Some kids might sign up for their first karate class because they want to learn how to kick butt, but at D-Dojo : The School of Modern Japanese Karate, one of the first creeds they learn is “Kekki no yuu imashimuru koto.” It means “refrain from violent behavior!” Students are taught the creeds of D-Dojo, which radiate as the background for all study at this officially recognized branch of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation.
Established by former World and National Karate Champion Igor Dyachenko, the dojo teaches a blend of various martial arts disciplines in efforts to prepare students for the modern karate climate. After years of training students as a private instructor, Igor finally took the advice of his students and colleagues and opened a dojo modeled after his respected credo and teaching style.
Igor himself practices Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai as a supplement to his regular karate training in order to become a complete fighter. He believes that knowledge of other martial arts techniques helps to achieve a new, modern approach to the teaching and practicing of karate.
“We offer to our students a blend of the authentic method of karate as a martial art form and the unique modern techniques that will lead them to another level” stresses Igor. Sean Stock, a 15-year-old student at D-Dojo is convinced that the merging of concentrations gives him an edge over the competition, “I win more often in the modern competitions because I’m better prepared than my opponents.”
Along with the type of training one can receive at D-Dojo, Igor’s style of teaching has been continuously praised by others.
His unique system of training helps improve sports skills at all levels and keeps his students in good health. Sean explains how “Sensei will verbally and visually explain to his students all the little details and demonstrate the right positions and moves. [Sensei] also closely follows the students’ mistakes, and gives instructions on how to create the proper execution.” Students learn the intricacies of the sport in order to become more complete fighters and in the process learn to respect the ancient art form of Karate and its evolution into modern times.While Sean and other students of D- Dojo have grown accustomed to winning competitions, they understand that winning is not the most important thing. Rounding out the “Dojo-Kun,” the Creed, students are taught to seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor, and respect others. So while Sean may have initially come to D-Dojo to learn to fight and defend himself, he now leaves every workout understanding what it is to be a respectful, healthy, and wellrounded athlete.
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For more info: D-Dojo 151 West 26th Street. 5th Floor. New York, New York, 10001 www.d-dojo.org
