Welcome Newcomers!
We are glad you are interested in learning about the Hampshire Shotokan Karate Dojo.
Our doors are always open! There is no charge to observe our classes. After which, if you decide to become a member of the Hampshire Shotokan Dojo, (please see our enrollment forms page for details classes and fee structures), we ask that you take membership in our national organization, Shotokan Karate of America Inc. (SKA), ($75.00 per year). As a fully subscribed member, you may attend any SKA regional, national, and international events open to your rank. In addition, junior rank tests (for non-black belts) are provided twice per year at the dojo at no additional charge. If coming to us as a black belt from a different Karate organization, your rank will be acknowledged, however, fully recognized upon evaluation by our own panel of seniors at the completion of one Summer Special Training, held annually.
Shotokan Karate of America brochure (PDF)
Location: Hampshire College
Robert Crown Center
893 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Contact: Samuel Kanner
(914) 450-9793
About the Hampshire Shotokan Karate Dojo
The Hampshire Shotokan Dojo was instituted in 1973 by the late Dr. Marion M. Taylor, (1938 – 2014, Godan) a 5th° black belt of Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima – founder of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA, est. 1956). Dr. Taylor’s introduction to karate began in 1967 with, what was then the SCKA (Southern California Karate Association), and instruction by one of its senior members, Mr. Shoji Okabe, teaching in Illinois at the time. Moving to Massachusetts some years later, Marion maintained his practice by frequently visiting southern California and attending practices taught by Mr. Ohshima. Marion went on to serve on SKA’s Board of Directors and became the East Coast Regional Manager until his passing in 2014. Hampshire Shotokan continues to this day and is currently led by Samuel Kanner (Sandan), a 3rd° black belt of Mr. Ohshima and one of Marion’s direct students. Located at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, the Hampshire Dojo offers classes for credit to students in the local 5-college consortium in addition to practices for the community. Newcomers to either practice are welcome!
The Hampshire Dojo celebrates over 40 years of hosting the East Region’s annual Summer Special Training. SKA members from all over the country as well as international dojos, come to practice in the tradition of perseverance, discipline, and cultivation of strong martial spirit at this location.
Our members enjoy a direct link to ancient masters of martial arts through Mr. Ohshima and his direct teacher,
Mr. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.
We strive to strengthen body, mind, spirit, character and to faithfully transmit the art to future generations.
Follow us @hampshire_shotokan
Benefits of Karate Practice
Karate can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing, and general health. No special equipment is required.
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.