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. Developed by a doctor, the program is a safe and fun way to exercise. Master Jean Helmstetter obtained certification as an instructor for TCA from Dr. Paul Lam, the programs creator. 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.