Learn more about the Holt Dojo
	Holt Dojo Information Packet (PDF)
	Class Schedule (PDF)
	Youth Program
	Adult Program
	Dojo Manners & Rules

About Our Dojo

Since 2003, the Original Okinawan Karate of Holt dojo (school) has offered instruction in the Shido-kan style of Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do under the leadership of Mark McCloud, 5th Dan. Our school is a direct dojo (Shibu dojo) under Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan.

What are the benefits of studying karate?

Regular karate practice offers many healthful benefits including increased:

• Focus, mental concentration and energy
• Ability to handle stress
• Strength, balance, flexibility and coordination
• Patience and self-confidence
• Respect for self and others
• Discipline and Goal Setting
• Strategies to help individuals deal with difficult and challenging situations
• Leadership
• Teamwork and Cooperation

The ultimate goal of karate study is physical and mental self-improvement.
While doing warm-up drills, kata (individual exercises), kumite (controlled 2-person exercises) and bunkai (4-5 person applications of kata) people learn to control, strengthen and balance their growing bodies, focus their active minds, and work cooperatively with others. In the process, they will also discover powerful ways to beat stress and ultimately feel good about themselves.

What will you find in our classes?

Class instruction takes into account the abilities of each individual, taking into consideration their age, size, strength, skill level, personality, and any personal limitations. Learning is step-by-step and advances in difficulty only when a student is ready. Everyone starts by learning basic combinations of kicks, punches and blocks through the practice of drills and basic kata. When a student can demonstrate they have learned their current level of skills, new and more complex kata, drills and exercises are added.

Karate may be practiced at a wide range of ages. We realize children learn in different ways and at different paces based on age and experience, we offer many class options to optimally meet their needs. Visit the following links to learn more specifics about the youth and adult programs:

• Youth Program
• Adult Program

Because the focus of Shido-kan karate is on self-improvement, not competition, students are taught to cooperate with and learn from their partners—helping each other and paying attention to each other’s needs. Throughout all lessons it is emphasized that the objective of learning karate is not to cause injury to others but to prevent and avoid violence through self-control.

Come and try a complimentary week of lessons!

We welcome you to come and try a class for yourself. New students are welcome to join in at any time. We run our programs year round. Each individual brings something unique to our class. Come join us and share the experience! We hope to see you soon!