Our Dojo
Club History
The Bend Karate Club was established in 1986 by highly respected 6th Dan, Sensei Tim Hanlon, the founder of the club and Regional Director of the Northwest Region of the AAKF (American Amateur Karate Federation). Sensei Hanlon is a Certified JKA (Japan Karate Association) Instructor with over 43 years of experience. Sensei provides the club with chief instruction under the guidelines of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama who was a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi.
The Bend Karate Club is an IRS tax-exempt non-profit organization which provides traditional Shotokan Karate with very low dues. This was designed by Sensei so that the knowledge of Shotokan can be passed to all those that seek it without financial restrictions. Additionally, members are not required to sign a contract. We only ask that you pay with your hard work and dedication. We also maintain a scholarship fund for students to utilize towards karate seminars/tournaments that they couldn’t normally afford.
Our Members
The Bend Karate dojo members are a great group of people who train hard and work together. Our ages and ability levels vary greatly though we all share a common ideal through Shotokan training. This includes: respect, honor, honesty, encouragement, and understanding. We strive to follow the dojo Kun:
Dojo Kun
“Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto”
Seek perfection of character
“Makoto no michi o mamoru koto”
Be faithful
“Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto”
Endeavor
“Reigi o omonzuru koto”
Respect others
“Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto”
Refrain from violent behavior
We have Sempai (senior level students) whom act as assistant instructors and mentors to the dojo. They have trained under Sensei Hanlon for many years and hold the responsibility to pass on the training knowledge to students. Sempai are not paid for their instruction and are greatly appreciated for their donated time.
See what our students have to say, check out our testimonial page
The dojo area
We train on a wood floor that has plenty of room for classes. Mirrors are placed on each side of the dojo so that the students can study their stances and movements along with hand railing for assisting in training kicks. For impact training we utilize makiwara boards, kick/punch pads, and a heavy bag.
There is a viewing area with plenty of seating for visitors and parents to quietly watch classes. Questions are welcome before or after class. The dojo has two changing rooms seperated for men and women. Both have a bathroom, shower, and place to hang your gi.