The Classical Martial Arts are a personal journey where the student will face the challenges of the mind and body, and must discover for themself how to overcome them.

It is up to the student to do the work in training to understand the teachings so they can begin to put together their own practice in a way that serves them best. 

The Classical Martial Arts are systems of deep philosophies and traditions, methods, tools, techniques and principles that we practice for personal development and healing.

It is a way of life that cultivates character

• Peace and respect

• Strength and gratitude

• Compassion and courage

• Discipline and focus

Along with the character benefits a practice in Martial can also

• Improve physical fitness

• Create community

• Improve symptoms of anxiety and stress

• Manage anger and aggression

• Build Confidence and self acceptance

The core of our practice is Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate which originates from the teachings, traditions and philosophy of the Shaolin Temple and White Crane Kung Fu. 

Goju consists of two kanji characters - Go means Strong and Ju means Gentle. It is based on a philosophy of strong mind, strong body - gentle heart, gentle spirit. 

Goju means “Having Strength, Choosing to be Gentle.”

What is Mastery-Based Education?

In mastery based education each students works through their studies at their own pace, in their own time and in ways that suit their lives. Students strive for their personal best to master the required material before moving on to what is next, continuing to set new standards for themselves with each grade they achieve.

The role of the teacher is to share the knowledge and teachings of the Classical Martial Arts in an environment that inspires, encourages and supports students in a self-paced mastery approach to learning.

They are never pushed ahead before they are ready and are never held back by the pace of other students. Mastery-based learning is designed to insure every student has the opportunity and support needed to learn.

In this way the person who has gone through the challenges of achieving mastery will not need someone else to tell them what they can do and what they cannot do, because they will know for themselves exactly what they are capable of.

Every student can be educated, every student can achieve. In their own way, in their own time.

What dose this mean for children, youth and their families?

Mastery based education in The Classical Martial Arts helps families better understand and engage with their child’s learning. The mastery of skill and methods are individualized and are developed in a variety of settings so mastery-based learning provides more opportunities for families to foster learning at home. When families have a better understanding of each child’s goals they can connect home activities to school-based learning. Mastery-based learning offers greater opportunities for families and teachers to work together.

A Mastery Education in the Traditional Martial Arts will help children develop such quality ties as a strong character, confidence, focus, self-discipline and determination.

Principles of Mastery-Based Education: 

• Focus on Mastery:
  Students are expected to achieve a high level of understanding and proficiency in each learning objective before progressing. 

• Individualized Pace:
  Students learn at their own pace, with opportunities for extra support or enrichment as needed. 

• Emphasis on Student Agency:
  Students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, making choices about how and when they learn.