Contrary to popular belief, the term Dojo is not a Japanese word for a gym or martial arts studio. Written in Kanji (a system of Japanese writing using Chinese characters), it means “a place of the way.” It means that a dojo is any place, physical structure or otherwise, where somebody is practicing the way that would lead to enlightenment.

In that sense, Goran’s Karate Dojo is the place where -- in addition to improving health and developing our self-defense skills -- we will develop courtesy, manners and etiquette, respect, self-discipline, self-control, patience, compassion, courage, and wisdom, which will consequently lead to a clearer understanding of ourselves, our existence, and the world around us.

Chojun Miyagi Sensei (1888-1953), teaching karate in Okinawa (circa 1930)