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Saru Mo Ki Kara Ochiru — Even Monkeys Fall from Trees 猿も木から落ちる

Mastery does not make us immune to failure; rather it moves failure to the very ground where we feel most secure. For the karateka, this is not a counsel of despair but a discipline: to expect the fall, to refuse to fear it, and to rise with composure intact.

June 2026 Rank Testing

The June 2026 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, June 20th. All Kyu ranks (both adults and kids) will be testing. This event will also include students from the Blackbelt Selection Group for 2026, including both adults and teens.

Bushi Ni Nigon Wa Nai — A Karateka Does Not Speak Twice 武士に二言はない

Our word, once given, does not need changing. It is the integrity that binds together our duty and our community — and, just as importantly, the quiet discipline of saying a thing once, and well.

Nen — Mindfulness 念 [edition 2026]

Nen is the fundamental power of the "now mind" sharpening focus and increasing mindfulness. Nen helps us do the "right thing" and to stay at our peak levels of performance.

Tekizai Tekisho — The Right Person in the Right Place 適材適所

Tekizai Tekisho is the principle of the right material in the right place. We most often hear it as putting the right person in the right role — but it presents additional layers of significance.

Memorial Day Holiday 2026

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday beginning on Friday, May 22nd. Regularly-scheduled classes resume on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Fudoshin — The Ready Mind 不動心 [edition 2026]

Fudoshin is the ready mind that makes us mentally, physically, and emotionally immovable. With fudoshin, the karateka is implacable, unmoved by the forces around him. Readiness permeates our mind, and our environment.

Blackbelt Selection 2026

Blackbelt Testing is an annual event that lasts several months and culminates in Blackbelt Week in the Fall. The key dates for Selection in 2026 have been announced.

Wabisabi — The Beauty of Transience and Imperfection 侘び寂び [edition 2026]

Beauty is an important concept in karatedō that is often overlooked. Wabisabi helps to synthesize the key components of beauty.

Golden Week 2026: Dojo Spring Break

This year, the Dojo Spring Break runs from Saturday, May 2nd to Saturday, May 9th, 2026. Classes resume on Monday, May 11th, 2026.

April 2026 Rank Testing

The April 2026 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, April 25th. Students in all four Kids Divisions as well as Adult students will be testing on this day.

Advanced Brown Belt Review Class: Adults, Blackbelt Teens

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts and Shonen Shodan have their last review class of 2026 to prepare for blackbelt selection.

Hana Yori Dango — Dumplings over Flowers 花より団子 [edition 2026]

Substance over style, necessities over luxuries. Karatedō teaches us to deeply consider true value and to prefer it to empty cosmetics and shallow things and people. A karateka is a man or woman of substance, as well as style — but substance first.

Advanced Brown Belt Review Class: Adults, Teens, Youth

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts and Shonen Shodan will have a review class available to prepare for blackbelt selection. This is the second of several planned review classes in 2026 and the only one for Youth Division students.

Parents Guide: Goals — Mokuteki 目的

Once Identity and Purposes are defined, the real payoff happens: Goals can be designed, tasks specified, and real-world results happen.

Easter Holiday Schedule 2026

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Easter holiday.

🔊Listen Now: Wa 和 — Harmony

Listen to the meditation shodo lecture on the importance of balance and harmony in every aspect of life.

Wa — Harmony 和 [edition 2026]

Harmony is the basis of happiness and a good life — and a solid foundation for karatedō.

Women's Self Defense Seminar 2026 Moves to May 16

The 2026 edition of the award-winning Goju Karate Women's Self Defense Seminar has been Rescheduled to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

🔊Listen Now: Muda 無駄 Muri 無理 Mura 斑 — Economy of Effort

Listen to the meditation shodo lecture on the importance and impact of economy of motion, economy of action, and economy of movement.

Muda 無駄 Muri 無理 Mura 斑 — Economy of Effort

Economy of effort underlies every aspect of training karatedō on the dojo floor, but it also underlies all the aspects of working to become better versions of ourselves in every part of our life.

Parents Guide: Ikigai — Purpose 生き甲斐

Once you have a clear idea of your Identity, then you can begin the process of finding and stating your Purpose. Purposes arise from Identity, and power Goals.

