Virginia Dojo - Virginia Okinwan Karate

We go over a few of the basic techniques and start them in class with other students.  We progress intially through a few basic kata (formatted movements) and then have a senior student work new students to go over the techniques and self defense applications while the class continues with more advanced work.  The new student rejoins class when we start partner work so they begin to understand the self defense applications of the techniques they just learned.  This ensures that every day and in every class Beginner students learn and can apply effective self defense techniques.

In 1979 after 10 years of martial arts ramblings I became a direct student of Grand Master Seikichi Iha and have trained with him ever since in Okinawan Shidokan Shorin Ryu.  

I worked through our system and attained the rank of 8th degree in 2016.  I attained the Kyoshi, Master Instructor, title and 7th Degree in 2008.

I also have a certificate in Martial Arts Fitness Instruction and a certificate in Self Defense Instruction.

During my overseas diplomatic assignments, I trained US Marines, US Embassy Security Officials, foreign security operatives and people like you in proven effective self defense applications.

I am a member of the MidWest Regional Shidokan Black Belt Promotion Board and the National Shidokan Black Belt Promotion Board.  I am also a member of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society. 

Yes, we have an all-inclusive monthly membership fee that means you pay nothing extra for training equipment, belt promotions, or special classes.

We have generous discounts for Active Duty Military, Police and Firemen/women, students, and family members.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer assigned to a remote rural area I had no one to practice karate with so I started teaching young people in my town and discovered I liked teaching and people liked learning with me. Upon returning to the United States I started grad school, plus I met and started training with Grand Master Seikichi Iha. When I finished my MS degree and moved to Washignton DC, my Sensei Iha told me to find students so I could continue to progress. When stationed overseas I would train US Embassy Security Personnel, US Marines, foreign security agents, and people like you. During US assignments I would always develop a cadre of dedicated students.

I have trained active duty military, Secret Service, US Embassy Security Personnel, FBI, DEA, the police, foreign security personnel, and people just like you.

I am also proud to watch people develop their skills and improve their self control and self confidence.

I am very proud of witnessing my students overcome personal challenges to test for their Black Belt in front of the National Black Belt testing committee.

First decide what you want from your training.  a. Do you want to compete and win trophies? If so search for another school. What we learn for self defense is prohibited in tournaments.   b.  If you want to learn the art of self-defense karate we will show how to quickly use what you learn.  c. Join us if you are interested in losing weight, boosting self control, improving self confidence, increasing flexibility or just want to learn the art of karate in a friendly, traditional Okinawan school.  

It is important you view the class you will take, hopefully try a few trial classes, to see how you feel about the classes, the members, and the instructor.

Avoid signing a long-term contract that locks you into multi-year payments.  While it is cheaper with a contract, after a month or so you may decide you are no longer interested.

What do you want to get out of karate?

What is your curriculum? Did you make it up or is it a national/international curriculum?

What is the payment schedule?