Self Defense Karate for Seniors


The Art of Self Defense

Taught by Seniors


Improve Your Balance, Fitness, & Well-Being





"This dojo has had a tremendous impact on my life. I have more focus and I am in better shape physically and mentally. My family noticed that I seem happier and less stressed."

-- Jeff, Alexandria, VA


"I always wanted to try Karate, but I wasn't very coordinated nor athleticly inclined, and work, raising a family, grand kids, you know. I just never had the time. I am so incredibly happy to have started Karate classes!" 

--Sally, 61 years old, Alexandria, VA


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 74 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 ever met. Yet he was so gentle and unasumming! 


When he'd attend international events and give seminars the room would always go silent as he performed with his impressive control and power. I want to be like him when I grow up.


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.  


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 them try to keep up with us old 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 train in 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.



Now It's Your Choice:


- You can meekly resign yourself to the fact that You are getting nearer to the end of the road and just shuffle along to the end of your days


- OR


Like Me, Tansform Your Life to go Kicking and Screaming, Laughing and having Fun the whole way! Discover how to work around your aches, pains, and other limitations. Self Defense Karate training helps lower your blood pressure, stabilize glucose, and make your all around happier.


And what if this causes you to arrive late to your own funeral?


SO WHAT!


Happiness Experts reveal that the happiest people participate in active social activities. Well, Karate training is an active social activity where people laugh and smile all the time. Plus, the Virginia Dojo has a monthly pot luck where we get together and just hang out with our friends to laugh and smile some more.


"This is like a large family! Everyone is so happy to be together. There are 70 year olds hanging out and laughing with 20 year olds!" -- James, Arlington



Now Just Give it a Try.

What are you waiting for?

You might like it.

If not, at least you can say you tried it out.


I hope to see you in class. I may even tell you a joke or two!



Class times here


Co-Ed and Women-Only Classes Available


Click Here to Select Your Free Class

 

Virginia Dojo

6416 Grovedale Dr.,

#302B,

Alexandria, VA 22310

(Kingstown/Franconia area)