Victor Matos - 1st Degree Black Belt
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Sergey Daniyelyan - 1st Degree Black Belt
I trained in Shotokan for about a year with a different organization. JKA of NY puts a much stronger emphasis on the basics, builds you up before allowing more complex and challenging techniques, cares genuinely for the well being of the participants and fosters a strong communal spirit and an atmosphere of the utmost respect. Also, I brought my daughter to the dojo when she was 9 years old because I realized that training karate under Sensei Mori and other instructors was an amazing opportunity for her to learn discipline, respect and useful self-defense skills. I would recommend it highly. If you are looking to improve your mental focus, better concentrate your energy, get a very challenging and rewarding physical workout, and elevate your confidence and sense of self-worth, this is the place to be.
Caren Heller - 3rd Degree Black Belt [Training 25 years]
I used to train in Chicago years ago, which was more innovative but less structured. The JKA of NY offers a traditional, structured approach to learning karate that provides an environment where hard work will lead to success. The instructors and community really want everyone to advance and work with you to make sure that happen. If you show up and want to learn and advance, then you will, perhaps not at the same pace as others, but eventually you will advance to a black belt. Karate is a great activity for a girl or woman of any age. It is empowering by training a woman to have more control of her body and to develop its strengths, and strengthens her mind so that she is able to admit how capable she is and face opponents with determination. The NY dojo creates a secure and supportive environment to allow a girl or woman to achieve her potential, and it's wonderful to see this happen!
Katherine Demartini - 2nd Degree Black Belt [Training 13 years]
JKA NY is a great place to train. The organization is very committed to a traditional approach to and training karate and the community is so close knit and welcoming. The camps — particularly summer camp — are some of my favorite experiences. In addition to dynamic and top notch instruction, you meet karate practitioners from all over the US and world.
Christian Arffmann - 1st Degree Black Belt [Training 20 years]
The JKA is my home for a spiritual workout like no other. It has been a place where I have learned discipline, and self respect. It has truly shaped my character. You cannot respect yourself if you do not “respect others”. I love my home dojo, and all my friends in the JKA at large. That is why I have so enjoyed attending JKA events, especially the camp! I trained under the late Sensei Masatska Mori, 9th Dan. He taught us traditional karate to build character, and inner strength. He passed his techniques on to his future instructors. Now they teach in our dojo. I would not train anywhere else in the world. Arigato Sensei !
Etienne Kouakou - 2nd Degree Black Belt [Training 40 years]
One of the thinks that make JKA SKDI a great place to train are the monthly instructor training classes. Those who attend have the opportunity to intermingle with members of dojos from different states in a collegial atmosphere. Two other reasons are the dedication of individual students as well as the affordable monthly dues. I would definitely recommend New York JKA because the monthly dues are affordable and the instructors are knowledgeable and professional.