Terminology | Rules | Shotokan Katas | Testing

“Senseis John and Elisa Au Fonseca bring an exceptionally high level of competitive accomplishments, knowledge, skill, and teaching experience to the Fonseca Martial Arts Karate Programs. Sensei Elisa is a three-time World Champion and is the only female American to win the world championships in the sport of karate. Sensei Elisa is also the only female to win multiple world titles at a single world karate championship. She has been competing since the age of ten and joined the USA National team at age eighteen. Aside from her many competitive accomplishments, Sensei Elisa is also an experienced instructor with many karate and fitness certifications. Sensei Elisa has taught at the International Karate Federation (IKF) in Hawaii for over 10 years and currently holds a 3rd degree black belt with the organization.

Sensei John Fonseca, a fourth degree black belt in Karate, has been training in the martial arts since the age of seven. His many accomplishments include being a three-time U.S Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year, a WKC World Champion, a Two-time Pan American Games Gold Medalist, a Two-time WKF Bronze Medalist and a member of the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame. He is also a certified U.S Karate Coach and long time captain of the US National Karate Team. Since the opening of his first dojo in 2003, Sensei John has helped develop many successful national and international karate competitors.

Little Dragons Karate (Ages 4 –6)
The Little Dragons program is designed for the ages of 4 to 6, crucial years in a child's development. The program will enhance positive development in a fun and motivating environment. The curriculum focuses on improving children's basic motor and listening skills. Your child will learn how to work with others and follow directions from their instructors through positive social interaction. Little Dragons develop a more confident and enthusiastic outlook, which provides a strong foundation for the school years ahead.

Karate Kids (Ages 7–8)
In addition to developing physical fitness self-defense and safety skills, our Karate Program will also help your child build confidence, focus, and respect for oneself and others. Studies have shown that children who study Karate often show significant improvement in concentration and self-discipline - both in school and at home. More than any other sport for children, karate and its inherent values counteract the "win at all costs" mentality so common in sports today. It is one of the few sports in which there are no “benchwarmers.” Every child can fully participate at their own pace which can make karate particularly helpful for children who struggle with attention and behavior disorders.

Youth Karate (Ages 9–12)

Karate-ka (students) will learn the basic strikes, blocks, kicks and stances used in karate training. This fundamental training also strengthens and prepares the body for the more difficult techniques ahead in one’s training. From the first day of class, values of respect, courtesy, control and discipline are instilled in every student. Instructors will provide training that is interesting and challenging while reinforcing these important values.

Adult Karate (Ages 13 +)
Regardless of whether you want to become a competitive athlete, learn self-defense techniques, or simply become more physically fit, this program will help you achieve your goal. You’ll develop increased endurance and muscle tone, improve balance, quicker reflexes, and most importantly, a greater sense of well-being. Keep in mind that no previous experience is required. And if you do have some experience in martial arts, this program is a great place to rediscover the many benefits of martial arts training.

Family Karate (Ages 6 +)

The Family Karate class gives moms, dads and their children an opportunity to train together. Karate is an activity that people of all ages can do as a group in a safe and enjoyable way. Students may come with their family members or train alone. This class is an excellent addition to the Kids, Youth, and Adult Karate classes throughout the week.

Karate Forms (Ages 6 +)

In the forms (kata) class, students learn the traditional forms that make up the Shotokan and Shito-Ryu systems.  These forms are prearranged detailed routines which incorporate various stances, blocks, and strikes. This class will challenge each student’s balance, coordination, strength, stamina, and breath control as they learn to move with the rhythm and direction of each form. Students will start with the most basic forms and eventually advance thru the black belt level curriculum.

Karate Sparring (Ages 6 +)

The sparring (kumite) class is an opportunity for students to practice their techniques and reaction timing with a partner in a controlled manner. Students will learn how to move properly when responding to an opponent by focusing on footwork, timing, techniques, and tactics used while sparring. Students will practice with focus mitts, striking shields and other training devices to develop the precision and control of their techniques.  Once basic skills are mastered, students will also participate in sparring with protective equipment in a safe environment.

Weapons (Ages 7 +)

Sensei Elisa's weapons (kobudo) class uses the martial arts weaponry systems which originated on the island of Okinawa and were brought to mainland Japan. Students learn the traditional Japanese art of the bo (staff), kaibo (oar), tonfa (baton) and sai. Students must have a minimum rank of Yellow belt before training in the Kobudo class.

Competition Team (Ages 7 +)

Karate is one of largest sports practiced in the world with over 50 million people involved worldwide with 164 countries as member nations. Our competition class is geared towards the competitive athlete who wishes to enhance their speed, focus, accuracy, timing, and efficiency of movement for Local, Regional, National and

International Karate competition. Students who are interested in attending this class are required to obtain the permission of their instructor.

After School Karate Program (Ages 6–13)

Our unique After School Karate program channels after school energy into a positive, productive afternoon of supervised homework, fun activities and quality martial arts training. Our program provides for a safe space for your child from the time they get out of school until you get off work. And we work with you and your child to motivate them to be the best that they can be. A great alternative to day care!

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*Contact Sensei Fonseca for information on qualifying for the Competition Team