Questions on which class is right for you?
See descriptions below or contact the dojo.

For enrollment in the SKA Hampshire Dojo —

The Hampshire Shotokan dojo is an outpost of the larger national organization, Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). The Hampshire dojo celebrates 45 years of active teaching and participation in SKA as one of the east coast’s flagship locations.
Members of the Hampshire Shotokan dojo will experience the practice and study of material essential for their progress and gradual advancement through ranks in SKA.
Newcomers are always welcome!  Those with no experience in martial arts or no affiliation to SKA will receive comprehensive “beginners” instruction and the chance to work with peers in our systems of kihon, kata, and kumite as taught by Mr. Ohshima.

Please fill out and submit the following forms along with tender of payment:

Form: Hampshire Dojo Membership & Liability Packet
Form: SKA Risk Indemnification
Form: Hampshire College Risk Indemnification

For enrollment in the Hampshire College Class — (TEMPORARILY CANCELLED)

The college class is a course within Hampshire’s OPRA Program (Outdoor Programs, Recreation, and Athletics).  This co-curricular class is for credit among current college students and introduces those with experience of all levels the techniques and methods of kihon, kata, and kumite, as directly instructed by Mr. Ohshima.
Hampshire College practices an open community policy, which allows non-college students and members of the general public to enroll in Hampshire courses as a full participant.
Hampshire’s liability policy asks that all members of the general public (“community members”) be “fully enrolled” and adhere to OPRA risk indemnification – community members may not “audit” the class.

Please fill out and submit the following forms along with payment: (Temporarily Cancelled)

Community Member information & fee structure (info)
Form: Community Member Registration (Temporarily Invalid)
Form: Community Member OPRA Risk Indemnification (Temporarily Invalid)
Form: SKA Risk Indemnification

When and Where Does Practice Meet?

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8pm – 9:30pm in the dojo/studio room on the 2nd floor of the Robert Crown Center.

Updates to the schedules will be listed on this website in the drop-down menu of the “Practice Schedule” tab.

Weather permitting, we may also practice outdoors!  Please note signs on the door of the dojo if you have not already joined us nearby outside.

Notices of closure due to inclement weather will be posted on the home page.

How Much Does it Cost?

• Dues and fees stand for one season.  Dues are not pro-rated based on the time joined within the season.
• Practice seasons correspond with the academic calendar of Hampshire College.

Adult Rate:   $60.00

Student Rate (w/school ID):   $40.00

Part-time*/Kids:  $30.00

Private Session:   Same corresponding rate for 60-minute sessions. By appointment only.

* Although we do not promote “part-time” attendance to practice, this rate is intended for out-of-state visitors or those from afar who cannot commute consistently to the dojo weekly or twice weekly.

Who Can Enroll?

Absolutely anyone!  For specific medical or health concerns, please see our clause in the bottom section of our Hampshire Dojo Membership & Liability Packet.  We cannot act as doctors for you so if any concern exists, please get clearance from your personal physician.  We will do our part to provide as clear and comprehensive an idea of what physical aspects there are within the practice to leave for your assessment and for you to report to your personal physician.

Individuals (“kids”) under the age of 18 may practice with us!

How Do I Enroll?

Print double-sided (please be vigilant about your settings or be resourceful with your printer to produce the form double-sided – SAVE TREES!) and fill out the Hampshire Dojo Membership & Liability Packet.  Please write legibly and bring with you in-person to practice and submit to the instructor, Samuel Kanner along with your form of payment.
Membership and the ability to practice will not be confirmed until submission of forms AND payment in-person has been completed.

What Do I Need to Bring/Wear?

Wear comfortable, well-fitting clothes that allow freedom of movement. Tight jeans (even “stretchy” jeans) will not be conducive to the movements specific to our practice. If you own a blank white gi, please wear it.  Guidance on purchasing a uniform can be provided.

What Will We Do During Practice?

After a brief opening meditation and warm-up, those entirely new to the practice will begin with instruction on stances and setting the correct posture of legs and feet.  As a student incrementally learns more, they will become familiar with our curriculum of kihon (fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring/partner work).

How Can I Continue to Practice Karate?

Dojo practices run indefinitely each season.  We hope through the opportunity of consistent practice and guidance from the instructor(s) that different profound layers of the art will continue to reveal themselves to you.
If you move away or relocate to a place where continued practice with us in Amherst, MA is unrealistic, please contact us asking for locations of other Shotokan dojos nearby or directly in your area.
Our directory of current active dojos can be found here.