Brown & Black Belt

The advanced Karate-do class is geared towards brown and black belts who want to challenge their timing, coordination, strength, focus, endurance, and technical ability. This class will further develop each student's understanding of the art of Karate-do while also emphasizing conditioning and self-defense.

This class will focus on advanced self-defense techniques to include situational awareness, street defense and multi-attack situations. Emphasis will also be placed on refinement of forms, kata, kumite sparring, and advanced weapons. This class is designed to develop leaders in the art of Karate-do and it begins with challenging warm-ups and dynamic training.

First lesson is free, call to register today!

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Adult Beginner

We teach the art of the Karate-do: "the way of the empty hand".

Karate-do is a way of life for the modern world..., we teach traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate-do. Our students practice the ancient movements and methods of self-defense, relying on traditions of etiquette, philosophy, discipline and focus.

Class fundamentals and emphasis:

In each class we work on building focus, patience and positive self-image and physical fitness through the traditional techniques of the conditioning components of class:

• Kihon - basic technique exercise of stance development, with block and strike executions. While focusing on body balance and power development.
• Kata - form practice and concentration. It comprises the memorization of prearranged movements and techniques, simulating self-defense against multiple attacks.
• Kumite - practice of controlled sparring against opponents. With emphasis on timing, speed, distance and control.
• Weapons: (Kobudo) 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.

First lesson is free, call to register today!

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Family Class

At The Karate Center family is very important. During our family hour parent are able to train at the same time as children. The two classes will begin together with the traditional bowing in ceremony. Sections of this class will be as a combined group instruction. While other sections of the class adults and children will be divided for more detailed level of instruction. This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the art of Karate-do together.

Class fundamentals and emphasis:

In each class we work on building focus, patience and positive self-image and physical fitness through the traditional techniques of the conditioning components of class:

• Kihon - basic technique exercise of stance development, with block and strike executions. While focusing on body balance and power development.
• Kata - form practice and concentration. It comprises the memorization of prearranged movements and techniques, simulating self-defense against multiple attacks.
• Kumite - practice of controlled sparring against opponents. With emphasis on timing, speed, distance and control.
• Weapons: (Kobudo) 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.

First lesson is free, call to register today!

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Youth Beginner

At The Karate Center we want to improve the lives of our students through our unique training methods and by instilling core values, such as: discipline, humility, positive attitude, and respect for one’s self and others. Our students learn that Karate-do is a complete way of life, not just a system of self-defense.

Class fundamentals and emphasis:

Focus & Patience: Concentration and focus are fundamental elements of Karate. In each training session students will be learning and working on developing new skills. Karate is an intricate art that helps to build body and mind awareness.

Self-confidence: Childhood can be a self-defining time for students. Karate can help give the students the knowledge of how to defend themselves and build positive self-esteem through constant interaction with adult instructor and peers during classes, in a positive learning environment.

Physical fitness: Students will build flexibility, explosive power, endurance, balance, and core strength through the traditional techniques of the conditioning components of class:

• Kihon - basic technique exercise of stance development, with block and strike executions. While focusing on body balance and power development.
• Kata - form practice and concentration. It comprises the memorization of prearranged movements and techniques, simulating self-defense against multiple attacks.
• Kumite - practice of controlled sparring against opponents. With emphasis on timing, speed, distance and control.
• Weapons: (Kobudo) 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.

First lesson is free, call to register today!

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Youth Advanced

At The Karate Center we offer an advanced youth class. These classes are designed to help our students become excellent in the art of Karate-Do by giving them an opportunity to come together among their peers to push each other to be the best they can be. Fast paced and challenging, this class recognizes the unique opportunities for development of physical fitness, self-confidence and patience. Emphasis is placed on excellence, leadership and a commitment to successful habits. Students also work on developing outstanding character and become examples among their peers as respectful and contributing citizens in the community and accomplished martial artists.

Class focus and emphasis:

• Kihon: advanced technique exercise of stance development, with block and strike executions. While focusing on body balance and power development.
• Kata - advanced form practice and concentration. It comprises the memorization of prearranged movements and techniques, simulating self-defense against multiple attacks.
• Kumite - advanced practice of controlled sparring against opponents. With emphasis on timing, speed, distance and control.
• Weapons: (Kobudo) 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.
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Youth Private Lessons

Children are able to begin Karate at the age of 4. We start them out with private lessons, in 30 minute blocks.

This is a fun and energetic age group to work with. In your private lesson we focus on the basic building blocks of Karate-do. Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Which included: stance development, jumping, kicking technique and down block and punch. At the same time helping the child to develop positive self-esteem, confidence, patience and focus, increasing attention span and following direction.

First lesson is free, call to schedule your private lesson today!

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Erik Locson

Sensei Erik Locson started his Karate journey in the Philippians. Where he was able to study and perfect the traditional art of Shotokan Karate-do. Sensei Eric has been an instructor at The Karate Center since 2010. He is a 3rd degree black belt and holds the honorable rank of San-Dan. Sensei Eric has competed at the U.S. National Championships and has had the privilege of competing internationally as well. He does a remarkable job of teaches and training our Kumite tournament team. Sensei Eric is a fantastic teacher and he has a deep knowledge of Karate-do.

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Dave Lybbert

Shihan Dave Lybbert first began his journey with Karate-do as a young man in 1974. He soon found he had a great love and respect for Karate. This admiration for Karate has stayed with him throughout his life. Shihan Dave went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Central Washington University in Language Arts and Coaching. After completing his degree, Shihan Dave had the opportunity to open his first dojo in Ellensburg, WA. in 1982. He enjoyed many successful years in Ellensburg before he moved to Walla Walla, WA. In June of 1992 Shihan Dave founded The Karate Center of Walla Walla. He has enjoyed over 25 years of success in the Walla Walla area, with The Karate Center earning many local awards and acclamations. Shihan Dave is a 6th degree black belt and hold the honorable title of Roku-Dan. He is the Chief instructor and teacher at The Karate Center. Shihan Dave has a great gift to teach people and is an unparalleled instructor. He has a great knowledge and deep love for the art of Karate-do.

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Cindy Lybbert

Sensei Cindy Lybbert discovered her love of Karate-do as an adult. She enjoys the balance that Karate-do has brought into her life. The self-defense balanced with the calm centering of mind and body. Sensei Cindy has been an instructor at The Karate Center since 2008. Sensei Cindy is a 2nd degree black belt and holds the honorable rank of Ni-Dan. She does a remarkable job working with the children and in teaching the fan class. Sensei Cindy really helps to accentuate the serene grace and beauty of the fans. Sensei Cindy is a wonderful teacher, she had a great understanding and respect for Karate-do.

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