Learning a martial art isn't just about being about to beat someone in a fight. It's about defending yourself and your loved ones, becoming self-disciplined, and heightening your awareness of the world around you. Whether you've been thinking about taking martial arts classes to compete professionally, or just be able to react effectively in a bad situation, there are plenty of classes that can give you what you need in Durham, North Carolina. more Tactical Kung Fu & MMA If you want to learn martial arts to improve your self-defense and possibly compete, we suggest taking a class at Tactical Kung Fu & MMA. They have classes throughout the week to let you find the best time for your schedule, and they offer specialized instruction for all ages. You'll find some of the cheapest prices for classes at this studio. You can enter one class for $5 and sign up for a week of classes for $20. You can pay per day or every two weeks as well. Triangle Krav Maga Triangle Krav Maga has won numerous awards for their teachings. If you want the best instruction in tactical krav maga, this is where you'll find it. In addition to great krav maga classes, you'll also find cardio kickboxing classes, police and military training, and situational training here. If you want to learn how to protect yourself in real-life situations, Triangle is the school for you. Durham School of Martial Arts The Durham School of Martial Arts is where you go to learn Muay Thai kickboxing and MMA. This is a great place to get your kids trained in martial arts, but they also offer great classes for adults as well. It's all about self-improvement at this studio. The skills they give you develop your fitness, but it's the self-control and focus that lasts you for the rest of your life. Whether you're trying to get back into shape with cardio kickboxing or you want to make a lifestyle out of your martial art, Durham School gives you the tools you need to get to where you want to go. Deep River Aikikai For a more traditional take on martial arts, try a class at Deep River Aikikai. Their main focus is aikido, which can improve your life in more ways than you think. Aikido is all about the balance of mind and body. It's a nonviolent, nonaggressive self-defense martial art that trains you to use fluid movements to evade and throw off attackers. You'll also spend time with wooden staffs and swords to improve your sense of distance and movement. They have classes for kids 7-12 in Carrboro and classes for teens to adults in Durham. You can pay by the class or sign up for a monthly membership. Nothing quite compares to the sense of accomplishment you get when you begin to understand the concepts of martial arts. The confidence, awareness, and discipline you learn affect everything you do in life. Good luck on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Image via Pixabay
Durham, North Carolina offers a variety of things to do for people of all ages. For those who like to fish, there are some well-known spots where you can make your next big catch, and some other, lesser-known fishing spots that are worth a try. Here are some of the best places to fish near Durham. more Eno River State Park Eno River State Park is home to one of the best streams for fishing in the Neuse River Basin. Whether you want to go fly fishing, cast a lure, or use the age-old worm, there are many spots along the Eno River where you can go. Most of the river is shallow enough for wading, and there are many spots along the banks where you can set your gear up for an afternoon of relaxation while you drop your line. Some of the fish that you might catch in this river include largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and Roanoke bass. The Eno is one of only four rivers in North Carolina where you can find Roanoke bass. Occoneechee Mountain The Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has three miles of trails and two ponds for fishing. The small ponds have bass and panfish with just your rod and some worms. Remember that adults need a fishing license, and if you are new to fishing, you can get started by using some of the park's equipment. They will loan it to you so you can practice your catching and releasing skills and hopefully catch a bass or brim. William B Umstead State Park Bring your fishing gear to William B Umstead State Park and try your luck at one of the ponds or tributaries. There are miles of hiking trails at this park, and some will take you to area fishing holes. The Sal's Trail is a 2.8-mile loop trail that brings you to Big Lake. This has a boathouse and several areas where you can set up for fishing. Anderson Community Park In nearby Carrboro, NC you can head to Anderson Community Park for some fishing. The fishing pond has a trail the runs all the way around it, and there are lots of places where you can stand while you cast into the lake. The city stocks the lake with catfish and several other fish, so you will most likely catch something. Lake Michie Recreation Area Lake Michie Recreation Area is a few miles outside of Durham and is home to a lake with some of the best largemouth bass fishing you'll find the area. You can rent a boat to get out on the water or launch your own. Along with the bass, this lake also has catfish, and it is a fun place to get out without the crowds usually found at larger lakes. There is even a new public dock if you want to cast your line from the shore. Check out these Durham area fishing spot the next time you want to try your luck. Image via Pixabay
What's the coolest thing to do in downtown Durham? Definitely, it is the CenterFest Arts Festival. Occurring in September every year, this event has tons to offer everyone! Here's what it's all about and how you can have some fun there this fall! more Visual Art Visitors will find plenty of visual art at this year's CenterFest, and perhaps the best part about the offerings is their versatility. Do you love shopping for handmade goods? Well, the art show includes delightful and fashionable pieces by artists like Wendy Allen (Miss Fit & Co), which includes hand-felted wool hats and other custom accessories. Amy Barnard (Wayward Fiberhouse), who offers cruelty-free handbags and accessories, will also be there. For a view at the latest stunning portraiture, you'll adore paintings by Tracy Booth (Kunigunda Studio LLC) in acrylic and oil, colorful pieces that are rich in texture. Paintings by Angela Bond feature bold colors and strongly structured figures. Bennett Glass Art, which includes the team Veronica and David Bennett, creates sculptures by soldering and welding glass with stone, fossil, and historical projects. Activities for the Kids If your kids are too young to get involved in art, don't worry. Children will have plenty of fun activities, too! The Creative Kids Zone has plenty of stuff to take part in. Children can create a fun pig puppet or cute cow door hanger. They can also create maracas and make some noise! If your kids are feeling adventurous, they can check out the clay studio tent where kids can get really imaginative and create all kinds of unique items. You can sign up for a hands-on session and see how to use the pottery wheel. Finally, CenterStage at Ninth Street Bakery includes fun for the whole family, with music and tons of programs. There are also a kids' train, face painting, and bounce houses located at the South Bank parking lot. Shows Galore The festival features a long lineup of incredible and diverse performers. With four stages and back-to-back shows, you will be constantly entertained! On the 5 Points Stage on Saturday, you'll find excellent performers like Ceil and Dan who offer classic rock music covers and original instrumental music with vocal harmonies, and Michael Daughtry, who sings upbeat rock music. Meanwhile, head over to the Herald-Sun Stage on Saturday night to see the Willie Painter Band, who are North Carolina musical veterans offering up amazing blues-jazz rhythms you can dance to as well as a bunch of rock and pop. There are dozens more shows to check out, so see the full performance list for details! Great Charities Visiting the CenterFest festival can be an educational experience, as many nonprofit and civic groups will come out and join in the fun. Learn about the Durham County Department of Social Services, the Animal Protection Society of Durham, or the Carolina Theatre. Are you ready for a wonderful early fall event in Durham? You won't want to miss out on the art, music, and community events at the CenterFest Arts Festival taking place Sept. 21-22, 2019, in the heart of downtown! Image via Pixabay
