Columbus Dojo

SHURI-TE KARATE . WU ZU QUAN . RYUKYU KOBUDO

CLASSICAL MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. AGES 6+

Since 1999, The COLUMUS DOJO has enriched the lives of our students through the practice of traditional Martial Arts in the Chattahoochee Valley areas of Columbus, Fort Benning, Phenix City,

USA HEADQUARTERS

COLUMBUS DOJO is the NORTH AMERICAN HQ for Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Karate; we facilitate instruction and administer credentialing to our member dojos on a local and national level.  

COLUMBUS DOJO hosts multiple Regional and National training events every year, including the IOGKA Goshukan Gasshuku -National Training Camp – for Goshukan-Ryu Karate.

Quarterly training events include IOGKA member workshops and Goshukan-Ryu Instructors Professional Development training.

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Our Dojo is the Center of Japanese/Okinawan Cultural Preservation in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas; we are a non-profit organization focused on the development of each member, with classical martial arts instruction, Japanese language, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa and Japan.

We provide opportunities to learn Japanese language with bi-monthly workshops, and we conduct our classes bi-lingually in both English and Japanese. The Columbus Dojo hosts celebrations and observances of Japanese holidays with activities such as mochi-tsuki and Okinawa Eisa Taiko performances.

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FAMILY FOCUSED 

Families train at our dojo – All members are considered part of our dojo family. We feel passionately about emphasizing the family bond throughout every aspect, to every member.

STAFF

Our All-Volunteer Staff Instructors are internationally certified through the IOGKA- Zen Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Karate Renmei in Okinawa, Japan; each Instructor brings  a deep base of knowledge, and decades of experience.

Sensei Garry Parker – Director/Chief Instructor 

39 years experience

Kyoshi, 7-Dan (Master Instructor 7th Degree)

Goshukan-Ryu Karate Kobudo since 1990

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Sensei Izumi Shimabukuro-Parker – Senior Instructor

 23 years experience

Renshi, 5-Dan (Licensed Instructor 5th Degree)

Goshukan-Ryu Karate since 1999

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SENSEI KENJI PARKER – CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

15 years experience

Shidoin, 3-Dan (Certified Instructor 3rd Degree)

Goshukan-Ryu Karate since 2008

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US:

“The Weaver family has been very blessed to have found this dojo. It is obvious that the Instructors are very experienced and knowledgeable and they’ve created a familly atmosphere for students to feel comfortable and cared for. My two sons (ages 5 & 13) have learned and gained so much since joining the Columbus Dojo 1-1/2 years ago. Everyone here is treated fairly and professionally.

It was unfortunate that we had to move across the nation, but we plan to travel back for annual camps. Not only did we make great friends during our time there, but they all became family. “

Doug & Candace Weaver, Fort Benning, Georgia.

“Family oriented, we love it here!”

Tommie H. Columbus, Georgia

“Amazing Sensei and Senpai/Instructors! They are down to earth but know how to train. They really get the kids moving and involved, and help make the parents feel like they are part of the team here. A great experience for my kiddos, they love the Instructors here.”

David Harrell, Fort Benning, Georgia

Shihan Garry Parker teaches no-nonsense karate that is for the serious student. IfD were living in Columbus, GA, and wanting to learn real, effective, karate, I would be training in his Dojo”

Don Dike, 9th Dan, Shorin-Ryu Karate/Kobudo.  Illinois.

“I had the privelege to train with Sensei Parker. The power and detail to technique demonstrated as well as Sensei’s passion for karate was …. eye opening. Recommended for anyone wanting a true martial art experience!”

Jerry Leverett Jr,  5th Dan, Matsubayashi-Ryu. Florida

“Training with Garry Parker Sensei is what true Okinawan Karate should be like. His authentic system will provide his students an incredible foundation of a life study that is second to none. Parker Sensei’s teaching approach is with passion for his art and caring and compassion for his students. If you’re interested in training with a true professional with exceptional credentials, this is the right dojo for you.”
Mark Spear 7th Dan Reihokan Shorin-Ryu. Connecticut

“Where do I begin without first telling you what a great parent and husband he is after staying in his home with his newborn son and three daughters. It truly made me appreciate him as a man. As a Karate instructor there is no equal in the Columbus Ga region. Sensei Parker is a magnificent instructor with a nose for correcting and properly showing true old school Karate. No if’s and’s or but’s he is a true Budoka and lives and breathes the art day in and out. I consider Sensei Parker my brother, my friend and my Okinawan Goshukan Sensei.”
Michael Mitchell 6th Dan Matsubayashi Ryu. Florida

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FAQ

Q.  What is different about the COLUMBUS DOJO?  Why should I train here?

A.  We keep our class sizes small with a high instructor to student ratio;  With professional,  highly experienced instructors that take the time to listen and guide each student personally, you’ll never have to worry about being lost in the crowd.  Perhaps you are undecided if you would rather have personalized instruction from seasoned, skilled, and caring professionals, instead of being part of the crowd in a large franchise school; the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with us, then you may draw your own conclusion.

Q.  Is the Columbus Dojo an accredited and genuine karate school?

A.  Yes, in addition to our team of certified black belt instructors, Our Chief Instructor is Internationally certified and recognized as the senior Goshukan-Ryu authority outside of Japan, and holds teaching licenses and master certification from his teacher and HQ in Okinawa, Japan.  The Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Columbus Dojo is the United States Honbu (HQ) appointed by Takamiyagi Hiroshi-Hanshi, of the Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Karate-Kobudo Honbu Dojo in Okinawa, Japan.

Q.  What type of martial arts can I learn at the Columbus Dojo?

A.  Our primary art is Goshukan-Ryu Karate, a fusion Okinawa Shuri-Te Karate, and Wu Zu Quan (Five Ancestor Kenpo); traditional weapons are also taught to select students in the forms of Ryukyu Kobudo (Okinawan Weaponry).

 Q.  I have lots of choices; what sets you apart from the rest?

A.  Many martial arts schools have to answer this question; In fact, it seems to be THE selling point for the schools.  There will be lists of benefits accompanied by ‘testimonials’ by parents, students, and peers, and all of them claim to be the Best.

The truth is..ALL Martial Arts training have benefits; the approach is what differs in most cases.  While it is true that certain styles of martial arts offer benefits specifically detailed to a particular style, the individual Instructors ultimately determine the details of the particular benefits offered in their own school.

Q.  What is your vision for teaching and training me? How can I be assured that I will be able to grow and progress?

•  Our purpose at the Columbus Dojo is to lead every student, and teach them to constantly challenge themselves to a higher level by consistently setting and achieving goals.
• We require good character first – before membership is granted.  We take our responsibility as Karate teachers very seriously; bad attitude, ego, and arrogance are unwelcome.
• We believe that the most important trophy is your life, and we train accordingly. We believe the old maxim “Train as if your life depends on it, someday it will”.
• We are a professional dojo with structured curriculum taught by our certified and licensed instructors. All Instructors are experienced Adult black belts.
• Everyone sets their own learning pace, and advances according to the amount of effort given.
• Rank is earned, not given.  There is no timeline given for automatic promotion.  Train hard, get results.
• We, as a dojo, are family. Students are treated as family members, not simply customers.
• We train for life; not only protection of life, but longevity and health through consistent training.
• We are not a tournament school; we are a traditional Karate Dojo.

Are you simply searching for the next conquest or trophy?  

OR

 Are you ready to change your life?

There are no eye-catching ‘selling points’ here.  This is simply information regarding our philosophy of training and teaching traditional Okinawan Karate.  Decide for yourselves if this is what you seek.