Welcome to our martial arts family here at Fernandina Beach. Our dojo is a special place of physical, mental, and spiritual development through the study and practice of traditional martial arts. Whether today is the first time you have thought about trying a class or you have trained for years, we hope that you will find a home in our school.
We are a safe, engaging, family-friendly, and professional martial arts school that offers classes in seven different disciplines. Whether your interest lies in striking arts (Karate and Tae Kwon Do) or grappling arts (Judo, Jujitsu, and Aikido), we are the dojo for you. Training with us is for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
We are a safe, engaging, family-friendly, and professional martial arts school that offers classes in seven different disciplines. Whether your interest lies in striking arts (Karate and Tae Kwon Do) or grappling arts (Judo, Jujitsu, and Aikido), we are the dojo for you. Training with us is for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
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Our specifically designed curriculum creates a cohesive unity between the Japanese and Korean art forms. Students study traditional forms (kata/hyung) from both karate-do and tae kwon do. Therefore, they receive a well rounded martial arts education focusing on the powerful upper body techniques of karate as well as the dynamic lower body techniques of tae kwon do.
At Fernandina Dojo LLC, we believe that a well-rounded approach to martial arts is the best approach which is exactly why we focus on both the incredible throwing techniques (nage waza) of Judo and the formative groundwork (ne waza) of Jujitsu. The founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, strongly believed in the concept of "seiryoku zen'yo" or maximum efficiency with minimal effort.
As practitioners, we examine the art of countering an attack by using our assailant's force against them. This can be manifested through direct (irimi) or indirect (tenkan) action culminating in a throw, joint lock, or submission. Traditional weapons such as the wooden sword (bokken), knife (tanto), and short staff (jo) are integral to the study and understanding of Aikido.
Iaido is the art of drawing, attacking/defending, and putting away the Japanese sword (katana). This is a highly technical and exacting martial art where the waste of energy, movement, or blocking could cost your life. In modern times, students begin training with a wooden sword (Bokken) and eventually move on to a non-sharp blade (Iaito) for safety.
At Fernandina Dojo LLC, students will study the art of Kobudo (Ancient Martial Way). The traditional Okinawan weapons are blended into the standard Karate/Tae Kwon Do curriculum and cover such items as the bo (long staff), tonfa/tuifa (short handle), sai (truncheon), kama (hand sickle), and nunchaku (wooden flail).
Reviews (16)
Kiersten Prince
Feb 02, 2022
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Eight Flags Plumbing
Dec 23, 2020
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Brian Decker
Dec 14, 2020
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I can't say enough great things about Fernandina Dojo. My family was one of the first families to join when the owner first opened, and my kids have always felt at home in his dojo. The level of instruction is fantastic, with classes a good size without being too large. There are classes in karate, iaido, aikido, and jiu-jitsu, so there is likely a style that you can learn that suits you. Kids classes are broken up by belt, so they stay at similar skill levels. The exception is the teens/adults, which are grouped together, and any Saturday special classes.
The owner is involved in the community
The owner is involved in the community
James Mabe
Oct 09, 2020
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Crystal Gregory
Sep 26, 2020
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Ashley Corona Huben
Aug 26, 2020
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Chris Hartley
Jul 15, 2020
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Amy Johnston
Jul 02, 2020
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My son loves being a “Power Dragon” at Fernandina Dojo. He looks forward to his classes and asks every single day when his next class will be. Sensei Watkins makes the classes exceptionally fun for this kids and his professionalism and attention to detail give parents confidence that their children are well taken care of in his care. Highly recommend Fernandina Dojo to anyone looking for EXCELLENCE in karate instruction in our community.
Julie Higbee
Jun 25, 2020
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I just finished my first one on one personal training session at the Dojo and it was awesome! Sean had a workout planned and ready to go, and we modified as we needed to for my (lack of) fitness level. He was taught, and encouraging, and I got a great workout! There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and we social distanced, which is important right now. I'm excited to go back for more!
Amanuel Scott McMillan
Mar 01, 2020
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The friendly, family, welcoming environment is a quality that every parent wants for their child starting out. Every session the children are taught sportsmanship behavior and the meaning of karate. I appreciate the leadership, mentorship, and encouragement that Sensei brings to the kids. You wouldn’t shift Dojo’s once you were a member here.
Jon DeWitt
Feb 26, 2020
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Natalie Voytac
Jan 16, 2020
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Jennifer Stevenson
Nov 12, 2019
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My daughter started karate classes at Fernandina Dojo a few months ago and I cannot say enough about the dojo and about Sensei Watkins. He is fantastic with the kids (and adults) and my daughter has learned so much in just a few short months. Sensei Watkins is an amazing instructor and makes the class fun, while also teaching the art and tradition… of karate, and the discipline that goes along with it. The dojo also recently offered a two day self-defense class taught by Sensei Watkins and I decided to give it a try. As with all of his classes, it was very informative yet fun, and I left
John Williams
Nov 01, 2019
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Jennifer Larkin
Sep 29, 2019
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I knew a minute into observing his first Power Dragon class, this was the place for my son. Sensei Watkins is incredibly kind and patient with the kids. He pushes them to be their best self in and outside of class, while also laying a solid martial arts foundation the children can utilize when they are ready to move into the next class. Our little island is incredibly lucky to have a school of this caliber and I know before long, our entire family will be students there.
Lauren Saxon Templeton
Aug 12, 2019
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Don’t miss your chance to learn from a true master! My daughters have gained so much in six months of instruction with Sensei Watkins. The program emphasizes discipline, respect and teamwork as well as… technique and physical training. My husband also trains with Sensei Watkins and is very glad to be studying Martial Arts once again. We highly recommend Fernandina Dojo!
