This is for those who are interested in “how we got here”. Back, over 25 years ago, a fellow instructor and friend of mine and I decided that we wanted to teach our children Karate-Do the way we thought it should be shared. His idea was to train our own children in his garage, which I felt was a somewhat limited venue and made less than full use of two veteran instructors. One thing led to another, and we ended up founding a dojo with him as Chief Instructor and Vice President, and myself as Asst Chief Instructor and President. It turned out to be a good dojo with a membership of between 50-70 karateka. I felt that we offered good quality training in the art of Karate-Do and folks enjoyed training with us, while we truly enjoyed sharing our perspective on Shotokan with others. My initial purpose for this endeavor – training for my children – was fulfilled, as my son made it to ikkyu (high brown belt) while my daughter achieved her shodan there. I had a great time with that dojo for nearly 10 years.
Everything was going well, but over time two things nagged at me: The necessary cost of incorporation, taxes, rent, insurance, etc were all charges that we passed onto our students. This meant that the price of training ran about $40, even back in the 1990’s. This is unavoidable for dojos run as businesses. I was seeking affordability. Related to this was my desire to have families train together, where possible. If a child paid $40/month for his/her lessons, having a sibling, mom and dad join in would quickly run up the monthly bill to $160/month. Today, I know of parents who pay $100 a month, just to have a single one of their children take karate lessons at a dojo.
In 2001, my church was willing to support me in creating a karate ministry that I could conduct at little or no charge to the students. With mixed feelings, I turned over the old dojo to my friend. Meanwhile, our humble group started with four students in a church office. Over the years, there have been many changes: Shortly thereafter, we were offered the opportunity to train at Momilani Rec Center (a much more suitable location!). Our membership, formerly all from our church, gradually became a diverse group comprised of folks from neighboring communities; we underwent a name change, and eventually, the Pearl City Foundation (who runs Momilani Rec Center) was kind enough to sponsor us as a part of the foundation. This is how we are able to keep your monthly charge so astonishingly low at $10/month. Ultimately, all of my prayers were answered: affordable fees, families could train together for a maximum of $20/month, excellent veteran sensei’s joined with us to share their love and knowledge of Karate-Do. I believe that HIS (HI Shotokan) Karate Foundation exists as a place where families in the community can train together at affordable rates, where sensei’s can freely share their perspective on the art, where the mind/body/spirit are developed, and where dedicated senior members can learn how to share the art in their turn. Unlike most dojos, virtually every member has or has had, family members training with them in the lineup.
During these hectic holidays, I usually take some time to look back and reflect on all of the blessings that I have received over the year and too often, take for granted. Among them, one of the greatest has been the continuing opportunity to share Karate-Do with people, young and old, who have an interest in the art. I’m sure that each sensei is thankful for having the health, time and a place to share this art that they love…but where would they be without at least one interested student? Dojo is generally defined as a training hall for martial arts. A definition that I like even better, is “a place where the Way is taught.” The particular flavor of karate we practice is Shotokan Karate-Do (as opposed to karate-jutsu). Each of the arts with the Do suffix (Karate-Do, Judo, Kendo, Aikido, etc) practices the art as a way onto a greater understanding of Life and beyond. When two or more are gathered (as in teacher and student), the essence of a dojo is formed. Thanks to each of you for the important role you play in the continuance of our dojo.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
P.S. For those unfamiliar with Lenny’s quote (which was answered by the drummer, who said, “I did, for I am Spartacus.”), I couldn’t find it in Youtube. However, the attached link is what happened seconds later, when the band – which, months earlier, had been playing in their garage – finds itself performing on national TV with their big hit (unfortunately, a one-hit wonder).