, class prices have been lowered for 2013. There are also family package prices available. The business even offers a free one-week trial.

With a day job at United HealthCare, Mrotek offers classes weeknights and Saturdays. Teaching martial arts has been part of his life for two decades.

“I do it basically so that I know people can protect themselves and save their life,” he said. “That’s what makes me go.”

And it brings him joy.

“I love being able to teach other people and see excitement on their face when they accomplish something, like learning their first punch, their first kick,” Mrotek said.

For more information, call 920-475-7022, email InnerStrengthMA@hotmail.com or go to www.innerstrengthma.com.

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