Our Story

The Story Behind the dojo

“This is a special place.” I hear it all the time. And when you step inside, you’ll know exactly what they mean. It’s a place where people train hard, laugh, grow, and leave feeling stronger—not just physically, but in spirit too. Here, we’re more than students and instructors. We’re family.

Becoming a Martial Arts Family

I grew up in Hawaii, where my mom signed my brother and me up for martial arts when we were kids. Then she married the instructor—and just like that, we became a martial arts family. Before long, all 4 of us were training together, pushing each other, and earning our belts side by side. As teenagers, my brother and I became instructors, helping teach in the family dojo. Martial Arts wasn’t just something we did—it became a part of who we were.

Santa Barbara’s Dojo

In 2002, our family’s dream became a reality when we opened a dojo in downtown Santa Barbara, California. My parents poured everything into it—long days, late nights, and a passion for teaching. We trained together, taught together, and built a place that became a second home for so many. Year after year, the dojo was voted #1 because of the incredible people who walked through our doors.

Passing the Torch

In 2012, my step-dad had a medical scare that forced us to rethink the future. The dojo wasn’t just a business—it was my family’s legacy. So, I stepped up and learned how to run the Dojo for my parents. In 2020, covid hit and dad retired. I became an owner and got to work building it back up from scratch with mom’s help.

The Next Generation

Now, with the support of my family, I’m carrying on the family tradition. My kids are helping on the mat, my mom is still teaching, and my brother has opened up his own location.

Welcome to our dojo family. We can’t wait to train with you!