Please watch this video to learn the dojo rules and etiquette here at Zen Martial Arts Center in Sacramento. To learn more about Zen Martial Arts and the traditions of Isshinryu Karate, please visit https://ZenMartial.com
Why We Chose to Focus on Progress, Not Promotions, for Our Young Martial Artists
I just read an article about an 8-year-old earning their 3rd degree karate black-belt. Let’s face it. In the eyes of the uninitiated public, the karate black-belt is a joke, and for good reason. For decades, martial arts school owners have gotten the advice of “industry consultants” that have prioritized profits over teaching. Some of these high profile consultants literally …
The Meaning of Isshinryu
I was recently asked by a student to expound upon the name and meaning of our system of karate, Isshinryu. These thoughts reflect my own understanding of Isshinryu at this point in my short 24 years of training. They are in no way meant to be a universal definition of what Isshinryu means. The name of our system is Isshinryu …
Sacramento Karate Student Organizes Kata-Than to Raise Money for Sacramento Food Bank
Young Emmet is a student at Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento where he practices Isshinryu (One-Heart Method) Karate. Putting compassion into practice is a large part of what students do at Zen Martial Arts. Here, Emmet explains his Kata-Thon project with funds raised going to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. You can particiape and donate directly by visiting: …
Zen Martial Arts Helps During Sacramento Teacher Strike
As schools are closed during the Sacramento teacher / staff strike, Zen Martial Arts and Elevate Youth Academy have opened their program up for young students that need a safe place to be and have fun while their parents are working! For more information about our After School Program, Summer Camps, and Martial Arts classes, visit our website at https://zenmartial.com
Zen Martial Arts Indoor Mask Policy (2/16/22)
In accordance with the current mandates, masks are now optional for certain students/families in the dojo. Mike Oliver explains what you can expect with this change.
Birth of the One Heart Challenge
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” In 2011 and 2012 I had the honor of connecting with Tom Callos and a project that he started called the 100 and the Ultimate Black Belt Test. The idea (if I can be so presumptuous as to summarize it) was to bring 100 like-minded black-belts …
Sacramento Karate Student’s Garage Sale for Front Street Animal Shelter
Young Elise, a student at Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento, is hosting a garage sale in order to raise money for the Front Street Animal Shelter. The Front Street Animal Shelter is an open municipal shelter serving the City of Sacramento. They are responsible for providing animal control services and the investigation of animal cruelty. Every karate student at Zen …
Sacramento Karate Student’s Lemonade Stand for St. John’s Program
Young Kirana, a student at Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento, is hosting a lemonade stand in order to raise money for Saint John’s Program for Change. St John’s Program for Real Change is a Sacramento agency which helps women and children in crisis escape homelessness, poverty, and abuse through provision of housing, job skills, training, and employment opportunities. Every karate …
Can Kids Earn a Black-Belt?
Let’s face it. In the eyes of the uninitiated public, the karate black-belt is a joke, and for good reason.