Our goal is to teach true, authentic, Japanese fighting karate while instilling confidence, building character, and enhancing the spirit. Here are what people are saying about us.

Clifford S. Chapin III, 1^st Degree Black Belt                                                                       Nuclear Plant, Shift Manager

When I started taking Enshin Karate, I was surprised by how much more it was than just learning self defense. By learning and living the principles that are outlined in the Enshin Karate Dojo Kun (training hall oath), I have enjoyed life more fully. And the students and instructors are more than just associates….they have become family.  Anyone that is interested in learning karate should consider a style of karate that has the support of a World Wide network like the one offered by Kancho Ninomiya’s Enshin Karate.

Lisa Cormier                                                                                                                         Educator and Mother

When I was younger, before my children were born, I was very active in karate.  I was training in a non-traditional system that emphasized Korean tae-kwon-do, Japanese karate, Burmese kick-boxing and aikido.  I enjoyed learning aspects of the different styles and progressed to the level of red belt, on my way to black belt training.  Suddenly I found that my husband and I were expecting our first child.  I needed to re-evaluate my priorities!   Taking care of my daughter, and subsequent son, along with teaching middle school children left me no room for training even though my love for the martial arts never subsided.

During the next seven years I tried many different styles of karate, but couldn't quite make a connection to one that fit.  A parent whose children attends the same school my children do, brought up the fact that a karate school named, Enshin Karate was where her children attended.  I immediately became interested.  The woman told me about the school and suggested I bring my children up to visit a class.  After seeing the parent/child class, my kids were really excited and I was impressed!  So I signed myself and my two children up.

I was immediately impressed with the head teacher, Sensei Robert Thivierge.  Sensei is an incredible man.  At first, I have to admit, I was a little taken-aback to see a high ranking black belt in a wheelchair.  Since my children hadn't had much experience with people with physical disabilities, I was concerned that they would feel uncomfortable.  I soon found that the presence of a wheelchair disappears as soon as Sensei starts to teach.  Sensei Thivierge teaches his students with patience and a subtle sense of humor.  He has a unique ability to understand exactly how children act for their ages.  He gets to know each student personally and challenges the child without causing frustration.  He is the epitome of the saying "firm but fair" and is the ultimate father figure of the dojo.

If Sensei Thivierge is the "father", then Sensei Wagner is the "kid".  Sensei Wagner is the other teacher in the dojo.  He follows Sensei Thivierge's instructions and also runs many of the classes on his own.  Sensei has the ability to transcend adulthood and relate to the children in the class on their own level.  A self-proclaimed "whirlwind", Sensei Wagner is the perfect counterpart to Sensei Thivierge.  I've taught for 13 years, and often find myself learning techniques from him to implement with students in my own classes!

The School of Enshin Karate recently held a kick-a-thon to raise money for care packages to send to the troops overseas.  Most of the students participated and we raised over $2,000!  The school contributes to the community and country in many capacities, yet another way to model personal responsibility and demonstrate the positive impact a few people can have on a community.

I've recently begun adult classes and have had the opportunity to begin my training anew.  The beauty of Enshin Karate is its simplicity.  Like aikido, Enshin Karate emphasizes using the opponent's power to your advantage.  It's also a system that gives you the option of staying close to the attacker.  Many styles of karate rely on kicks and punches to keep the opponent at a distance when in reality, the closer you are, the easier it is to throw, sweep or initiate any technique needed to immobilize the opponent.

Whether alone or with children, I would strongly recommend the Enshin Karate Dojo in Jewett City to anyone who is considering training in the martial arts, or wants to give it another try!

Melissa Whited                                                                                                                   Car Rental Manager

Osu! Enshin training has been the best thing I could do for myself. I am a person who needs balance in life and Enshin Karate was the answer for me. I was greeted by everyone at my first class and everyone remembers what it is like to be "the new one." Let's face it, we all learn at a different pace and the Enshin instructors are very helpful during class and more than willing to further instruct after class. Enshin karate is very useful in my everyday life. It helps me to relieve stress, remain focused, become disciplined and most of all it is a family. We work very hard in class. I do sweat, I do ache, I always walk away with knowledge and respect for the art. Once you enter this dojo's doors, you have become part of the family. Osu!

Carol Lussier                                                                                                                        Payroll Manager & Mother

The Enshin family is just that, a family that my daughter has been taking karate from for 4 years now. Aside from the obvious benefits (exercise and self defense) she has become a member of the family, as have I. We are treated as such and feel welcome and respected. My daughter is more confident and has made friends in a positive atmosphere. The most important thing of all to me is the male role models she is in contact with. My daughter has always been shy and a follower.  It was always a concern for me as to how she would develop in the adult world, especially with dating and dealing with strangers. I cannot say enough about her male teachers and how they have taught her, and myself, just how human beings should be toward each other. Enshin karate is more than self defense and exercise. It is a philosophy for a life well lived.