Shann Varner of Opp will bring a different form of karate to Andalusia.

Varner, a second degree black belt, will open a Yoshukai Karate school at the Andalusia Adult Activities Center, beginning Sept. 12.

Varner is currently taking instruction under Steve Pierce, where he’s been mastering the art since the fall of 1996.

Yoshukai is a karate organization that was founded in 1969 by Soke Yuki Koda in Florida, and has grown in popularity ever since. There are more than 60 schools in nine states with a membership of more than 3,000.

The Yoshukai Alabama main head quarters are located in Montgomery.

Varner said the main reason he wants to open a school in Andalusia is because it can be more convenient for those interested.

“If somebody was wanting to take karate and not do Isshinryu or anything else, then they’d have to drive all the way (to Opp),” he said. “I’m trying to give a more local means for kids to come to their school.”

Varner said the class will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night. Cost of the class is $40 per month.

The class is for anyone ages 6 and up. Additionally, he’ll be teaching women’s self defense, and special training in different areas.

Varner said one of the advantages of the Yoshukai class is that it will be teaching something different.

“Not only will we teach point fighting, but the difference is that we do Japenese knock down fighting,” he said. “That consists of bare knuckles and you can hit 100 percent to the body, but you can’t hit the face. You can knee or kick to the face.

“That’s just as little bit different,” he said.

Varner said the knock down fighting will be taught to those starting out their green belt.

Varner has been performing karate since he was 16 years old. He’s 31, and will be testing for his third degree black belt in November.

Those interested in the class, should call Varner at 334-475-1825.