04.02.2024

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Today’s Forecast

🥋 Everybody was kung fu fighting

Where to learn martial arts in Indianapolis

INDYtoday: INDY_Fishers Brazilian jiu-jitsu martial arts_APR24

In 2023, 6.6 million Americans participated in martial arts. | Photo by @heyblondiephoto

Whether you’re wanting to learn self-defense, improve your physical fitness, or become part of a supportive + inclusive community, there are dozens of gyms in Indy that teach a variety of martial arts disciplines.

Naptown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing, 500 N. Meridian St., Ste. 10B
The only nap you’ll be taking here is an accidental one if you refuse to tap. This gym right in the center of downtown offers classes all day for both kids and adults. If you’re north of the city, there’s also an affiliate gym in Fishers — City Editor Shea is a member here, so say hi if you see her.

Choi Martial Arts Academy, 6957 E. Madison Ave.
This south side gym is is Indiana’s oldest taekwondo school. Grandmaster Min H. Choi is a ninth degree black belt and has been teaching for more than 40 years, meaning the training you’ll receive here is the best of the best.

INDYtoday: INDY_North Mass Boulder capoeira_APR24 — Capoeira is unique for its dance-like style, once described by Bob’s Burgers as “sexy dance fighting.”
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Photo by @northmassboulder

United Kempo Karate Schools, 5450 E. 21st St.
At this school, you’ll find a unique combination of Chinese Kempo martial arts, combat fighting style tactics, and an Okinawan influence of weaponry. It also offers special programs such as reiki sessions and anti-bullying training.

North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave.
Most devotees of this gym go for bouldering or yoga — but did you know it also has capoeira classes? Instructor Ethan teaches this Afro-Brazilian cultural practice that is a mix of expressive movement and martial elements. Practitioners learn to use kinesthetic awareness, strength, balance, and dexterity within the context of a playful, game-like setting.

Indianapolis Martial Arts Club, 8647 W. Washington St.
Not sure exactly what type of martial art you’re interested in learning? This bright, airy gym is a great place to start. It offers beginner Muay Thai and kickboxing classes, as well as a proprietary blend of mixed martial arts for kids and for advanced adult students.

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Events

Tuesday, April 2

Pinhole Projector Solar Eclipse Craft | Tuesday, April 2 | 5-7 p.m. | Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate the upcoming eclipse by creating your own box pinhole projector — supplies and free eclipse glasses are provided.

Wednesday, April 3

Dance Kaleidoscope Open Rehearsal | Wednesday, April 3 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Dance Kaleidoscope Studios, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Experience the creative process and see how a dance piece comes together at an open rehearsal.
Signal to Noise | Wednesday, April 3-Thursday, April 4 | Times vary | Eskenazi Hall, 735 W. New York St., Indianapolis | Free | Attend the premiere performance of this longform piece for four cellists, accompanied by mesmerizing visuals.

Thursday, April 4

Bird ID Hike with Wild Birds Unlimited | Thursday, April 4 | 9-11 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Take a 1.5-mile guided hike to see white-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, goldfinches, and more.
Author Reading: Susan Muaddi Darraj | Thursday, April 4 | 5-7 p.m. | Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, join Susan Muaddi Darraj for a reading and discussion of her debut novel.
The Bygones | Thursday, April 4 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Irving Theatre, 5505 E. Washington St., Indianapolis | $20 | Enjoy the combination of genres from traditional jazz to classic country with this indie folk duo.

Friday, April 5

First Friday Art Show: Indiana Waterways | Friday, April 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Hoosier artists present their depictions of Indiana to call attention to the need for conservation and restoration of the state’s waterways.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Traffic

There will be new lane restrictions on Capitol Avenue due to ongoing construction at IU Methodist Hospital downtown. The restrictions will last at least one month, during which time drivers are encouraged to take detours. (WTHR)

Outdoors

If you’re in the mood for a jaunty saunter, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail just launched Indy Solar Stroll. It’s a free immersive scale model of the Solar System that spans 1.3 miles along Virginia Avenue from Washington Street to Fountain Square. The walk is open to the public through the first week of April.

Concert

We’re howlin’ for this news: The Black Keys will be stopping at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 5. (WTHR)

Plan Ahead

April 20 is Record Store Day, and shops around Indy will be hosting special events and offering discounts to celebrate the holiday. Start planning your itinerary. (WISH/Mirror Indy)

Seasonal

Christmas? In April? Submissions have just opened for artists of all ages and abilities to redesign the iconic Carmel Christkindlmarkt mug for 2025. Get more information.

Sports

Purdue’s Zach Edey looks more and more unstoppable with each game. Get excited for the Boilermakers’ Final Four appearance with Locked On’s daily Big 10 podcast.

Shop

Ditch the men’s dress pants — the Dealmaker Pant is the ultimate pant for work or play, with an impeccable fit and feel. Save 15% with code COMFORT15.*

Answered

🔥 This grill is on Fier-i

Answered: Where would you film an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in Indianapolis?

INDYtoday: INDY_His Place Eatery ribs barbecue soul food_APR24

His Place Eatery offers everything from chicken and waffles to in-house smoked meatloaf and rib tips. | Photo by @melodieyvonne

We wanted to know which diners, drive-ins, and dives in Indy deserve a visit from TV’s favorite spiky-haired food lover. You all shouted out some incredible eateries, but the restaurant that got the most love was His Place Eatery. Here’s what you had to say:

“The food is deliciously seasoned well. This is real down-home cooking. The customer service is impeccable. The restaurant is clean and the owners are very friendly. You won’t be disappointed.” — Darlene T.

“Their food is incredible. The staff is wonderful. It is SO Guy’s style.” — Andrea

Here are a few other joints that you mentioned:

“Voted one of the top ten delis in the USA, Shapiro’s is an obvious selection.” — Cindi C.

“Easy Rider: Great food, excellent atmosphere with a music venue attached!” — Jill K.

“10th Street Diner because it’s a vegan icon!” — Sara

2 more Triple D contenders

The Buy

The Buy 4.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Pvolve’s signature equipment bundle — the low impact, clinically-backed exercise method is a great way to work out from home, and the bundle helps you get started. It comes with a month of free classes and includes (bonus) some of Jennifer Aniston’s favorite pieces of equipment.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

Serious personal testimony, guys: Jiu-jitsu is amazing. I get to learn from people from ages 16 to 60 from all walks of life, and get a really good workout while I’m at it.

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