Improve Your Life!
Senior Self Defense Karate Classes!

 If not Now, When will You Start?


Today is the Youngest You Will Be


Classes Taught by Seniors for Seniors


"I always wanted to try Karate, But just never had the time. Plus I was so out of shape! I am so happy I started Karate classes!

If I can do Karate, so can You!" 

--Sally M, 61 years old, Alexandria, VA


Imagine: No worries about your age! Our members range in age from 76 years old to a few teens. No kids! Our Members' average age hovers around 45. We focus on the Beokoku Shidokan concepts of "Friendship, Cooperation & Learning."


Women account for roughly One-Third to Forty Percent of our Members


My instructor, Sensei Iha always said the hardest thing about self defense karate is just getting in your car to attend your first class. Yet everyone leaves with a smile on their face. Just think, you will soon want to come to class to see and train with your friends!

Unlocking the Power of Karate for Senior Men & Women


If you think that martial arts training is only for the young and agile, think again!


I am 75 years old and have practiced Martial Arts since 1969. In 1979, I began self defense karate training with Seikichi Iha, an Okinawan Karate Master. I eventually became one of Sensei Iha's senior students. 


Sensei Iha became an internationally renown Karate Grand Master, a 10th Degree (the highest rank in Karate) in 2001. The Okinawan Government recognized Sensei Iha as an Intangible Cultural Asset through his Karate in 2022, even though he lived in Michigan. 


Sensei Iha recently died at 92 years old.  Until the last few years, he was the strongest and fastest person I had ever met. Yet he was so gentle and unasumming! 


When Sensei Iha attended international events and give seminars the room would always go silent as he performed with his impressive control and power. I strive to be like him.


I am happy to share with you what he taught me in fun, non-stressful, and safe Karate Classes. 


Beginners Welcome!

Don't worry about being in shape. Just start!


Sensei Iha said that his long-time instructor, Katsuya Miyahira (another famous Okinawan Karate Master) told him he wouldn't do "true karate" until he turned 70 years old because his muscle strength would abandon him and he'd have to rely solely on natural body movements to apply karate techniques effectively.  


While I thought that wouldn't happen to me, my strength just abandoned me from one day to another! Yet my karate improved immensely as I learned to use my body more naturally without relying upon muscle strength!   


In Okinawa, the home of Karate, it is very common to train in Karate Classes with 70, 80, and even 90-year-old practitioners! Most Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate masters live to their 80s and 90s.  If they can do it, why can't you?


Our self defense training goals:


 * to get out of/avoid a violent confrontation

 *  improved physical and mental fitness

 * Better Balance & Flexibility

 * Reduce Stress

 * Improve Fitness

 * Have Fun!

 * Boost Your Happiness!


No worries about training with children. There are just a few teens in classes. It is fun and rewarding to watch the teens attempt to keep up with us older folks! 


Discover easy to learn self defense reactions. In order to learn these, we need to practice them cooperatively with our training partners so no one gets hurt.


So no worries about competing or sparring in our self defense karate classes. No worries about getting injured by others, either.


The self defense reactions we use are generally prohibited in trophy or medal competitions. Rather than win a trophy, our goal is to get home safely after unexpected violence.  


What you will practice is responses to grabs, pushes, and pulls, as well as kicks and punches, the typical sorts of attacks you may suddenly encounter.