🔊Listen Now: Kizuna — Community 絆

Kizuna represents the community that is our dojo, and the bonds that we form and nurture with our fellow karateka. But it also represents the greater communities we inhabit outside the dojo.

Kizuna — Community 絆 [edition 2026]

Kizuna represents the community that is our dojo, and the bonds that we form and nurture with our fellow karateka. But it also represents the greater communities we inhabit outside the dojo.

🔊Listen Now: Zanshin — Awareness 残心

Awareness is a key skill that we train and practice in karatedō. The high level of attention to detail that awareness brings us is a superpower.

Zanshin — Awareness 残心 [edition 2026]

Awareness is a key skill that we train and practice in karatedō. The high level of attention to detail that awareness brings us is a superpower.

February 2026 Rank Testing Postponed to March 7

Due to the Blizzard of 2026 in New York City, the February 2026 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, February 28th. Students in all four Kids Divisions as well as Adult students will be testing on this day.

Blizzard Day: All Dojo Classes Canceled Today

Classes are canceled due to the record-setting blizzard that continues to produce intense winds and snow today.

Women's Self Defense Seminar 2026

The 2026 edition of the award-winning Goju Karate Women's Self Defense Seminar returns on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Garden State Karate Championships 2026

The Garden State Karate Championships will be held on February 15th, 2026 in central New Jersey.

February 2026 Rank Testing

The February 2026 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, February 28th. Students in all four Kids Divisions as well as Adult students will be testing on this day.

Presidents Day Holiday Week + Winter Break 2026

Goju Karate will celebrate President's Day and the Dojo Winter Break beginning on Saturday, February 14th. Classes Resume Monday, February 23rd.

🔊Listen Now: Putting It All Together — The Cycle of 4

The 2026 edition of the fourth and concluding shodo meditation lecture from the Cycle of Four is now available

🔊Listen Now: Mokuteki — Goals 目的

The third 2026 shodo meditation lecture from the Cycle of Four on Mokuteki — Goals 目的 — is now available

🔊Listen Now: Ikigai — Purpose for Living 生き甲斐

The second 2026 shodo meditation lecture from the Cycle of Four on Ikigai — Purpose 生き甲斐 — is now available

First Advanced Brown Belt Review Class 2026

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts and Shonen Shodan will have a review class available to prepare for blackbelt selection. This is the first of several planned review classes to be held in 2026.

🔊Listen Now: Jibunrashisa — Identity 自分らしさ

The first 2026 shodo meditation lecture from the Cycle of Four on Jibunrashisa — Identity 自分らしさ — is now available

Mokuteki — Goals 目的 [edition 2026]

Goals are the lighthouses of our ambition, guiding our daily actions so that we move towards achieving our ultimate life purposes. Goals are the building blocks that we can use to build our purpose in life.

Parents Guide: Jibunrashisa — Identity 自分らしさ

Having a clear statement of Identity is a powerful tool in determining purposes and goals. Working on the exercise of writing an Identity Statement is the first step in seeking self-improvement and achieving goals.

Parents Guide: Cycle of Four

The Cycle of Four is designed to teach and provide tools for karateka to define their identity, discover their purposes, and plan goals and tasks to accomplish meaningful results.

Ikigai — Purpose for Living 生き甲斐 [edition 2026]

To have a purpose for living is the true measure of a satisfied and rich life; rather than striving for happiness, strive for purpose.

Tsuki Zue Jo Kata: Enbusen and Commentary

A complete discussion of the enbusen for the jo weapons kata Tsuki Zue is now available in the Goju Students section.

Sanseru: Enbusen and Commentary

A complete discussion of the enbusen for the blackbelt kata Sanseru is now available in the Goju Students section.

Cycle of Four 2026: The January Meditations

Every year, the dojo presents a unique cycle of four meditation+shodo lectures during the first four weeks of January. They set the tone for the rest of the year, exploring identity, purpose, goals, and the tools and tactics necessary to achieve those goals. This is the 2026 edition.

Jibunrashisa — Identity 自分らしさ

Our identity is the cornerstone upon which our purposes rest, and the foundation of our goals and aspirations. Having a complete and clear sense of our identity is a core part of being a karateka.

Kagami Biraki Behind the Scenes: Making the Shikiski Board

Where does the shikishi board that holds the message of Kagami Biraki come from? This is an in-depth look behind the scenes of the making of the board itself.

