More About the Dojo...
The Kyoseikan Dojo was designed and is operated as a traditional martial arts establishment. Members adhere to the customs, values, and behavior associated with belonging to a professional training center. Our members do not pressure potential students or visitors into joining any of our programs. Anyone who has a sincere desire to train in one of our programs will join based on what they see, hear and feel when they visit our Dojo, not as a result of pressure, "deals", tricks, or gimmicks.
Potential students are required to meet with the lead instructor of their program of interest before they will be allowed to begin training. This initial meeting serves many purposes. First it gives the student and instructor the chance to get to know one another and discuss the students goals. Second it provides the student with a chance to have questions about training answered by the instructor. Lastly, it allows students to see that martial arts instructors of any level are simply people who are there to help the student succeed.
Our History
The Kyoseikan Dojo began as The Peninsular Aikido Club, located downtown Grand Rapids in 2004.
In 2005 the Peninsular Club’s athletic location became unstable and we retained space at the University Club about two blocks north of our original location.
In the spring of 2005, the MVP Sportsplex opened on the West side of Grand Rapids athletic club. We were selected as the only martial arts program in the MVP Sportsplex. We added a Youth Aikido Program 2 days a week, and two additional training days to our schedule.
September of 2006 we moved to 401 Hall St. where we built our Headquarters Dojo. We moved the University Club program to the David D. Hunting YMCA on the corner of US-131 and Pearl St. and added a Youth Aikido program to that location.
With the Headquarters Dojo open and offering a full schedule of Aikido classes for kids and adults, we are moving forward as planned.
As of November 2006 our youth program has continued to grow and several orange belts are rolling around 3 days a week.
Women's Self Defense has been on the drawing board for some time and now with our own location we are able to schedule seminars for Women's groups upon request.
Through our relationship with Sifu Sam Chan from Chan's Kung Fu School, we gained a great Wing Chun & MMA instructor in Tom Fick. Tom has been a student under Sifu Chan for years and is one of his senior instrucors at their main school. Tom graduated from the Michigan State Police Academy in 2008 and is now posted in Ionia. He is currently offering Combat Sambo/MMA classes 3 days a week.
Zen training is a strong influence in our Dojo history. We are very pleased to have the areas only formal Rinzai Zen Center. Thanks to Kevin Holohan and his efforts, our Zen program is alive and well, and growing.
The Kyoseikan Dojo is unique in it's operation, culture, and values. We exist to better our world through the combined efforts of students, teachers, and the community. Our training methods and goals are not for everyone, but we believe we are holding true to the spirit of Budo.
D. Mata, Kyoseikan Dojo
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