Follow Us In 2012

Want to keep up with the latest updates and blog articles from Way of Life Shotokan Karate?  There are several ways to follow us.  In the right hand column of the homepage you will see the the buttons that take you directly to our Facebook and Twitter pages.  From there you simply follow the instructions on each page that indicate you want to like or follow us.  

Another great idea is to follow our RSS feeds on your phone or tablet as well as your computer. News feed apps like Pulse News Google Reader and Google Currents make it easy to follow us along with the other news sources you follow.   Our direct RSS feed allows you to follow us in your web browser.  Lastly you can just enter your email address in the right hand side column and you will get our latest updates by email.

Lots of ways to keep up to date with our news, events and blog articles in 2012!  Happy new year to all.

Holiday Wishes To Our Community

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all our students and readers from Way of Life Shotokan Karate-Do.  This past year was a big one for us with opening our new dojo location.  We would like to also thank all the residents of Mamaroneck and Larchmont NY for welcoming us into the local community. We are open during the holidays for anyone looking to start a program before the new year and look forward to another great year in 2012.

Niju Kun Part 6- The Heart Must Be Set Free

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general.  In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

Looking for a unique holiday gift giving idea and saving 50% off at the same time?  Give the gift of a karate membership at Way Of Life Shotokan Karate-Do.  You get the advantage of our current 50% off the first month membership + a free karate uniform. Therefore, you only spend $67.50 to give a gift valued at $135.00. Limited to new student memberships only.  Karate provides many benefits to adults and kids alike.  Avoid the long lines and last minute shopping hassles and call us today!

New Edition Of The Shotokan Way

The November edition of The Shotokan Way is available for review.  This month's edition features some in-depth interviews and insights from some of the leading shotokan practioners in the world today.  Please check out the latest edition and we will continue to provide you with links and resources from some of the best online shotokan resources that we have found.

Congratulations To Our Students

Congratulations to everyone who passed their belt examinations Friday night. Their new rank is an example of how attending classes on a regular basis, hard work, effort, energy, focus and perserverance pays off. We are proud of their achievement and look forward to continuing the training with them as they progress even further.

Thank You To All Veterans

On behalf of Way Of Life Shotokan Karate, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all their veterans for their service to our country.  Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  Special thanks to our own veteran, Senpai Miguel Novoa (seen in picture) for his service in Iraq.  To show our gratitude to our veterans we are pleased to announce that all veterans can train with us free for the month of November with no obligation.  Please call us or stop by the dojo to find out more information.

Hidden Meaning In Karate

If you are a reader of our blog, you will know that we recently moved to a new location in Mamaroneck NY.  When decorating our dojo, we decided to intentionally place various artwork pieces throughout the dojo.  The reason for doing this was more than for artistic purposes.  We did this because of the of the meaning these artwork pieces have on our training and the spirit or intention behind them.

In this article I would like to humbly share the meaning for me behind "Enso" or "circle" and how I try to use it in my day-to-day training, and life in general.

Volunteering In The Community

Members of Way of Life Shotokan Karate participated in the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce sponsored "Spooktacular" event on October 23rd, 2011.  The event included window painting, a costume parade, a tricks and treats kids corner, a haunted house and a theater performance.  By all accounts a great time was had by all who attended the event.   We are committed to be part of the local community and were pleased that some of our members could volunteer for the event.

We are also running a fun contest for this week only.  If you can correctly guess who the "ghoul" is in the photo, you will win a free week of karate training compliments of Way Of Life Shotokan Karate (contest open to prospective students only and not for existing students).   Please contact us at 914-712-8172 or e-mail us at contactus@wayoflifeshotokan.com.  Hurry, contest ends this Saturday October 29th, 2011!

We Are In The News Again

We are pleased to have a new article written about us in the Sound & Town yesterday about our dojo.  We are proud to be part of the vibrant local diverse communities of southern Westchester County.  This is an interview conducted last week with Sensei Norman Smith and myself. The article discusses some of our insights and experiences in starting up a new karate school in the middle of a recession.  We also had another article written about us back in June in the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch.

New Edition of The Shotokan Way

The latest edition of The Shotokan Way is available for review.  This month's edition features some in-depth interviews and insights from some of the leading shotokan practioners in the world today.  Please check out the latest edition and we will continue to provide you with links and resources from some of the best online shotokan resources that we have found.

Karate From a Female Perspective

At Way of Life Shotokan Karate-Do we encourage our students to write articles for our blog.  The first installment is from Rita Kim (brown belt) and we thank her for her submission "Karate From a Female Perspective"- By Rita Kim

The benefits of practicing Karate, or any martial art, are invaluable. Every practitioner has their own interpretation of the purpose and benefits of Karate; for me Karate is an art. I’m not good with a paint brush or any musical instrument, but put me in a gi, I am an artist J

Mamaroneck Shares Update

We are proud to have participated for the first time in the 2011 Mamaroneck Shares event.  A special thank you to both the event organizers and to our student/parent volunteers.  We raised over $150.00 for the associated charities through our raffle for several free month long memberships at our dojo with all proceeds going to Mamaroneck Shares.  We look forward to participating again next year, and thank you for your support if you attended the event and stopped by our booth.  Here are some of the photos that were taken over the 4 nights.

