American Dojo Karate

        Goshin Jutsu is a hard style of karate originating from Okinawa. Our system was founded in the United States by Soke G. Durant.  He brought Goshin Jutsu to the USA and began spreading the teachings of a style which was a blend of Karate, Aiki Jitsu and Aikido.  Soon after returning to America he started teaching in Pennsylvania. This is were he taught a young student named Gary Michak. This boy would get his black belt at age fifteen. As he grew older, he would start teaching Goshin Jutsu. He made amazing reformations to the style. He then becomes Master Gary Michak, head of our Yudan Shakai, and American Dojo's most respected master.

Soke Durant

        From the very first techniques we learn Goshin Jutsu is meant to be practical. Goshin means self protection, and Jutsu refers to "techniques of" rather than the "way of". This shows that our style is different than all other martial arts from the very start. Everything we do has a purpose, every kata (form) has something to teach. Even though everyone expresses these moves differently. Our forms are specifically Okinawan. Okinawa is where Chinese Masters moved centuries ago. they created a "Te" (hand) societies that Okinawan karate originated from. You can see the Chinese influence today with such kata names as Katachi No Chugoku To Do, which means "Form of the China Hand Way," and Chugoku No Chikara Himetsu, that translates to "The Secret Power of China."

         As our style shows we believe self-defense is the best way to prepare for combat. This  part of our teachings is constantly evolving. We teach

 Hundreds of techniques while students modify the things they learn in class to their won specifications. We believe that karate cannot just be "one size fits all." we have strived to be fresh and bring in new ideas to the table. This process has been going on since Goshin Jutsu was first started. We do not want our students to simply copy the instructors movements, the student builds up a wealth techniques that he or she can feel safe and confident about. All of our instructors are different and have different experiences to draw from and actively study other arts to garner the best, most effective skills. Children seem to especially thrive on this idea of making their own unique combos and it encourages them to try new things and challenge their minds.