Columbus DOJO

On ko Chi Shin Respect the old ways, embrace the new. These are a few tools and training aids that we use in the dojo; some have been used for centuries and have been proven effective generation after generation. ... Some are newer within the past half century. All serve a similar purpose, to provide consistent feedback and help us improve our skills development. Being stuck in the box of tradition, for the sake of tradition, is counterproductive. We should always be seeking new and better ways to improve our skills, while honoring the classical proven methods. Garry Parker

12-19-2020: Christmas Party 12-21-2020: Closed Christmas Week. 12-29-2020: Final Class of 2020. (Training and dinner after class).... 01-02-2021: First class of 2021. As we end this rather challenging year, I would like to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude to each active member for your devotion, dedication, and loyalty to the Columbus Dojo. Thank you for being a part of our Dojo Family. As we enter our 22nd year of operation, we are truly humbled to have been entrusted to teach and share with our community; we are excited to bring in 2021 with the very best, genuine Okinawan Karate in the tri-city area. Sincerely, Garry Parker Columbus Dojo

Empty your cup. Open your mind. Enjoy the education.

Karl and Dee Braun first began training at the Columbus Dojo in 2006 while Karl was stationed at Fort Benning as a combat medic. Injuries have taken their toll ...but have not deterred karl and Dee from training consistently and dedicating themselves to consistent practice. With their own children as their very first students, Karl and Dee will be leading the newest Goshukan-Ryu Branch dojo in Missouri in the very near future. This weekend I had the distinct honor of promoting the entire Braun Family. On Saturday, Karl and Dee were promoted to Shodan and today, their children were promoted to 6kyu and 7kyu. The journey continues. Embrace every challenge. I'm proud of you all!

Maddie Honey attended the IOGKA Gasshuku for the first time in 2016, and has been dedicated to expanding her knowledge base and skills consistently with Shorin-...Ryu Shorinkan as her primary discipline. Maddie stayed at the Goshukan-Ryu USA Honbu Dojo for 6 months in 2019-20 enrolled in our uchi deshi (inner student) program, where she dedicated her time training and learning daily. In January, Maddie moved to North Carolina to continue her education as she pursues her pre-med degree. Juggling college and karate training can be challenging enough, even more when you are physically and geographically separated from the dojo; Embracing the challenge,, Maddie has remained dedicated and drives 1200 miles round trip from North Carolina to Georgia for 1-2 weeks of intensive training every month since January. What does a blackbelt cost? Years of dedication, hard work and sacrifice, and in Maddies case, 7000+ miles and 120+ hours driving in addition to travel expenses. A handful of injuries, bumps and bruises are worth mentioning as well. Maddie is opening her dojo in North Carolina as a veterans outreach program. With nearly 18 years experience under her multiple black belts, we are confident that Maddie will do a wonderful job and provide a much needed outlet for our Nation's veterans. During the past six months, Maddie has been mentored on teaching methods and has blossomed wonderfully as a dedicated student, a new teacher, an aspiring future doctor, and a vital part of our dojo family. Ganbatte kudasai Maddie san. Continue to Set your bar higher.

Durwin Worley is a life-long karate practitioner that has overcome so many obstacles and physical challenges, yet he continues to work hard and improve. A disab...led combat veteran, Durwin has practiced karate over 30 years and holds a 2-dan in Shorin-Ryu. He is always the first one at the dojo, arriving before the first class begins, and quietly stretching on the sidelines while the beginners class is in session. Durwin leads by example and always takes time to explain and mentor the junior students and training partners. For those that have been to the dojo, you will notice the mural in process in the stairwell; As the unofficial resident artist, Durwin has phenomenal talent which he freely donates to the dojo. Durwin, Congratulations on your well deserved promotion to Shodan in Goshukan-Ryu. We are happy to have you as part of our dojo family.