LAST CALL: Holiday Fund 2025

The 2025 Holiday Fund donation drive is now in its final phase – if you haven't already contributed, please give generously.

2026 Dojo Calendar Announced

The 2026 Dojo Events Calendar has been released -- learn how to add the calendar to your phone, tablet, or computer.

This Saturday: Kagami Biraki 2026

The traditional dojo-wide group workout will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Join millions of other karateka throughout the world in celebrating our karatedō together.

Happy 2026! Classes Resume Monday, January 5th

As the New Year begins, classes resume on Monday, January 5th, 2026, with many exciting events and surprises planned for an amazing year to come.

Christmas 2025 and New Year's Holiday Schedule

The dojo is excited to celebrate the Christmas and New Year's Holidays as 2025 draws to a close and we prepare for an amazing 2026.

Dojo Holiday Party 2025

The 2025 edition of the annual Goju Karate Dojo Christmas Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 13th.

The Holiday Fund 2025 BONUS

This year, the 2025 Holiday Fund donation drive offers a special bonus to the top donor.

Koenkai 2026 Meeting

The Koenkai 2026 Meeting will be held immediately following Kagami Biraki on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Kagami Biraki 2026

The traditional dojo-wide group workout will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Join millions of other karateka throughout the world in celebrating our karatedō together.

Karatedō Gift Certificates: The Spectacular Gift

Need a last-minute present? Or a spectacular gift that will impress and delight? Consider giving the gift of karatedō.

December 2025 Rank Testing

The December 2025 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, December 13th. All Kyu ranks (adults and kids) will be testing.

Holiday Fund 2025

The 2025 Holiday Fund donation drive has begun – please give generously. Your dojo community is counting on you and your support.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule 2025

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, starting on Tuesday, November 25th to Saturday November 29th.

The Official 2025 Tournament T-Shirt

Every year, the dojo produces a limited edition t-shirt design for the NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament. This year's design features a key concept in karatedō.

Schedule Changes In Support of the 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championships

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament is on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025, at Goju Karate. As a result, a few schedule changes are planned in support of the Tournament.

Kata Competition Rules: The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament is on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025, at Goju Karate. These are the rules for the Kata competition.

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament Schedule

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament is on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025, at Goju Karate.

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament

The 2025 NYC Karatedō International Championship Tournament is on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025, at Goju Karate.

Halloween at the Dojo 2025

Kids train in costume on Halloween Day -- Friday, October 31st.. All kids divisions will feature special activities and treat bags, plus surprises! Come support our kids programs and celebrate this Fall classic at the dojo.

October 2025 Rank Testing

The October 2025 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025. All Kyu ranks (adults and kids) will be testing.

Columbus Day Holiday 2025

The dojo will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025 in celebration of the Columbus Day holiday.

Mooncakes (Otsukimi お月見) at the Dojo 2025

The dojo celebrates Otsukimi (the Autumn Moon Festival and Moon Viewing) with mooncakes for students across all our classes on Monday, October 6th, 2025.

Blackbelt Week Events 2025

Blackbelt Week 2025 starts October 4th, featuring the end of blackbelt selection, the annual blackbelt dinner, a range of special events, and classes every day of the week.

Blackbelt Dinner 2025

The 2025 edition of the Annual Blackbelt Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 6PM. This year, blackbelts will be returning to Cellini Restaurant, located at 65 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022. A Return to Tradition Cellini has been the site of the Annual Blackbelt Dinner

Blackbelt Selection: Shonen Tohkon 闘魂 2025

The dojo is open only to Blackbelts on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, in support of the final event of Blackbelt Selection for Teens (Shonen).

Labor Day Holiday 2025

Goju Karate will be closed throughout the Labor Day weekend as the Summer comes to an end. Time to get ready for an exciting Autumn!

Blackbelt Selection: Adults and Teens Kata

The dojo is open only to Blackbelts on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, in support of the third event of Blackbelt Selection for Adults and the second event of Shonen Blackbelt Selection for Teens.

Gasshuku 2025

Gasshuku is the dojo's traditional summer break and occurs in August of every year. Most dojo around the world take this short break to prepare for the busy Autumn schedule.

August 2025 Rank Testing

The August 2025 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, August 16th. This event is for Adults only, of All Kyu ranks up to 2nd Kyu.

