Sensei Avi Rokah lives and breathes karate. As a prodigy of Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, he is one of the most sought-after instructors in the world (see Seminars). In addition to being a former world and five-time US champion, Sensei Avi is also the technical director of the World Budo Karate Association.
Sensei Avi studied for three decades under Master Nishiyama, who, in turn, was a top student of the father of the Shotokan style, Master Gichin Funakoshi. This continuity of instruction provides our pupils with a direct link to the founding of modern karate. Due to this lineage, in our karate classes for all ages and levels we teach only the purest form of karate.
Sensei Avi studied for three decades under Master Nishiyama, who, in turn, was a top student of the father of the Shotokan style, Master Gichin Funakoshi. This continuity of instruction provides our pupils with a direct link to the founding of modern karate. Due to this lineage, in our karate classes for all ages and levels we teach only the purest form of karate.
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Karate teaches you how to use your body in the most efficient way - from the ground up and from the core out. It also teaches the neuromuscular system to recruit muscles and joints in the correct sequence, allowing for efficient movement. Through special training methods, such as kata, we learn these underlying movement principles, and once they have been installed into the nervous system they can be applied to any form of movement.
First and foremost we love to come and teach every day, because of how friendly and respectful all the kids at the dojo are. This is an atmosphere that new beginners sense and adopt quickly. Character development is important to us and by adhering to dojo rules, the children develop important life skills such as discipline, focus, respect, and humility.
At Rokah Karate we pride ourselves in our direct lineage to the founders of Karate. It is this direct transmission of the art that enables us to teach the underlying principles, rather than just copy the outside form of the technique. We teach the "why" and "how", and those are the subtleties that allow for unlimited development of each practitioner according to his/her unique abilities.
Rokah Karate offers No Gi-Jiu Jitsu classes, which is also known as "submission grappling". Felipe Werdum is the MMA coach to His brother Fabricio Werdum who is UFC Heavy Weight Champion. While Gi Jiu Jitsu is a great sport, many techniques can not be applied to an MMA or self defense situation. The above is especially true with the No Gi Jiu Jitsu class taught by Felipe Werdum, who has huge experience coaching top MMA level fighters.
One of the highest level wrestling for MMA classes in the world - wrestling with Vladimir Matyushenko. Vlad is passionate about wrestling and about teaching. He keeps on evolving as a teacher in his quest to teach optimal techniques, using least strength, he cares about each student progress. Vlad classes are systematic, technical, interesting, fun, and safety is paramount.
Reviews (10)
The Kid'S. Guru
May 20, 2021
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Our daughter has been training at this Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Ruth and Sensei Avi since she was shy of 4. As a micro premie this dojo has been a blessing to her development. She is now 9 and is a brown belt and competes both internationally and nationally. If you want a place that will teach your children discipline, provide a positive and fun experience, and nurturing your entire child than there's no better place then Rokah Karate. We actually train from 400 miles away via Zoom, while both Sensei's watch and correct each movement with fine precision.
Erica Greene
Dec 31, 2020
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My son has been attending Rokah Karate for 3 and a half years. He has gotten so much out of his experience. Both Avi and Ruth are supportive yet firm and lead by example. I have seen my son gain confidence, skill, strength and stamina. I highly recommend Rokah to anyone looking to give their child a positive experience with martial arts.
Tova Sarir
Dec 15, 2020
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My son has been training karate with Sensei Avi and Sensei Ruth for the past 2 years. At Rokah karate you learn from the best, they teach the kids with love, positive affirmation and yet in a strickt and respectful way. Especially during the pandemic Rokah Karate provided karate classes via zoom for all their students 6 days a week. This place is a family run business and once you join, you become part of this amazing family. We have met amazing friends here. Hands down the best karate studio anyone can be part of. We love Rokah Karate.
Brian Ash
Aug 01, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Wonderful family oriented karate school run by a caring and charismatic husband and wife team. Has been an excellent experience for my son who has been working with Ruth and Avi For the past several years. They have classes at many levels and also offer a one on one lessons.
Wonderful family oriented karate school run by a caring and charismatic husband and wife team. Has been an excellent experience for my son who has been working with Ruth and Avi For the past several years. They have classes at many levels and also offer a one on one lessons.
BatSheva Vaknin
Jul 03, 2020
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Our 3 kids all attended and LOVED this dojo. One of our children continued her karate journey with Rokah for years, and I can attest to the fact that Avi and Ruth foster a wonderful nurturing and also competitive environment, offering opportunities to the kids to grow, learn and even compete nationally and internationally. My daughter competed in Vienna Austria with Rokah last year and it was an experience she will never forget. They are also incredible instructors for adults. The best in the city by far, we had tried several other dojos and karate chains before we found Rokah.
Heather Caruso
Jun 24, 2020
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Senseis Avi and Ruth are not only masters of technique, they are an unbeatable duo of character coaches for the younger generations. Beyond developing great karate skills, our kids are learning about respect, community, excellence, spirit, compassion, and a whole host of other ways to continually grow into their best selves. The dojo community is also warm and wonderful--everyone is welcome!
Hanni Goldfarb
Jun 17, 2020
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The best karate place in town!!! Sensei Avi and Sensei Ruth treat each child as if they were their child. The progress of each student is the first priority for them. It's more than karate, the children learn values for life. There is the feeling of one big family, which unites and consolidates everyone.
We love Rokah Karate :)
We love Rokah Karate :)
Hiro Worldtraveler
Jun 16, 2020
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My son is with Sensei Avi and Sensei Ruth since his 5 years old. We are Japanese and of course we were looking for traditional Shotokan Karate lesson at that time.
Luckily we found Rokah Karate through our friend and they are following tradition which is difficult to find in Japan. Their teaching is not only Karate technique but also discipline. Sensei trains and teach Body, Mind and Spirit as a whole. I have no doubt that what my son learns at Rokah Karate will asset, tool and foundation of his all life.
Luckily we found Rokah Karate through our friend and they are following tradition which is difficult to find in Japan. Their teaching is not only Karate technique but also discipline. Sensei trains and teach Body, Mind and Spirit as a whole. I have no doubt that what my son learns at Rokah Karate will asset, tool and foundation of his all life.
Michelle Porjes
Jun 14, 2020
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Rokah is an extraordinary place to study traditional karate and both Avi and Ruth Rokah had put their hearts and souls into their exceptional karate program. The knowledge of Avi Rokah is simply unparalleled. Movement is not only based on tradition but on science. This minimizes injury and help the practitioner achieve to the highest level. I have been a student at the dojo for over 25 years. Parents--as an educational and school psychologist I highly recommend Rokah karate as a part of your child(ren)'s education. They will benefit from the discipline, core development, flexibility, strength,
Talya Stein
May 30, 2020
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Rokah Karate has been so wonderful for our son. I have been so impressed with their efforts to keep students engaged and learning during this pandemic. My son was able to move to the next belt level based on his zoom karate classes. I am so grateful to sensais Ruth and Avi for their unparalleled dedication to providing quality instruction to my son and all of their students
