Consistent determined effort, dedication, sacrifice and self discipline, ABSOLUTELY-get measurable results...
Shoreiha Dojo’s emphasis on serious, disciplined training reflects its deep roots in the traditional of the martial arts of Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. The dojo is not just a place for casual fitness or social interaction; it’s a serious institution where students are expected to commit fully to their own martial arts journey. This focus on genuine, long-term progress distinguishes Shoreiha Dojo from many other schools or recreational programs that prioritize a more relaxed approach or short-term goals.The approach described—requiring a formal interview with Sensei before acceptance—signifies that Shoreiha Dojo is mindful of the potential of the prospective student. This step ensures that each individual is mentally prepared to take on the rigorous demands of the dojo's curriculum. Sensei seeks out whether the prospective student has the mindset and character necessary for the challenges ahead. It’s not just about the physical capabilities of the student, but about mental discipline, perseverance, and the right attitude.Shoreiha Dojo's structure is designed for individuals who are serious about their martial arts development and understand that real progress takes time, effort, and dedication. By focusing on creating visible results within a relatively short time (the first three months), the dojo sets clear expectations for its students, both in terms of effort and outcomes. This isn't a place for trial and error; instead, it’s about commitment to long-term growth.The curriculum itself involves not just technical skill development but also mindfulness, respect to all others, mental fortitude, respect for tradition, and a focus on self-discipline. These are hallmarks of traditional Okinawan karate, where martial arts training is as much about shaping character as it is about perfecting technique. By not allowing casual “let’s try it out” students, Shoreiha Dojo ensures that or members are fully invested in their martial arts journey. This creates a more cohesive and serious environment where everyone shares a common goal: to progress, learn, and excel. The community becomes stronger because each student is there with focused intention and focus. In summary, Shoreiha Dojo offers much more than just a physical workout or a fun hobby. It is a place for individuals who are committed to mastering the discipline of karate, undergoing a transformative experience that develops both body and mind thereby strengthening the spirit of the practitioner in the process. The formal interview process and rigorous standards ensure that only those who are serious about the practice become part of the dojo thereby fostering an environment of dedication, respect, and continuous growth.
Consistent determined effort, dedication, sacrifice and self discipline ABSOLUTELY get measurable results...Do YOU have what it takes? If not, can you generate what it takes? When I began training 53 years ago...I DID NOT HAVE what it took...I was mindfully, though not gently guided along the way.I am here to help you develop your skills, agility, strategies for defense that can be useful in nearly any situation when you will need it the most, ask any surviving victim of a violent attack and they will tell you. We live in less than gentle world where the wolf DOES exist and may actually come for you or your family. Shockingly this can happen as you sit in your easy chair in your living room with the doors locked. After asking a locksmith which tumbler is best, he said it doesn't make a difference, "Locks, are for honest people and the bad guys will get in if they want it bad enough."Bill Gove, a pioneer in paid public speaking, told us a story I'll never forget. Just before Frank Sinatra stepped out from behind the curtain to perform, a reporter stopped him and said, "Mr. Sinatra, there are 18,000 people in the audience, are you scared?"He said," I have a hundred of hours of practice for each line of the songs I sing." He smiled and said, "I'm not SCARED, because I'm PREPARED!"...and LIFE is much the same...By focusing on creating visible results within a relatively short time (the first three months), the dojo sets clear expectations for its students, both in terms of effort and outcomes. This isn't a place for trial and error; instead, it’s about commitment to long-term growth.The curriculum itself involves not just technical skill development but also mental fortitude, respect for tradition, and a focus on self-discipline. These are hallmarks of traditional Okinawan karate, where martial arts training is as much about shaping character as it is about perfecting technique.By not allowing casual “let’s try it out” students, Shoreiha Dojo is ensuring that its members are fully invested in their martial arts journey. This creates a more cohesive and serious environment where everyone shares a common goal: to progress, learn, and excel. The community becomes stronger because each student is there with intention and focus.In summary, Shoreiha Dojo offers much more than just a physical workout or a fun hobby. It is a place for individuals who are committed to mastering the discipline of karate, undergoing a transformative experience that develops both body and mind thereby strengthening the spirit of the practitioner in the process. The formal interview process and rigorous standards ensure that only those who are serious about the practice become part of the dojo thereby fostering an environment of dedication, respect, and continuous growth.
