Traditional Okinawan Karate

A great dojo. A great teacher. I’ve been there around a decade and it is, without question, my favorite place in NYC. Highly recommended.

I have been a member of this dojo for about 15 years. Throughout that time, I have been a student, assistant, and now an instructor. Not only has Mr. Donovan, the head instructor, taught me martial arts, but he has been a life mentor. Because of him and the other supportive teaching staff and students, I have a wonderful community that I can lean on inside and outside the dojo. The pedagogy at this dojo is exemplary. The teaching staff caters to the individual needs of students so all people are truly welcome here and anyone can learn martial arts through their teaching methods. If you’re thinking of trying out karate for the first time or want to take up martial arts practice again, this is the dojo you have been looking to join.

I have not trained at this Dojo but I have trained with Mr. Donovan at numerous seminars. Mr. Donovan is an awesome teacher. He has a candor and wit that makes learning Karate fun. His attention to technique and getting the best out of a student is awesome. If you're in the Brooklyn area, I would highly recommend visiting his Dojo and take a free class. It will change your life for the better.

My 5-year-old daughter has been going here for a year, and it has been *wonderful*. The teachers are kind, clear, and communicative, and it’s been both a great learning experience and a great community. Testing is never scary for her, but always a chance to prove how much she’s learning (so she’s inspired to practice). I also appreciate how friendly it is for women and LBGTQ people, which comes through in the total lack of macho nonsense from teachers and students- it’s welcoming to everyone!

This school provides a truly well-rounded martial arts education and deep learning opportunity. I always get a great workout which improves my endurance as well as my focus and attitude. The techniques are taught in a way that makes their practicality apparent, and makes you want to work and get better. The head instructor passes down from his own teacher a sincere interest in the history of the style and of martial arts in general, and encourages students to understand the material in context rather than simply to learn and replicate it from a narrow perspective. The most striking element of this school for me is the sense of community and mutual support among all students as well as teaching staff. Everyone is encouraged and guided according to our own skill level, body type, and individual strengths; and mutual respect and courtesy are paramount. A diversity of instructors provide rich perspective, and students are encouraged to utilize this diversity toward our training. Hats off and gratitude to Mr. Donovan and everyone here for maintaining a safe space for serious and accessible training whose transformative benefits are shown in all areas of life.