Prepare for Impending Zombie Invasion with Martial Arts

Department of Homeland Security is warning America of incoming zombies this month, and Jing Ying Institute is offering classes to help prepare.

Various federal government agencies have found success in launching preparedness campaigns with zombie themes. In May 2011, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hosted a Zombie Preparedness Month. This month, FEMA and Homeland Security are taking a tack from the CDC and declaring October as Zombie Preparedness Month for 2012.

Not one to be left out of a good zombie campaign, the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi in Arnold is offering a workshop that will help prepare you for a disaster situation and teach you practical self-defense techniques effective against any attacker—not just zombies, according to a press release.

"Use the controlled movement, mental concentration and redirection skills of tai chi with slow zombies. Use the power, agility, fluidity and footwork of northern shaolin kung fu against fast zombies," according to the release. "This workshop will cover what you need to do to prepare for the coming apocalypse, how to avoid zombie encounters, and the best methods for taking out zombies while reducing your chances of becoming one yourself."

The institute hosted a similar event in June, and even taught special effects makeup techniques, with students taking on the guise of the undead.

The zombie-themed class is scheduled for Saturday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 for Jing Ying students and $25 for new students, with all funds benefiting the Jing Ying scholarship fund. The class is only available for those age 13 and older. For more information and online registration, visit JingYing.org or call 410-431-5200.