Shoreiha Shite Dojo: Les Heri Shihan Los Angeles
Shoreiha Dojo, its teachers, students, training and curriculum are quite serious and certainly not for everyone. It IS designed to get practical results and visible progress is usually apparent within three months of training. Will you be ready for your MMA career, no you will not! You WILL however realize just how vulnerable you have been for so long, you WILL have a basic, working knowledge of how to move, how to carry yourself in public without attracting unwanted attention...AND you will begin to develop strategies of your own to reduce your risk in public. Shoreiha Dojo’s emphasis on serious, disciplined training reflects our deep roots in the tradition of the martial arts of Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. The dojo is not just a place for casual fitness or social interaction; it’s a serious institution where students are expected to commit fully to their own martial arts journey. This focus on genuine, long-term progress distinguishes Shoreiha Dojo from many other schools or recreational programs that prioritize a relaxed approach for $tudent retention with no thought given for creating the leaders we all will need in the near future. Requiring a formal interview with Sensei before acceptance—signifies that Shoreiha Dojo is mindful of the potential of the prospective student. This step ensures that each individual is mentally prepared to take on the rigorous demands of the dojo's curriculum. Sensei seeks out whether the prospective student has the mindset and character necessary for the challenges ahead. It’s not just about the physical capabilities of the student, but about mental discipline, perseverance, and the right attitude. Shoreiha Dojo's structure is designed for individuals who are serious about their martial arts development and understand that real progress takes time, effort, and dedication.
Les Heri Shihan Budo Curriculum Vitae
1972-76 Richard Chun-Eastern Karate Center NYC -Brown belt
1976-81 Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jutsu, NYC
1st Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate & Instructor Certification
1982-85 Instructor at Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jutsu, 2nd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do
1st Degree Black belt in Aiki-jitsu (joint locks)
1985-90 Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Preservation Society, NYC
Achieved 3rd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do
1989-93 American Indian Child & Family Services, Akron, NY
Karate program founder & Chief Instructor See video in next section
Developed curriculum and taught Native American children and teens
1992-93 Bally Matrix Health Spa -Williamsville, NY
Contracted Karate, Self Defense and Safety Awareness instructor
1994-2002 Tiger Dojo, NYC- Owner & Chief Instructor
Opened independent (non-franchise) karate school
2003 Okinawa Karate-do Federation Goju-kai
4th Degree Black belt and "Shihan" license by Kancho Michael Robinson
7/19/03 Battle of L.A.-National Martial Arts Championship
1st place Senior Black Belt Forms
10/19/2003 Hollywood Nationals-National Martial Arts Competition
1st place- Men's Senior Black Belt Sparring
1st place- Advanced Black Belt Weapons Competition
3rd place- Men' s Advanced Black Belt Forms
2013 Bushido Award awarded by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee
1993-2025 National & International coach, judge and referee
American Red Cross Community CPR & First Aid
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Realizing that we may be targeted at terribly inconvenient times while we are in public, are we prepared in ANY way to insure our safety? It IS very difficult to CHOOSE to honestly assess our vulnerability to a direct and purposeful physical assault upon US by a determined attacker. To me personally, it is frightening to think of a pair of hard men, just released from prison after serving decades, gazing at my daughter...Am I ready for that? Ironically, the Ostrich defense is what many intelligent people do when they realize-at the moment of extreme danger and vulnerability that we are completely unprepared.
There IS no comfort zone in the Dojo, growth or attrition will come quickly.
Sadly in the world today, incomprehensible violence is commonplace!
Remember the 3 Little Pigs and build your house on a strong foundation. 20 years of disciplined schooling to earn a Doctorate degree is a good investment for education, yet not spending one single hour practicing how to actually save your life or virtue from a violent attack, is a poor investment choice. I assure you that you will not feel comfortable when an emotionally disturbed person behind you at checkout becomes uncontrollable violent because he is chemically imbalanced from drugs or he he is off his meds. Think of the topic of Personal Self Defense training as Preventative Medicine...would it be wise to sit comfortably and wit until you hear the words Stage 4 before you move into action? We at Shoreiha Dojo are of the opinion that protecting one's LIFE is a serious matter, therefore we choose that OUR classes are not geared for recreational purposes, to have fun or to have something to do...
