Every dojo makes its promise.
For some, it's one of competition or security.
Others stress calisthenics.
Still others offer amusement.
For us, it's practicing karate as an art form and as a Way.
And for that you need specialists.
Meet our staff...
Specialists: We believe that being a karate teacher requires more preparation, effort and commitment than is common. Simple student experience and availability are not enough.
- Three year formal instructor development program. (Separate study track for advanced students.)
- Required assistant instructor internship prior to appointment.
- Continuing monthly training days. Each is focused on personal training, workshops in class & student teaching methods, and seminars on conducting operations professionally.
Specialists: We believe that being a karate teacher requires more preparation, effort and commitment than is common. Simple student experience and availability are not enough.
- Our four class instructors
- Have each taught for an average of over 25 years.
- Were exclusively trained here as students.
- Our Head instructor
- Isshin-ryu karate practitioner since 1974.
- Co-founder of the American Budo Kai association.
Specialists: We believe that being a karate teacher requires more preparation, effort and commitment than is common. Simple student experience and availability are not enough.
- Must maintain a standard of conduct in keeping with traditional dojo culture - on and off the floor.
- Must be reliable, competent and ethical in conducting dojo business and operations.
Specialists: We believe that being a karate teacher requires more preparation, effort and commitment than is common. Simple student experience and availability are not enough.
- Regard each time they step before a class as a priviledge.
- View each student's training challenges as also their own and one they are determined to resolve.
- Volunteer many off-class hours consulting each other about student progress and event planning.
Our Students
Students come in all shapes, sizes, ages and for many reasons.
But, after over 40 years of teaching karate, we know two things for certain:
Any of our students, literally, can excel in the art and the Way.
You don't need great athletic ability or physique.
What it does take is effort, patience and a desire to be... more.
But, after over 40 years of teaching karate, we know two things for certain:
Any of our students, literally, can excel in the art and the Way.
You don't need great athletic ability or physique.
What it does take is effort, patience and a desire to be... more.
Men & Women (ages 18-80)
"What gives the artist real prestige
is his imitators." Igor Stravinsky
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
Gichin Funikoshi, Shotokan Karate
Never get in a gunfight with someone who practices outdrawing himself.
Teens (ages 12-17)
(To develop students who are...)
"...acceptable at a dance and invaluable in a shipwreck."
J. F. Roxburgh
Humans need to belong, to find their tribe.
For teenagers, growing beyond the family to take their place in society is a pivotal journey. A true 'dojo' is an ally.
Children (ages 5-11)
"Children are 'pure people'."
D.A. Jenkins, Isshin-ryu Karate
Everyone feels the need to have something they're actually good at.
To respect children, be their leader not their playmate.
Every child wants to be a real hero.
What they need is a real dragon to practice on.
Our
Program
Program
WHAT you do is never as important as HOW and WHY.
'Karate' teaches technique. 'Karate-do' teaches a Way - to students who train for success.Body
Mind
Spirit
OUR ‘OLD SCHOOL’ KARATE DOJO
Form follows function. If you want to know what’s important to people, see what they hang on their walls.
Our location looks just like an Okinawan dojo, not because we decorated it that way,
but because we use it that way.
For us, ‘Old School’ means quality, integrity, proper martial spirit, community…
Our location looks just like an Okinawan dojo, not because we decorated it that way,
but because we use it that way.
For us, ‘Old School’ means quality, integrity, proper martial spirit, community…
"Do good karate and have fun. Always both. Just doing one or the other is not right."
Work hard... of course. Enjoy ourselves? Absolutely!
Here are a few of our available activities...
- Sensei D.A. Jenkins, Isshin-ryu Karate
Work hard... of course. Enjoy ourselves? Absolutely!
Community is another difference between
being a dojo member and `going to karate school`.
(It's something like a family without the in-laws.)
Even though events are voluntary, our members rarely miss a chance to be around one another.
Perhaps it's because we can have fun while always treating everyone with the same regard 'off the floor' as on.
Here are a few of our available activities...
Why People Choose Us
Don't entirely trust website testimonials? Neither do we.
Instead, we encourage people to talk with our members - students and parents.
(Of course they'll like us - they're still here! The more important question is what do they like about us.)
