“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of character.” - Gichin Funakoshi
OUR ASSOCIATION
We are an international Karate Association with a history dating back to Mas Oyama’s establishment of a branch in Southern Virginia in the 1960s. Kancho Dan Soller built The Phoenix Association into one of the highest quality traditional Kyokushin organizations in the world. We have now grown to include dojos in the Washington Capital Region, New Jersey, California, and Ukraine. In our long tenure in the karate world, we have also established programs in Rwanda, Canada and Italy.
We are a karate community of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and abilities . We actively strive for inclusivity. As we state in our guidebook, Phoenix Budo, “We are only as strong as our lowest ranking member”.
“Budo Karate is a personal lifelong journey full of challenges and supported by a community of fellow warriors."
- Dan Soller - Kancho Phoenix Karatedo Association
Why the Phoenix?
Mythology describes the phoenix as a bird that lives for an exceedingly long period of time, sets itself on fire, and the rises-complete again-from its own ashes. We use the phoenix as a symbol of the will of the karateka - a trained will that allows the karateka to rise, despite setbacks and defeats, to again take on the challenges of life. As the mythical phoenix survives from its ashes, so does the will of the karateka. The phoenix and the five stars are colored in red to symbolize the continuing fire, the non-quitting spirit, of the karateka’s will.
“ONE MUST TRY, EVERYDAY, TO EXPAND ONE’S LIMITS.”
-MAS OYAMA - FOUNDER OF KYOKUSHIN KARATE
Break Through.
It all begins with one punch.
AMENITIES
The Dojo is located in 202 Strong Gym
202 has modern changing rooms and shower facilities and the Dojo is a fully matted area.
Members of 202 Strong get a discount on Phoenix Karate Classes.
SCHEDULE A VISIT
Take a free week of classes. You’ll have the opportunity to train with several of our instructors, meet our dedicated members and get direct answers to all of your questions.