Our classes are NOT geared for recreational purposes, to have fun or to something to do. Shoreiha Dojo, its teachers, students, curriculum and training are quite serious and clearly is not for everyone. It IS designed to get practical results and measurable progress usually apparent within the first three months of continued consistent training. Shoreiha Dojo’s emphasis on serious, disciplined training reflects its deep roots in the traditional of the martial arts of Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. The dojo is not just a place for casual fitness or social interaction; it’s a serious institution where students are expected to commit fully to their own martial arts journey. This focus on genuine, long-term progress distinguishes Shoreiha Dojo from many other schools or recreational programs that prioritize a more relaxed approach or short-term goals.The approach described—requiring a formal interview with Sensei before acceptance—signifies that Shoreiha Dojo is mindful of the potential of the prospective student. This step ensures that each individual is mentally prepared to take on the rigorous demands of the dojo's curriculum. Sensei seeks out whether the prospective student has the mindset and character necessary for the challenges ahead. It’s not just about the physical capabilities of the student, but about mental discipline, perseverance, and the right attitude.Shoreiha Dojo's structure is designed for individuals who are serious about their martial arts development and understand that real progress takes time, effort, and dedication. By focusing on creating visible results within a relatively short time (the first three months), the dojo sets clear expectations for its students, both in terms of effort and outcomes. This isn't a place for trial and error; instead, it’s about commitment to long-term growth.The curriculum itself involves not just technical skill development but also mental fortitude, respect for tradition, and a focus on self-discipline. These are hallmarks of traditional Okinawan karate, where martial arts training is as much about shaping character as it is about perfecting technique.By not allowing casual “let’s try it out” students, Shoreiha Dojo is ensuring that its members are fully invested in their martial arts journey. This creates a more cohesive and serious environment where everyone shares a common goal: to progress, learn, and excel. The community becomes stronger because each student is there with intention and focus.In summary, Shoreiha Dojo offers much more than just a physical workout or a fun hobby. It is a place for individuals who are committed to mastering the discipline of karate, undergoing a transformative experience that develops both body and mind thereby strengthening the spirit of the practitioner in the process. The formal interview process and rigorous standards ensure that only those who are serious about the practice become part of the dojo thereby fostering an environment of dedication, respect, and continuous growth.
The, ‘let’s try it out and see if he likes it’ thinking, is not honored here.
Students are expected to be committed to their training BEFORE they are accepted into the Dojo and begin their exciting, yet demanding new journey..…a formal interview by Sensei IS required by ALL prospective students as a prerequisite to joining this class and our Dojo. For those under 18 years of age, your school grades will be discussed as we believe that successful academic performance is of paramount importance for your future. Life success is far more important than ANY recreational accolades. The average grade of Shoreiha Juniors is a B+, and the average GPA of H.S. students of Shoreiha Dojo is a 3.35. Students over 13 years of age must produce a copy of Red Cross Certification of Community (infant, child and adult) CPR and First Aid to qualify for Brown and Black Belt grading! At your interview with Heri Sensei, please be prepared to speak (for yourself) of your schedule, goals, number of classes a week you will be training year-round, and ANY activities that may interfere with your regular training schedule. Females of all ages are encouraged to join as Sensei is a big believer in Girl Power and has helped many young ladies achieve some of their goals in the realm of confidence, poise, personal discipline, safety (situational) awareness and true physical self defense skills. We welcome those who are serious about beginning the difficult and arduous journey to tackle the fears that hold us back from the potential we are all given...
By not allowing casual “let’s try it out” students, Shoreiha Dojo ensures that our members are fully invested in their personal journey in budo. This creates a more cohesive and serious environment where everyone shares a common goal: to progress, learn, and excel. The community becomes stronger because each student is there with focused intention and focus. In summary, Shoreiha Dojo offers much more than just a physical workout or a fun hobby. It is a place for individuals who are committed to mastering the discipline of karate, undergoing a transformative experience that develops both body and mind thereby strengthening the spirit of the practitioner in the process. The formal interview process and rigorous standards ensure that only those who are serious about the practice become part of the dojo thereby fostering an environment of dedication, respect, and continuous growth. Consistent determined effort, dedication, sacrifice and self discipline ABSOLUTELY get measurable results...Do YOU have what it takes? If not, can you generate what it takes? When I began training 53 years ago...I DID NOT HAVE what it took...I was mindfully, though not gently guided along the way.I am here to help you develop your skills, agility, strategies for defense that can be useful in nearly any situation when you will need it the most, ask any surviving victim of a violent attack and they will tell you. We live in a less than gentle world where the wolf DOES exist and may actually come for you or your family. Shockingly this can happen as you sit in your easy chair in your living room with the doors locked. After asking a locksmith which tumbler is best, he said it doesn't make a difference, "Locks, are for honest people and the bad guys will get in if they want it bad enough."