Frequently Asked Questions

The Technician Dojo teaches Ryu-Saiichi-Do Kenpo Karate Jutsu, a self-defense system created by Master Steven Hatfield. It combines principles of Karate, Japanese Jujutsu, Judo, and grappling with an emphasis on realistic self-defense over tournament performance.

Training covers striking, blocking, movement, balance, throws, takedowns, positional control, and defensive responses to common threats. The focus is on understanding what works and why. Train for understanding, practice for capability, and apply your knowledge responsibly.

Training here is built around understanding, not just repetition. Students learn why a technique works, when it is appropriate, and what its limitations are. Advancement is based on demonstrated development, not time spent or tuition paid.

We emphasize practical application, mental preparedness, adaptability, and personal responsibility. This is not a school that measures a student's worth by tournament medals or a belt that was handed out on a schedule.

The strongest approach draws from both. Traditional arts provide structure, foundational technique, discipline, and a framework for long-term development. Modern self-defense education helps students apply those principles to real situations.

We do not preserve a technique because it is old, nor dismiss it because it is traditional. The standard is whether the student understands it, can perform it with control, and knows when it is appropriate. Tradition gives us a foundation. Practical study gives us perspective. Responsible training bridges the two.

The dojo is founded and led by Master Steven Hatfield, creator of Ryu-Saiichi-Do Kenpo Karate Jutsu. He trained in Karate in Japan and Okinawa with a foundation in Goju Ryu, and was named headmaster of the Wae-Kune Do Karate lineage in 2024.

Additional instructors include Master Jennifer (Ame) Davis (4th Degree Black Belt RSD Karate, Purple Belt Kontei Judo, 4th Degree Purple Belt Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Tenshinkido Menkyo Shoden), Sensei Simone Hager-Alexander (1st Degree Black Belt RSD Karate, Purple Belt Judo and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Tenshinkido Menkyo Shoden), and additional senpai-ranked instructors in Karate and Judo. All instructors hold current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications. Full profiles are on the instructors page.

No experience required. Beginners are welcome at all age levels.

You do not need to be athletic, flexible, or strong to start. Instruction introduces fundamentals first and builds from there. Whether you are a child learning coordination and discipline, an adult seeking practical self-defense, or returning to martial arts after years away, the first step is the same: show up and begin.

Ryu-Saiichi-Do Kenpo Karate accepts students age 4 and up. Judo and Jujutsu classes are open to students age 8 and up. Firearms Education is open to students age 8 and up. Holistic Services vary by program: Life Coaching starts at age 5, and Reiki and Energy Work are for adults 18 and older.

Alongside age-appropriate martial arts fundamentals, children work on listening, coordination, balance, respect, perseverance, and following instructions. Training gives them structured practice in patience, working with others, and handling challenges.

Children learn that confidence is not aggression, self-defense is not a license to start fights, and walking away is sometimes the stronger choice. The objective is not to teach children to become aggressive. It is to help them become more capable, confident, disciplined, and responsible.

Practical self-defense is central to training here. Students learn foundational techniques and progressively explore how they apply to movement, distance, balance, grabs, and positional disadvantages. Training includes partner exercises, controlled resistance, and scenario-based learning at appropriate levels.

Training also emphasizes prevention, awareness, verbal boundaries, and recognizing when physical response is necessary. No technique works in every situation, and no training makes anyone invulnerable. The goal is improved knowledge, better options, and the judgment to use them responsibly.

Rank reflects demonstrated learning, technical progress, and the ability to meet expectations at a given level. Advancement is not a reward for time or tuition. Belt examinations assess progress and identify areas needing work.

Higher rank brings greater responsibility in control, knowledge, and conduct. We distinguish between earned technical rank, instructor qualifications, and organizational recognition. A belt is meaningful here. It is not handed out on a fixed schedule.

Yes. A young child, an adult beginner, an experienced martial artist, and someone returning after years away are not trained in the same way, and they should not be. Instruction emphasizes fundamentals, progressive learning, and adjustments suited to the individual.

The curriculum emphasizes leverage, positioning, balance, and decision-making rather than relying on size or strength. You do not have to be in shape to begin. That is part of what training builds.

The goal is not a black belt. It is a more capable, confident, disciplined, and responsible person. Self-defense is one part of that. The rest is developing judgment, recognizing unnecessary conflict, and taking responsibility for your decisions.

The objective is not to create bullies, trophy collectors, or people who believe they cannot be defeated. It is to develop martial artists who understand their responsibilities, value their training, and know that the greatest measure of their education is how wisely they apply it.