Regular classes are 1-2 hours and often include the following elements (in various orders and configurations):
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- Exercises for joints, tissues, and circulation
- Stretching, strengthening, endurance and balance
- Technique development
- Partner training for distancing, timing, and mechanics
- Kata that incorporate all of the above
When one leaves the dojo, they should feel healthier and more energized than when they arrived. They should also leave challenged to practice some improvement in their training, attitude and outlook. Our training is not competitive, rather each member takes their own journey at their own pace. People bring different mental and physical talents and dispositions to training. As such, they will experience a different set of challenges as they pursue growth. While it may sound cliché, it is truly the journey one takes as they strive for improvement that brings positive benefit. The longer one trains in Karatedo Doshinkan, the more they realize they have left to learn. Increasing rank carries with it a proportional measure of humility.
The Spokane Valley Dojo is led by Shihan 7 Dan Eric Jurasin. He continues to attend special trainings with Hanshi 10 Dan Fujimoto-Stock Masako. Alongside his journey in Doshinkan, Shihan Eric is principal at a small, project-based high school. In the dojo and at school, he is passionate about cultivating a healthy, positive learning community. People often ask him, “have you ever had to use your training?” to which his response is always, “every single day.” While training does prepare one for self-defense, it also keeps the body and mind tuned up. Regular training minimizes, avoids, and mitigates many of life’s challenges.
Interested in trying Karatedo Doshinkan? Read the Getting Started FAQ to review answers to questions people often ask as they consider training.
