About Us

Japanese calligraphy for "Do" meaning "The Way"

 About Us

We are dedicated to teaching traditional shotokan karate for a modern world. We practice a do, which means we study the philosophical and spiritual aspects of shotokan karate as well as the physical training and practical self- defense applications.

Our students range from beginner to advanced levels of all ages that come from across the New York City metro area.  Our unique way of combining martial arts training, etiquette and philosophy with the modern concepts of fitness, self-defense and competition is unparalled. We ensure your training is intense and vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential. 

Japanese calligraphy for the "Dojo Kun" or "Dojo Rules"

Dojo Kun

• • Strive for completion of character
• • Be Faithful
• • Endeavor
• • Respect others
• • Refrain from violent behavior

Our Instructors

Sensei Norman Smith

Sensei Norman Smith received his shodan level (1st degree black belt) in 1979, his 2nd degree in 1982, and his sandan level (3rd degree black belt)  in 1990. While the aforementioned ranks were received in the Shotokan style of Karate, Sensei Smith has also studied FuJoPai Tiger Claw Kung Fu from 1977-1979. Additionally, he studied Jujitsu and Aikido from 1992-1997.

Sensei began teaching the art of karate in 1988, when he was awarded a position as Karate Programs Coordinator/Instructor for the Kips Bay Boys Club in the Bronx, NY, where he is still holds that position. Sensei Smith also presided over the Way of Life Shotokan dojo in Mount Vernon, NY from 1996-1998.

Over the years, Sensei Smith’s students have amassed a number of awards for fighting (kumite) and forms (kata).

Senpai Paul Cortissoz

Senpai Paul Cortissoz has been training in martial arts since 1986 and in shotokan karate since 1990.  Originally from Canada, he received his shodan level (1st degree black belt) from the IKA and Kancho Okuyama in Toronto in 1996 and his sandan level (3rd degree black belt) in 2012.  Paul has also trained with the JKA in Canada.  Paul has been with Way Of Life Shotokan since 2008 and writes for the blog located on this site. Paul is passionate about the ettiquette, history and philosophy behind shotokan karate and martial arts in general.

Senpai Miguel Novoa

Senpai Miguel Novoa is a lifelong student of Sensei Smith. He began his training 1991 and has been an Assistant to Sensei Smith since 2000. Senpai is a veteran of the US Army and has served his country with tours in Japan and Iraq. As a sergeant of the Army he lead many convoy missions and supervised critical maintenance procedures to various military vehicles. He also used his knowledge of martial arts to train members of his unit resulting in unit members to become more alert, physically fit and proficient in their jobs. His energy and dedication towards fitness is easily displayed in his approach to karate when teaching.

How We Train

Our training classes are vigorous.  Our respect for each other and the teachers who have gone before us is deep.  Our passion for excellence in the execution of proper technique is constant.  Our committment to being lifelong students of the martial arts is unwavering.  In fact, it is our way of life.

Power with speed and rythm is our focus.  Power is generated from tanden (centre of the body) and is coordinated with different parts of the body, especially the hips.  All techniques are executed with focus on proper movement with speed and balance.  Learning proper rythm is essential to develop as a karateka in all aspects of shotokan training.

Control is also an important part of our training and it is taught with an emphasis on safety and respect.  Muscle control (when to relax and when to apply power), is an important but very difficult skill to achieve. An unfocused mind or overly tensed body leads to wasted energy and movement.  Staying calm yet ready to execute an explosive technique is the foundation of proper karate training.