Legend Shotokan Karate, Staten Island

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

We pride our school as a "teaching school," not baby sitting school. No matter what the age, with the right teacher and the right program - you will see great results. The students learn how "not to be afraid of bullies." They're taught self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership skills, and this will be reflected in their everyday life. Our dojo started in a PAL in Brooklyn teaching less fortunate children from that small dojo. We produced countless state, national, and international Champions through determination and a solid program. Although they win the medals we win the pride in their accommodations.

No student is unteachable - they all have their own levels and abilities, you just have to be patient to develop them.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

Shotokan style of the martial arts was by founded by Gichin Funakoshi, perhaps the most widely known style of karate and thought by some to be the father of modern karate. Sensei Funakoshi was born 1868 in Suri, which was then the capital city of the island of Okinawa, and died in 1957.

Our martial art program builds leadership qualities; increasing self-esteem and self-confidence builds motivation to do better in school and at home; this is accomplished through dedicated teaching. Each class improves coordination and flexibility while building muscle memory through repetition. We also emphasize progressive stretching exercises and meditation. Beginners’ classes ease first-time students into the curriculum and progress at a pace consistent with one’s ability and fitness level.