The Hombu Dojo is the headquarters for all Tai
Shin Ki Do activities. It is also home to all the associations
attached to Tai Shin Ki Do (NIKA, AOKA, & IBBA). Master David
Gowan teaches the program of instruction at the Hombu Dojo. It
is taught out of the Parks & Leisure department of the City
of Sierra Vista in Arizona. Programs we teach at the Hombu Dojo
are Lil’ Dragons Karate, Youth & Adult Karate, and Tai
Chi. It is the goal of all instructors at the Hombu Dojo to prepare
every student to become an eventual teacher of Tai Shin Ki Do.
Lil’ Dragons Karate
The Lil’ Dragons Program is for children
of the ages 4 through 7. Our goal is to teach them discipline,
respect, and confidence with a karate atmosphere conducive to
their age; and this means having alot of fun!!! The activities
the Lil’ Dragons work on include kata (form), punches &
kicks, and a mixture of physical activities. We work them hard,
and let them have fun at the same time.
Youth & Adult Karate
The Youth & Adult Programs run concurrently, and also concentrate
on developing discipline, respect, and confidence. However, unlike
the Lil’ Dragons, this program is more focused on the makeup
of the art. And through hard work and dedication, these goals
will be attained through a series of basic, intermediate, and
advanced physical improvements that help prepare one for a possible
black belt rank. Mind you, there is plenty of hard work, time,
and training between a white belt rank and a potential black belt
rank.
Tai Chi Chi Kung Program & Tai Chi for Arthritis.
There are two Tai Chi Programs taught out of the Dojo. Tai Chi
for everyone, and Tai Chi for Arthritis.
The Tai Chi Program is a program for all ages,
and is taught by Master Jean Helmstetter. This program strengthens
the physical condition, as it increases concentration. All movement
is circular and unbroken…this is what gives Tai Chi its
graceful fluid motion. More people practice Tai Chi today than
any other form of physical exercise existing. Although Tai Chi’s
origin is obscure, it has been practiced in China for more than
600 years.
Tai Chi for Arthritis: A program endorsed by the
Arthritis Foundation. The forms of Tai Chi have proved beneficial
to improve mobility, reduce pain, promote correct posture, and
increase overall fitness. The program is a safe and fun way to
exercise. She is trained in Tai Chi, and received her 7th degree
black belt in Tai Shin Ki Do from the American Okinawan Karate
Academy. She also holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance.
For the Tai Chi Chi Kung programs, please wear
loose clothes and flat shoes.