Sensei Erik LarsenWe are a traditional Shotokan Karate-Do school. Our classes are open to anyone regardless of affiliation. Karate is the art of unarmed self-defense. Karate-Do is a Japanese phrase meaning Kara-empty, te-hand, do-way, or the way of the empty hand. Karate is a centuries old martial art, formally introduced in Japan by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Since the 1950’s, karate has been practiced throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Karate is an excellent exercise, utilizing 90% of the body’s muscles. The mental aspects are as important as the physical. The main objective of karate training is development of character, although karate is also a practical and effective self-defense system.

I began my karate training in 1973at the age of 4 with Sensei Paul Godshaw of the Japan Karate-Do Federation in Mission Viejo, CA. I have been training in the martial arts for 38 years and currently hold the rank of Roku-Dan (6^th degree black belt) through the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF). I am also the Western Regional Director for the International Martial Arts Federation.  I am also a member of the American Japan Karate Association International (AJKA-I).  I have studied karate with many of the greatest martial artists of Japan and around the world, and I have competed in several U.S. national championships. Being an elementary school teacher and a lifelong martial artist, I have been able to combine my skills to teach karate. I have recently moved out to the Temecula Valley to open a dojo here in 2009.

Your choice of instructor will be the most important decision you make with regard to your karate. Do not make it lightly, or base it on superficial things such at distance from your home. Sensei may be part of your life or your child's life for many years to come, and it is worth an extra five minute drive to study karate with a sensei of exemplary character who will bring out the absolute best in his students. Remember the most important thing is how good your instructor can make you, not how good they are. “The test of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask his students that they can answer readily, but how many questions he will inspire them to ask him that he finds difficult to answer.”