American Dojo Karate

Who We Are

Classes For Everyone

   Study and workout in groups with your own age and ability for the most fun and the best prices around. Don't miss out on the fastest growing sport sweeping the country! If you have an impossible schedule, take time out for yourself with private lessons. 

We offer family discounts. THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER! Learning the "Martial Arts" at American Dojo is not like being in military boot camp. We are positive, progressive and goal oriented. More and more karate moms and dads are giving karate at American Dojo a try. 

What We Learn

HARMONY- of mind, body and spirit through zazen (seated meditation) and ibuki (deep breathing techniques). Think clearly and react faster.

·  KATA- the traditional, formal exercises of karate.

·  WEAPONS- Advanced students learn traditional Okinawan weaponry. (Bo, Ni Bo, Kama, Nunchaku, Sai, Tonfa, Katana).

·  KUMITE- free-form point sparing (win by skill, not strength). Every kid's favorite activity!

·  SELF-DEFENSE- "street wise" self defense for life. That includes Aiki Jutsu, a system of joint lock techniques that allows you to subdue any attacker without ever throwing a punch! 

Rank Importance

    Rank. Belt color. Stripes. Degrees. All these words are completely useless without the knowledge to back it up. In a potentially violent situation will you pull your striped black belt from your gym bag or will you act with grace and ease in order to avoid physical contact? For to master your emotions, to master your body, to master your reaction is truly to be a master. If a Masters belt is ever bestowed upon me I imagine the reaction will be the same as the attainment of Shodan. I am not worthy. This is the meaning, this is the truth. To not seek admiration but to earn respect. To not provoke emotion but to provoke thought. To promote action not to promote greed. After all is not the true emotion of pride, greed?

       I so strongly believe in the art of Goshin Jutsu karate not because it is a superior art but because what my instructors told me made sense, so much so I have dedicated my life to teaching. Indeed all arts are a matter of body type, physical ability and mental comprehension that match the individual. It was the Master who conveyed the message and it is up to all karate- ka to interpret this message as they best can, at every level of study. Even as instructors we question, learn and grow everyday, without one single thought about what rank we are, or will be tomorrow.

Remember all belts do is hold up your pants but knowledge is priceless.  

Kata

Kata- a set form of movements against imaginary opponents.

     It is one of our most spiritual things we have. When you do a kata, and you do it correctly with all the power, strength and speed you have it literally becomes another form of meditation. You block out anything that goes on around you and just sink into it and you don't come out until the kata is over. This is what is means to have mastered a kata. 

"I think about kata the same way Master Durant did - You are an artist, a martial artist, and this floor you are standing on is your canvas," Master Gary Michak.