One of Patterson’s newest businesses, King’s Martial Arts Academy, focuses on family.

Owner Aaron King, who teaches classes at New Hope Church, 1720 E. Las Palmas Ave., invites community members to visit and see what King’s Martial Arts is all about.

King, who came to Patterson with his family in February 2000, said he wants to contribute to the town.

“I have a real love and a passion for martial arts and for people,” King said. “I thought this was a great way to reach out to the community and give something back.”

Classes are from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Mondays and Fridays for boys and girls ages 4 through 10, followed by a 6:15 p.m. class for those age 11 and older.

Classes for young ones are a mix of martial arts training with a lot of safety tips included.

Every Friday during the month of May from 6:15 to 7 p.m., King, a black belt, will offer a free child safety program. Parents are encouraged to stay throughout the class as he shows students how to get away from a hold if someone grabbed them and what to do when confronted by an angry dog.

King will also introduce a lesson of “good touch-bad touch.”

“The basic concept is wherever your swimsuit touches is a bad touch,” King said. “These classes are very practical, very relevant. It’s not just for kids — it’s for family.”

Martial arts have been in King’s family all his life. A brother started off his career in San Jose and Morgan Hill and owns a business also called King’s Martial Arts.

The family tradition continues into the next generation with King’s son, Caleb, an 11-year-old, who is an assistant instructor with his father.

For information: www.pattersontkd.com or 596-0234.

• Taking Care of Business is a column about events and happenings in the local business community. To reach Maddy Houk, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at maddy@pattersonirrigator.com.