Honbu Dojo LLC
About
Authentic, intelligent Japanese-style karate with classes taught by a world-renowned professional instructor.
Richard Amos is the Chief Intructor of the World Traditional Karate Organization and the Honbu Dojo is his private dojo. He has been practicing karate since 1973. His mini-bio is on the website www.honbudojo.com
Although a professional full-time instructor, Richard Amos sensei does not approach karate as a business. It is an extension of his life.
He has a 7th dan and, although devoted to the practice and teaching of Shotokan karate, he has also competed in tournaments, placing in the top 3 in Europe, the U.K., the U.S. and Japan in both kata and kumite at various stages of his life.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We try to introduce new students to the broadness and depth of Shotokan karate in the very beginning, with regard of course to their body type, age and ability.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Richard Amos sensei has taught karate since the early 80s but became professional from the early 90s in Tokyo, where he completed a 3-year apprenticeship with the Japan Karate Association and opened his own dojo in the center of Tokyo. He has students all over the world and is in demand to teach seminars throughout the year, domestically and internationally.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Basic membership is $230 per month, $180 for University or College students and discounts for long-term commitments.
Children's rates are per semester: $550 for once a week and $850 for unlimited.
How did you get started teaching?
Karate has always been a passion and so Amos sensei was asked to teach during his teens and it really suited him. Now in his mid-50s, his passion is undiminished.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types of students from highly successful businessmen to kids of 6 years old. Age and gender are not important. Classes are rather technical and based on principles of movement so everyone can work at their own level.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Every training is special. We have tests twice per yer for the students to go up the ranks so naturally those days the senses are more heightened and the atmosphere can be very rewarding.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Use your natural judgement and observe or try a class first. Different things apeal to different people, and different dojos (even they teach the same martial art) can vary wildly from instructor to instructor. If you observe a class, see the attitude of the students and their behaviour towards the teacher and ask yourself if it "feels" right. Trust that feeling.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The student must defer to the instructor in the dojo environment so the relationship must primarily be one of trust. Of course discuss physical limitations/injuries with the teacher but the dojo is more of a club that the student blends in with, so there must be a commitment towards that common goal from any prospective student.