Our Dojo
On August 11, 2008 a small group of senior black belts opened Japan Ways Traditional Karate, here on Palm Bluffs Ave, for the purpose of continuing their training in traditional Shotokan Karate-Do as taught to them by the late Shihan Robert Halliburton. Led by Sensei Steven Wong and Sensei Cleo Martin, the aim of Japan Ways is to provide a family atmoshphere where students can continue to practice and grow as karateka. We work hard, train hard and expect the best from ourselves and our students.
Our Instructors
Japan Ways' instructors all have extensive experience and are all internationally certified with Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation. Our Chief Instructor is Sensei Steven Wong, Rokudan (6th black belt) and our Senior Instructor is Sensei Cleo Martin, Godan (5th black belt). Both have been training since 1973 and 1972 respectively. All of the remaining instructors and assistant instructors have over thirty years of experience each, ensuring the highest quality instruction. Read more...
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News and Announcements
Wednesday Class Schedule Changes
The Wednesday class schedule will be modified beginning in August as follows:
5:45pm-6:30pm Beginner Basics (No changes)
6:30pm-7:00pm Basic Weapons Class (This class teaches fundamental techniques and kihon with the bo,
tonfa, sai and kama)
7:00pm-7:45pm Intermediate Class (No changes)
7:45pm-8:15pm Advanced Weapons Class (This class concentrates on Kobudo kata and participants are
expected to be well versed in the fundamental training)
Annual Dojo BBQ
The Annual Dojo BBQ will be held Saturday August 20th. As always this gathering is open to all past and present students as well as family members. Details will be posted at the dojo concerning this potluck style event.
Next Rank Test
Rank testing will be held on August 27th at 12:00pm. Recommendations will be handed out over the next several weeks. Students recommended for testing are not required to test, but you must notify Sensei Wong/Sensei Martin if you would like to opt out. Likewise students who are interested in getting themselves ready for testing, are asked to notify the instructors of your desire to prepare.
Labor Day
The dojo will be closed on Labor Day, Monday September 5th.
Upcoming Demonstration
The dojo will be performing a demonstration on Saturday July 30th at 12:30pm. If you are interested in participating, see Senpei Nichols for available spots.
The Wednesday class schedule will be modified beginning in August as follows:
5:45pm-6:30pm Beginner Basics (No changes)
6:30pm-7:00pm Basic Weapons Class (This class teaches fundamental techniques and kihon with the bo,
tonfa, sai and kama)
7:00pm-7:45pm Intermediate Class (No changes)
7:45pm-8:15pm Advanced Weapons Class (This class concentrates on Kobudo kata and participants are
expected to be well versed in the fundamental training)
Annual Dojo BBQ
The Annual Dojo BBQ will be held Saturday August 20th. As always this gathering is open to all past and present students as well as family members. Details will be posted at the dojo concerning this potluck style event.
Next Rank Test
Rank testing will be held on August 27th at 12:00pm. Recommendations will be handed out over the next several weeks. Students recommended for testing are not required to test, but you must notify Sensei Wong/Sensei Martin if you would like to opt out. Likewise students who are interested in getting themselves ready for testing, are asked to notify the instructors of your desire to prepare.
Labor Day
The dojo will be closed on Labor Day, Monday September 5th.
Upcoming Demonstration
The dojo will be performing a demonstration on Saturday July 30th at 12:30pm. If you are interested in participating, see Senpei Nichols for available spots.
Notices
SKI-USF Custom Belts and Gis
SKI-USF will be putting together an order to Japan for SKIF for custom gi/belt orders. Contact Sensei Wong for more info or pricing sheets.
Required Safety Gear
All students must bring mouth guards and kumite hand guards to each class. All males must wear athletic cups. If you do not have the safety gear, you will be asked to sit during kumite drill and training.
Saturday Morning Training
Those interested in early morning training on Saturdays at 8:00 am, contact Sensei Martin for requirements. Regular classes on Saturdays continue at 10:00am and 11:00am.
Dues
Membership fees are due and collectable the first week of the month. Please bring past dues current!
Required for Rank Tests
Passbooks and uniform patches are required for all students testing for rank. Both may be purchased at the front desk in the dojo.
Pictures of Past Events
Photos of past events are available at the pictures link on this website.
SKI-USF will be putting together an order to Japan for SKIF for custom gi/belt orders. Contact Sensei Wong for more info or pricing sheets.
Required Safety Gear
All students must bring mouth guards and kumite hand guards to each class. All males must wear athletic cups. If you do not have the safety gear, you will be asked to sit during kumite drill and training.
Saturday Morning Training
Those interested in early morning training on Saturdays at 8:00 am, contact Sensei Martin for requirements. Regular classes on Saturdays continue at 10:00am and 11:00am.
Dues
Membership fees are due and collectable the first week of the month. Please bring past dues current!
Required for Rank Tests
Passbooks and uniform patches are required for all students testing for rank. Both may be purchased at the front desk in the dojo.
Pictures of Past Events
Photos of past events are available at the pictures link on this website.
Why Japan Ways?
There are many dojos in the Fresno area. Why should you choose Japan Ways?
Our Instructors!
All of the Japan Ways instructors are internationally accredited black belts, each with more than 30 years of experience; our Chief Instructor and Senior Instructor have more than 40 years each! Sensei Wong holds the rank
of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and Sensei Martin holds the rank of 5th degree black belt (Godan).
Having a current teaching staff with more than 260 years of combined karate experience in one location is unique, and possibly the highest of any karate dojo in the United States! All of our instructors are dedicated to continuing the legacy of our beloved late Sensei, Robert Halliburton.
of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and Sensei Martin holds the rank of 5th degree black belt (Godan).
Having a current teaching staff with more than 260 years of combined karate experience in one location is unique, and possibly the highest of any karate dojo in the United States! All of our instructors are dedicated to continuing the legacy of our beloved late Sensei, Robert Halliburton.
Our Tradition!
Japan Ways is one of the few traditional Shotokan karate schools in Fresno, and the only dojo (school) in Fresno, under legendary Master Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10thDan. Japan Ways is a member of Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) headquartered in Japan, as well as the Shotokan Karate-Do International-United States Federation which is the national organization for our USA affiliation. These memberships provide us with access to many world renowned instructors who we are privileged to bring to Fresno several times a year, as well as allowing our dojo
members to attend national and international events and seminars.
members to attend national and international events and seminars.
Unlimited Training!
At Japan Ways, whether you choose an individual or a family membership plan, you have unlimited class availability. Train one day a week or six days a week to meet your desired training schedule. Students are welcome (even encouraged) to attend as many classes as they wish. The dojo is open for training six days a week.
No Contracts!
Membership fees are month to month. There are no contracts to sign!
Family Training!
We’ve structured our classes so that entire families can train together in the same class, if they choose. In addition, we have a very competitive family rate, probably the best in Fresno!
