For all future students:  WELCOME!

"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of one's character."

The Heijoshin Karate Dojo teaches traditional Goju Ryu Karate and is a member of the Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai under the Seiwa Kai organization.  The name Heijoshin literally means "everyday spirit", implying that what the student learns in the Dojo transfers directly into their everyday life.  Goju Ryu, literally "the way of hard and soft" is one of the four main styles of Japanese/Okinawan karate and is known and respected throughout the world.

The Dojo is a place of experiential learning.  The body and mind will learn many lessons through training.  It is important to retain the concept of "beginner's mind" to remain open to the process.  The knowledge is both empirical and experiential and all start at the bottom.  Men and women do equally well in our art and are treated equally.  It is important to leave the ego at the door upon bowing into the Dojo.

There is a level of commitment and seriousness that defines the study of any martial art.  Every aspect of your training should be approached with mature consideration.  The traditional martial arts, while teaching you to effectively defend yourself, are as concerned with the quality of your character as with the power of your techniques.  Interestingly, the two seem to go hand-in-hand.  With power we learn respect and responsibility so we do not misuse that power.  Being tough is one thing; being tough and having good character is a benefit to society.

Welcome to our website and thank you for your interest.  Please feel free to observe a class or schedule an appointment to discuss your training goals and how we might help you achieve them.  I hope you will enjoy karate training for many years, and that your experience will be as rewarding as my own.

Sensei James Pounds

Head Instructor