Blackbelt Testing TWO: Adult Kihon 2025

The dojo is open ONLY to Blackbelts on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in support of the second event of Blackbelt Selection. All other classes are canceled on this day.

Sokutei Zoka — Measure Increase 測定増加 (Edition 2025)

One of the surest methods to increase something is to measure it. Metrics gives us control and empowers us to do better.

Independence Day Holiday 2025

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the July 4th Independence Day holiday beginning on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Classes will resume on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

June 2025 Rank Testing

The June 2025 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, June 28th. All Kyu ranks (both adults and kids) will be testing. This event will also include students from the Blackbelt Selection Group for 2025, including both adults and teens.

The Summer Dojo 2025

Summer 2025 has started. These are some handy notes on upcoming events, reminders, and class schedules during the Summer, and more.

Memorial Day Holiday 2025

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday beginning on Friday, May 23rd. Regularly-scheduled classes resume on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Ikioi — Momentum 勢い [Edition 2025]

Momentum is an incredible force that can propel you forward inexorably. Seize and maintain momentum, always.

Blackbelt Selection 2025

Blackbelt Testing is an annual event that lasts several months and culminates in Blackbelt Week in the Fall. The key dates for Selection in 2025 have been announced.

Golden Week 2025: Dojo Spring Break

This year, the Dojo Spring Break runs from Friday, May 2nd to Friday, May 9th, 2025. Classes resume on Saturday, May 10th, 2025.

Golden Week: Spring Break at the Dojo

Golden Week is a key event in the Dojo year, and represents both a kind of Spring Break as well as the unofficial start to Blackbelt Selection.

April 2025 Rank Testing

The April 2025 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, April 26th. All Kyu ranks (adults and kids) will be testing.

Taikibansei — Great Talent, Evening Forming 大器晩成 [Edition 2025]

It is never too late to reach for the aspirations that define our lives. History is replete with examples of men and women who have made an enormous impact of consequence later in their lives.

Easter Holiday Schedule 2025

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Easter holiday.

Advanced Brown Belt Review Class April 2025

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts will have a review class available to prepare for blackbelt selection. This is the second of two planned review classes to be held in 2025.

Gaden Insui — Pull Water to My Own Rice Paddy 我田引水 [Edition 2025]

Our karatedō enables us to project our strong spirit to influence the world around us. It is important to both define and refine that sense of identity and make it our "calling card" to the world.

Narai-sei to naru — Habit Becomes Nature 習い性となる

Building good habits isn't just a matter of doing useful and productive things. Our habits are really a reflection of ourselves and our identity. In fact, our habits are our identity.

Mushin — The Empty Mind 無心

Mushin is the state of mind in which one is equally prepared for all possibilities and equally free from all preconceptions. Mushin is a mental state of constant readiness, and also a mental state of effortless thought.

Tameshiwari (Breaking) Seminar 2025

The annual Tameshiwari Seminar returns in a special edition on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

San man nichi — Thirty Thousand Days 三万日 [Edition 2025]

The treasure of our life is the days we have to live it. On average, that's about thirty thousand days in total, and how we spend those days determines not only our success, but also our satisfaction and happiness.

Yama no chōjō ni wa ōku pasu — Many Paths Up the Mountain 山の頂上には多くパス [2025 Edition]

There are many paths to achieving our goals; but we must decide on the path to walk, and as we go about climbing ever upwards, we have to be careful that the paths we follow are indeed our paths, and not someone else's path.

Jo Ha Kyū — Begin, Break, Fast 序破急

There is a very basic, and universal, rhythm that governs strong technique and powerful forward development in all parts of our lives.

Women's Self Defense Seminar 2025

The 2025 edition of the award-winning Goju Karate Women's Self Defense Seminar returns on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Kara No Utsuwa Ni Sosoge Yo — Pour into the Empty Cup 空の器に注げよ

In order to learn, we first have to put aside some of our preconceptions. By opening our minds to the possibilities of new ideas, we expand our perspective and our knowledge.

Kumite for Beginners: Limited Edition Class Debuts

A limited-series of classes for karateka interested in beginning kumite (sparring) debuts in March.

First Advanced Brown Belt Review Class 2025

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts will have a review class available to prepare for blackbelt selection. This is the first of two planned review classes to be held in 2025.