A few photos from Saturday training.Thank you to all who attended and taught this year. While we we impacted by covid and our attendance was small, we enjoyed ...good quality , personal instruction and as always, strengthened bonds through camaraderie. This morning we'll have our coffee, and motrin, then train a few hours for our final day. See more

1995 Okinawa Hamagawa Dojo (L) Garry Parker (R) Takamiyagi Hiroshi

Less than 3 weeks until our 21st Gasshuku. https://facebook.com/events/s/2020-iogka-national-training-c/496379984378853/?ti=as

Congratulations to all students promoted this evening! 3-Kyu: Johnny 4-Kyu: Karen 5-Kyu: Madilynn 8-Kyu: Ella

Today is testing day for kyu grades; our last testing was 6 months ago, just before the widespread shutdowns began. We persevered, pressed forward with virtual training, never closing the dojo. No matter the challenges, regardless of roadblocks and adversity - set your bar higher. Ganbatte kudasai!

We are open. We are also taking precautions. While we always welcome new members, requests must be made by appointment only. Walk-ins are not permitted at this time. Thank you for understanding, and please stay safe.

Legacy. Part 1. 22 years ago. Construction began on what was to be the very first branch dojo of Goshukan-Ryu under Takamiyagi Sensei, and the first Goshukan-Ryu Karate Dojo in the USA....Continue reading

Ho Chien By Kenji Parker

A short note about Zoom classes: For the past 4 months, we have been conducting training via zoom here at the Columbus Dojo. Initially as a substitute for in person classes, and then as an option to simulcast live training when our dojo re-opened. The blunt facts:... Zoom training is not for everyone. Practioners must have a good base level of skills, understanding of fundamentals, and familiarization with body mechanics, timing, and power generation. These concepts are best learned in person and can continually be practiced and corrected via virtual training as long as the student posesses the basic understanding of concepts listed. Practitioners must possess a strong work ethic. It takes more effort to keep up and progress when the student doesn't have the interaction of teachers, seniors and classmates. It can be frustrating to practice partner drills and applications when the student has no partner, therefore, the practitioner must be a visual learner in order to maintain skill level or progress. Beginners will struggle. In fact, I do not recommend that new karate students start training via Zoom or online classes. There is absolutely no substitute for the physical portion of training required to learn body mechanics and contact based principles. Long distance students have to work harder. The reasons why have been listed in the previous paragraphs.While zoom training provides a good alternative to not training at all, or practicing solo with no feedback and correction, it is only supplementary training. Practitioners should make every effort to arrange in person training. Our dojo provides this opportunity by scheduling quarterly workshops and Annual training camps. Summary Virtual training is parallel to live training in one aspect: Your investment of quality time and effort determines your yield of skill and progress. There are no shortcuts to improvement. Garry Parker Columbus Dojo

We have the Goshukan-Ryu Dojo creed hanging in our dojo. Several topics of final discussions are finally being addressed. Taking care of unfinished business, if you will. Last year, Takamiyagi Sensei and I were discussing the Dojo Kun and he asked if I had my dojo kun. I replied: "Yes, I have the one that you gave me in Okinawa before I left." Sensei clarified, "No. Not my dojo kun- Your dojo kun"... "What are your values? What are your principles? What do you require of your students to ensure success?" After much contemplation and with respect to my Sensei, I have written the Columbus Dojo Kun. This creed will be printed and displayed on the wall for all to read as a constant reminder for us to endeavor to constantly improve and develop ourselves to higher standards. Columbus Dojo Creed I will endeavor to cultivate DEDICATION to my art, to myself, and to consistent improvement. I will endeavor to be LOYAL to my values, and to my dojo. I will endeavor to PERSEVERE in the face of adversity, discomfort, and hardships. I will endeavor to SERVE as a righteous Ambassador for my style, my dojo, and my art. I will endeavor to PROTECT myself, my family and those that cannot protect themselves. I will endeavor to always CHALLENGE myself to consistently improve and set my bar higher. I will endeavor to provide SERVICE over self to my family, my juniors, and my community.. Set your bar higher; there are no rewards for mediocrity. Garry Parker, Columbus Dojo

Class Warmups #6 Leg Strength & Cooldown Stretch

Class Warmups #5 Calisthenics & Core Strength