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 Self-defense training begins with the Basic Self Defense Program. This is a specially designed program to teach the student the very rudimentary fundamentals of how to defend themselves against physical attack and how to develop power in the few simple techniques they are introduced to. The idea here is to eliminate the basic fear of physical conflict from the student so that if they choose the karate program their expectations will be for what our intent is and that’s not tournaments, board breaking, or learning stealthy Ninja moves. 

 Though the karate program teaches the student basics, drills, and forms, there is still the self-defense component with groundwork in the Core Basic Ten Breaks and other self-defense -oriented training.    

As the student achieves brown belt level and is taught Basic Relaxation Meditation their study begins to become more and more involved with a philosophical approach. This is what separates a pure physical training program from the art of that physical training.

 A joint lock is a grappling technique involving manipulation of the joints as to cause them to reach their maximum extent of motion. Tai Chien Dojo provides beginning, intermediate, and advanced joint locks and encourages the student to expand their knowledge to better understand this aspect of self-defense.  Practicing joint locks is important for our students’ growth as a Martial Artist because most street conflicts will end up in a grappling scenario. Training the student to deal with these situations prevents the student from “freezing” when confronted in a real-world situation.

Just as in learning to play music one must initially only be taught a small number of uncomplicated things. This lays a solid foundation from which expansion into more complex areas can later be undertaken.  Tai Chien Dojo teaches ten basic break so if the student is grabbed on the street (since he knows but one response to that situation) he will use it. 

If the attacker gets the student in some strange and immediately unfamiliar hold, it then will become necessary for the student to use his innovativeness to escape.  This aspect of training is provided after the basic ten holds are learned.

Experience teaches us that being on the ground in a street situation can be very scary and increases fear. Thus, the main goal for the student is to learn to get up off the ground as quickly as possible. 

Tai Chien Dojo teaches the student a simple and easy way to fall if pushed to prevent injury. If the student is pushed or falls to the ground techniques are taught to prepare a defense against the attacker to reduce fear and provide confidence in mounting a good defense. In addition, Tai Chien Dojo teaches techniques for self-defense when someone is on top of you to prepare for this difficult scenario. 

Practical situations allow the student to learn environmental awareness and to recognize the different types of attackers and levels of danger in our day to day activities. The training provided helps the student to mentally prepare for possible street situations and be confident walking down the street.

As the student advances training is expanded to weapons self-defense and multiple attackers. These techniques are tested under actual street conditions so that student is confident in their ability to defend themselves, their loved ones, and the weak.

Most people who start karate want to learn how to defend themselves and through this process learn the need to take care of the body. Our study of karate encompasses a wide range of study in physical fitness improvement by seriously taking responsibility to gain control and awareness over our body. The body is used by the coordination study to learn self-defense. From self-defense comes confidence and physical awareness. 

The Martial Art environment is very dynamic in the sense that every part of the body is placed in many ranges of motion, such as; lateral and rotational movements, not typically found in a simple walk around the block or riding a bike. As such, the body must be balanced in such a way that injury is prevented or reduced. Tai Chien Dojo spends a lot of time utilizing specific yoga movements to stretch and strengthen muscles while warming up the body, stretching the muscles to prevent injury, and to promote a sense of physical wellness. 

Training in Karate builds strength, power, and muscular endurance by focusing on building core stability and strength at the lower ranks. This is critical for the student because of the dynamic and strenuous activity in the Karate environment as well as utilizing the Karate techniques in life situations.

Tai Chien Dojo employs sound scientific principles of physics to enhance and increase strength building while developing power and snap in all karate techniques. 

The general outline of study has its' fundamental roots in the responsibilities of a Martial Artist.  In order for the student to fully appreciate the value of Tai Chien Dojo proactivity in their personal growth is of high priority while awareness of the dojo and the world around us becomes our training hall.  Taking responsibility for oneself and actions is what makes a mature Martial Artists.

It is the hope of Tai Chien Dojo that every student be able to think for themselves and to be confident in their efforts.

 Traditionally, the martial arts focus on improving character. Thus, we do not turn out bullies or street brawlers; we turn out people of good character and good spirit. Everything we do in karate takes us step by step into this direction. Our training is physical, mental, psychological, emotional, and spiritual, in nature, all of which brings us to building good character.