Kids Rule at all of our Dojos!

We are a non-profit Dojo; all proceeds benefit our members.

Karate-do is not only the acquisition of certain defensive skills but also the mastering of the art of being a good and honest member of society, Gichin Funakoshi wrote in Karate-Do: My Way of Life. We at WNC Martial Arts take this precept to heart, and help our students build self-esteem, self-awareness and self-discipline. We also emphasize courtesy, respect and  kindness. In karate-do, the destination is not as important as the journey, the path we choose in seeking to better ourselves, both in karate and in life.

Our instructors volunteer in local schools so we can mentor kids. Our goal is to help our kids find their full potential. We focus on courtesy, respect and discipline through "perfection of character." Our kids at Hazelwood, Junaluska and West Elementary Schools are taught that "NO BULLIES ARE ALLOWED!" and they can become peer mentors to help prevent bullying in our schools. Karate begins and ends with courtesy, Funakoshi reminded us in his teachings.

We are proudly associated with SAKA, a member of the: 

Japan Karate Association 

JKA WK Americas

South Atlantic Karate Association

Courtesy and the art of helping others

Karate begins and ends with courtesy.

The first time we walk into a dojo, we have many reasons for wanting to take karate lessons:  to learn to protect ourselves, to build our confidence, to get in better shape, to please our parents, to train for the regional or national team. These individual goals determine how we train and how often and how hard. But whatever the goal, in each class and even when we are not in class, we must keep in mind that Karate begins and ends with courtesy.

We start and end each class with a bow of respect and courtesy. We start and end each kumite match or kata performance with a bow. We bow to our teachers, whether we see them in class or at the mall. We bow to our training partners, whether they are senior or junior to us.

We do not often think about another element of courtesy: With Karate-do, by extending help to others and by accepting it from them, a [student of the art] acquires the ability to elevate the art into a faith wherein he perfects both body and soul and so comes finally to recognize the true meaning of Karate-do. ...[He] who thinks about himself alone and is inconsiderate of others is not qualified to learn Karate-do, Funakoshi sensei said in his autobiography, Karate Do: My Way of Life.

For even the youngest student, this means that you extend a helping hand to those students below you in rank, to those above, to your parents, family, friends and more. It is as if you are climbing a ladder and the person below you needs a helping hand ... or perhaps the person above you needs a push!

When you give to others, remember to give with your full heart and with all kindness. For the other side of courtesy is the ability to receive help and kindness. If you give (or receive) aid without the spirit of kindness and whole heartedness -- in other words, if you give merely for reasons such as showing off, trying to make the other feel small, or for some other private gain -- then you do not understand karate-do and the art of courtesy.

Take the art of courtesy to heart, and you may come to understand that the corrections and challenges your teacher hands you -- Make your stance lower! Punch faster! Focus your eyes! -- these are words of kindness. Your teacher and your senior students want to give you a hand up the ladder. Take that helping hand ... and make your stance lower, punch faster, focus your eyes. Show your spirit by training hard and practicing with all your heart.

This, in turn, gives a great gift to your teacher and to all those students of karate-do who have gone before you, as well as those who will come after.

By Margaret Williams