Photo from October 15, 2016 Weekend Practice with Godan Jeff Ross. Left to Right: Gary, Avery, Kostiantyn, Jeff, Othellus, Mario
About the Austin Shotokan Karate Dojo
The SKA Austin dojo was started in 1980 by Lee Sutton and is currently led by Gary Stafford, a 2nd degree black belt, and Avery Saxe, 1st degree black belt. Gary and Avery are students of Tsutomu Ohshima, founder of Shotokan Karate of America.
Our members enjoy a direct link to ancient masters of martial arts through Mr. Ohshima and his direct instructor, Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.
We strive to strengthen body, mind and spirit, perfect character, and faithfully transmit the art to future generations.
Benefits of Karate Practice
Karate can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing and overall health. No special equipment is needed.
Karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals.
Karate practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control.
The study of karate benefits the student in all areas of their life.
Welcome Newcomers!
We are so glad that you are interested in the Austin Shotokan Karate Dojo.
Joining is easy – just visit any of our practices! We ask that new members observe one class prior to joining to get a sense of our training style and talk with the instructor. After that, if you decide to train with us, you must join Shotokan Karate of America ($75 for the rest of this year) and pay the membership fees at the gym where we practice.
As a member of SKA you will be able to attend any SKA regional, national, and international event open to your rank, and you’ll be able to test for rank twice per year at no charge. Black belt testing is also free, but by invitation only.
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.” – Master Gichin Funakoshi
