Marc F.

Our course the teaching/learning Aikido. But most importantly the friendships I developed there. I am still in contact with a few, through the electronic means. The thing I valued most, as far as lessons, and I can still hear Todd Sensei's voice. Is, don't get focused on doing a technique on an opponent. No one person is going to approach you with the same force, angle or intensions. All things we cannot predict, much like a surfer cannot control the wave to do a certain maneuver, you must learn to just ride the wave and take what is presented to you in the moment. This doesn't just apply in the dojo but in life. We are all on a different path and we are not all watching the same "movie." My life has taken me on a different course for a bit and have been running for the past few years now. But my Aikido training has helped me tremendously with my running and I have accomplished running long distances and at paces I never though possible...just by being aware of my center and moving with my center. I plan on returning to South Austin Aikido, to continue my training, but also because of the emotional attachments made there. I think about them all of the time, I hear all of the Sensei's voices in my head with met with challenges. I learned so much more that just Aikido there.

Drew K.

White Rock Kenshinkan teaches traditional karate in a relaxed, Austin style. The classes are fairly small so there are many opportunities to dive deep into the techniques and history that is taught and to really study the art of karate. There are several black belts of varying skill levels to give a good mix of instruction, and there is a good amount of time to work on the various techniques at each skill level. Many students also have experience with, or even black belts in, another martial style. WRKK incorporates traditional karate, self-defense (tuite), and weaponry (kobudo) into a complete package. Tradition is observed and taught (including using proper Okinawan terminology and etiquette) without it becoming onerous and simply a method to enforce uniformity. WRKK enjoys a rich connection to the Honbu dojo in Okinawa, with many opportunities to train with and learn from our Grandmaster Fusei Kise, his son Isao Kise (the current president of our federation), and other high-ranking experts in this style of karate on a wide variety of subjects. WRKK is not a "McDojo" - the instructors strive to ensure that all students not only know how to perform the techniques but also truly understand them at their current level before moving on to the next. At WRKK, you don't just "learn" karate moves or techniques - you study them. We have fun, we train hard, we ask questions, and we seek to train the best martial artists that we can at any skill level. Stop on by and observe a class or two, or better yet: jump on in and join us! You'll be glad you did!