Remembering Jahmare Smith

It is with a heavy heart that I write you today with some very sad news. Sensei Norman Smith's eldest son, Jahmare Smith, was tragically killed last Thursday in a shooting in Virginia.

Our sincere sympathies go out to Sensei and his family during this extremely difficult time.  No words can express how sad, tragic and senseless this is.

Congratulations To Our Students

Congratulations to everyone who passed their belt examinations last night. Their new rank is an example of how hard work, dedication, focus and perserverance pays off. We are proud of their achievement and look forward to continuing the training with them as they progress even further.  Adults left to right are Rafael Cedeno, Jonathan Morgenstern and Andrey Matsnev. 

Shotokan Karate Resources Part 2

Here is another must read for all Shotokan practioners.  It is a blog called www.theshotokanway.com and is updated on a monthly basis.  They regularly feature the "who's who" of Shotokan along with excellent insights about Shotokan Karate.  There are also alot of good resources for anyone wanting to learn about Shotokan and the martial arts.

Shotokan Karate Resources Part 1

Please let me introduce to a fantastic shotokan karate online resource if you were unaware if it. 24 Fighting Chickens is one of the best shotokan blogs out there and has been for some time.  Check out the newest blog entry by Rob Redmond on Practicing Kata in Your Room.

What Do Ancient Samurai Have To Do With Karate Today?

If you are a reader of our blog, you will know that we recently moved to a new karate school location in Mamaroneck NY.  When decorating our dojo, we decided to place 4 artwork pieces depicting samurai at the very front of the dojo when you first walk in.   The reason for doing this was more than for artistic purposes.  We did this because of the profound impact the samurai code has on martial arts and is an integral aspect of how we endeavor to train.  In fact, the very origin of Japanese "budo" or "martial arts" is rooted in the samurai.

Kids Karate Practice In the Park

Yesterday was a nice day outside so we decided to conduct our class in the park.  Senpai Miguel Novoa did his usual magic with the kids and ensured the class was fun and vigorous at the same time.  Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts.

Why Kids Should Train Karate

Several weeks ago I wrote an article on Why Adults Should Train Karate Too.  Most often parents think of karate for their children first before themselves.  I would also like to share my thoughts on the benefits of karate training for kids.

Parents often want to enrol their child in karate to improve their grades at school, teach them self discipline or respect for adults, get them into an exercise program (too much TV and video game playing I often hear), instill a sense of self-confidence or simply because they are being bullied in school or in the playground.  No doubt these are all good reasons to enrol them in karate, and no doubt karate training can assist your child in all of these areas and more.

New Evening Yoga Classes Offered

Way of Life Shotokan Karate is pleased to announce that yoga classes will be offered independently at our location starting this week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30PM and Sundays 10:30-11:30AM through Jennifer Gomez.   Here is her bio:

Jenn Gomez, RYT

Jenn has been practicing and enjoying the benefits of vinyasa yoga since 2001.  She received her 200 hour yoga teaching certification in 2011 from Lotus Gardens Yoga School in Sherman, CT and is thrilled to be part of the yoga teaching community and in partnership with Way of Life Shotokan Karate-Do.  Jenn enjoys exploring and interweaving various yoga styles in class as well as in her own practice.  She believes that there is a yoga practice for everyone- yoga is just that eclectic.

Mamaroneck Shares Event

Way of Life Shotokan Karate is committed to giving back to the local community in which we operate and live.  We are proud to announce that we will be participating in the Mamaroneck Shares charity event July 14th, 28th, August 18th and September 9th.   This event sees the main street of Mamaroneck closed each night from 7-11PM and has local businesses offering events to raise monies for local charities including Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Service, At Home on the Sound and keep aBreast, in support of Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

Open House June 11th at New Mamaroneck Location

Only 2 weeks before we open the doors at our new Mamaroneck, Westchester County, NY location on June 1st serving the local communities of Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Harrison, Rye, Scarsdale, White Plains and New Rochelle.

We cordially invite you to our grand opening event on Saturday June 11th from 1-5PM that is open to the public.  

New Karate School Open in Mamaroneck

We are pleased to announce the opening of our Mamaroneck, Westchester County NY location today. We are proud to be part of the vibrant local diverse communities of Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Scarsdale, White Plains and New Rochelle. We are looking forward to offering shotokan karate to kids, adults and families for many years to come in our new karate school location.

Please find attached an article that was posted today in the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch. This is an interview conducted last week with Sensei Norman Smith and myself.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Mount Vernon Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Mount Vernon NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving The Bronx Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Bronx NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Yonkers Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Yonkers NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Bronxville Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Bronxville NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Eastchester Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Eastchester NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Scarsdale Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Scarsdale NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving White Plains Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in White Plains NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Port Chester Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Port Chester NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Rye Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Rye NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Harrison Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Harrison NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving New Rochelle Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in New Rochelle NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Larchmont Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Larchmont NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.

Karate Martial Arts School Serving Mamaroneck Now Open

Looking for a karate or martial arts school in Mamaroneck NY?


Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do is now officially open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, White Plains, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville,Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Bronx NY.

Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations 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 unparalleled. We ensure your martial arts training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.


Click here to visit our homepage and please be sure to check out our value priced monthly specials.