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Shoshin Karate-Do International

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Shoshin Karate-Do International is an established, traditional Shotokan karate school. It is JKA karate in the tradition of Master Funakoshi and Nakayama. Sensei David Johnston, 8th Dan (1937-2016), studied under noted Sensei Kanazawa, Enoida, and Yaguchi, and was formerly assistant Chief Instructor of ISKF Mountain States region, and Technical Director of the AJKA. Today, Sensei Hessam, 5th Dan and senior student to David Johnston, carries on the legacy of his teachers, and the tradition of Shotokan Karate-Do.

Expectations

As a traditional dojo, Shoshin Karate-Do insists on high standards. Seriousness is expected. One must train with utmost diligence, while observing the strict codes of etiquette inherent in traditional forms of budo. The classes here are meant to instruct, not entertain. Emphasis is placed on a continuous beginner’s mind perspective, character, etiquette, and fundamentals. Absolute…

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Karate

The adult karate program at Shoshin Karate-Do begins at 13 years of age. Unlike other activities where entry is transactional, meaning you pay to participate, karate-do is quite different. Learning traditional karate-do and entry into the dojo, is considered a privilege. Entry is not guaranteed, and remaining in the program is also subject to continuous…

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Tradition

Shoshin Karate-Do International is founded on the premise that in the beginners mind, the potential for learning and growth is significantly more, than in the mind that is closed due to believing it already knows. As such, practitioners of this school hearken back to an older time when Karate was practiced as a method of…

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Testimonials

“Joining a right dojo was very important to me. I was looking for a traditional approach to karate-do; one with the emphasis on both mental and physical aspect of the art. I was looking for a serious group dedicated to life-long practice and a sensei that was both experienced and well versed in traditional Shotokan practices.

I visited several locations and was quite disappointed in what I saw happened to a coveted martial art. I saw many strip-mall locations catering to anyone who wanted to learn how to kick and punch and get to a desired color belt as soon as possible. I saw sensei who were there for the fee and didn’t care much about the basic tenets of the art, focusing on pleasing the students and advancing their own agenda. It was so different from what I remembered from the past, it really turned me off.

… until I found Shoshin and sensei Hessam. All of a sudden, everything clicked, everything fell into place, as if I transported myself to the previous century when I practiced with real and serious karateka. I found a new home for my craft; I found a new family with my fellow karateka and I couldn’t be happier with my mental and physical results.

If you are serious about the martial art and see well beyond the sport and physical prowess, if you want to gain self-confidence, mental clarity, peacefulness and re-learn how to look at life in general, Shoshin school is just for you.”

-Jan R.

“My sons and I were divinely led to this dojo and to Sensei Hessam, during quarantine. Under the restrictions and limitations of Covid, Sensei inspired everyone to join together in a park for training. In such a short period, we became a family. We trained, we focused, we thrived and together, we emerged from the challenges of living during a pandemic.

It has been and continues to be, a life-changing gift for each of us, every day. Sensei leads and guides us with true character, strength and wisdom while honoring and adhering to the true and traditional way of Master Funakoshi. He is a daily, wonderful reminder, that a Beginner’s Mind will navigate us on an amazing, internal journey of self development and growth.

I am a mother of two boys and the three of us practice together with this extraordinary group of people. I feel so grateful for Sensei, our fellow karateka and this remarkable gift of karate-do.”

– Sandy F.

More Testimonials

“If you’re looking for real, traditional Shotokan karate-do, this is the place. This is not entertainment. This not sport karate. This is pure, unadulterated Shotokan karate as practiced by the preeminent, old school Japan karate association.”

– Hessam B.

“As an out-of-state visitor, I came to Shoshin at the strong recommendation of instructors from back home. Sensei Hessam’s instruction is just what I look for and need in order to grow as a shotokan karate student: consistent emphasis on foundational concepts, repetition, ideas to solidify basics, awareness of each student’s strengths and needs for improvement, creative combinations that cover multiple stances and techniques. I appreciated both the rigor and the encouragement in class. Thank you again, Sensei Hessam! I’m grateful that I now have a go-to dojo for training when I’m away from home and in the area. I’ll be back!”

– Monica S.

Shoshin

(n.) The practice of living life with wonder.

Recent Posts

  • Shotokan, the Art of Fortitude January 29, 2023
  • Living Between Fear and Hypocrisy December 29, 2022
  • Application Drives Technique December 3, 2022
  • The Way We Were November 23, 2022
  • Dear Sensei November 11, 2022
  • Here We Go Again October 28, 2022
  • A Time for Peace, a Time for War October 12, 2022
  • Shotokan VS. Karate October 11, 2022

Location of Dojo

30850 Rancho Viejo Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 694-1826

About Us

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. "
   - Shunryu Suzuki

"When you think of yourself as an expert you have stopped learning. A white belt can be dyed any color at all; a black belt cannot."
   - Sensei David Johnston

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