Foothills Karate teaches self-defense and self-restraint

  The legendary screen rampages of the ninja warrior make an impressive sweep at the box office but the reality is quite a different story for those who teach the true purpose of karate, according to a karate school owner.

  Tenchi Dojo, 11831 S. Fortuna Road, teaches not only the Okinawa style of karate but also jujitsu and tai chi.

  Nathan Bratcher, the owner and principal instructor, said he teaches the skill as an art rather than a sport. Bratcher said most of his students approach the discipline with a realistic view.

  "Some still think it's like the Power Rangers. Some of the younger kids like to learn for the acrobatics but it's really about developing yourself as a better person."

  The true purpose of karate is to develop the mind, body and spirit, according to Bratcher. By disciplining those functions in a harmonious manner, a person is more able to take on daily  challenges.

  "Some of my kids face bullies every day and have a lot of peer pressure. They may not be the most popular, but karate helps them build confidence - whatever task is put in front of them, test, science project or sports."

  Progressing from white to black belt usually requires six years of training, but a minimum of six months to a year is needed to gain a solid foundation, Bratcher said.

  "I'd say 40 percent of students are there to learn self-defense and the rest are there to develop discipline, respect and focus. Karate is one of the few disciplines that use both sides of the brain. The left brain, analytical, and the right brain, intuitive. Karate brings those two into balance."

  Some of those students start instruction with chronic pain or behavioral problems. But in the process of learning karate, many find that shoulder, knee or lower back pain disappears.

  "I've had several kids diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and over a period of time they're able to calm down, get off their medication, and their teachers report they're more well- mannered and focused."

  Beyond the physical skills, Bratcher also instills the tenets of karate: integrity, resolve, honor, humility and how to apply those elements in real life. Integrity he stressed, not only means avoiding dishonesty toward others but being true to oneself.

  "Lying to yourself means being in denial. I cheat others by not being my best, by doing just enough to get by. The better I am, the better morals I have and then I see things how they really are not how they might be."

  Tenchi Dojo includes adult students as well. Karate helps adults relieve stress and build physical and mental confidence, Bratcher said.

   One of those students is Staci Price, an assistant kindergarten teacher at Learning Pad Christian Preschool, who began classes in January in order to have an activity to do with her children. Price said the dojo is starting a summer reading program and she likes how it helps children to lead a more well-rounded life.

  "I don't care if they come out knowing how to strike," Price said. "I mainly care they learn to respect others and themselves."

  Price said she was very impressed by Bratcher's teaching style and his positive approach toward students. He wants students to maintain respect for the community, family, other students and themselves, she emphasized.

  "The last thing he'd want you to do is use karate for aggression against others," Price said. "But in case of an assault, of course, he showed us how to use karate skills to get away."

  Price has a daughter, Kara, 6, and a son, Brock, 8, who are both enrolled in karate classes. Price said her son is really into it, and her daughter is having a lot of fun.

  Children and parents who learn together help one another to advance more rapidly, yet progress always depends on how much time each student is willing to devote to karate, Bratcher said.

  "Come and see how I teach and what we do to make sure if this is a place where you'd feel comfortable."

---

William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.