Sun Dragon supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment of all. In our safe and affirming learning environment, we train in conflict resolution, self-defense, and nonviolent martial arts. We have the power to end violence in our community, and every person has the right to defend themselves.
At Sun Dragon we study Seido karate. Sensei Graham trains under Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, the founder and creator of the World Seido Karate Organization, and his son, Nidaime Akira Nakamura. Before Sensei Graham became head instructor, Sensei Joy Williamson led the school. Sensei Joy trained under Kaicho and Nidaime, but she also trained in Seido directly under Sei Shihan Nancy Lanoue of Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self Defense.
At Sun Dragon we study Seido karate. Sensei Graham trains under Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, the founder and creator of the World Seido Karate Organization, and his son, Nidaime Akira Nakamura. Before Sensei Graham became head instructor, Sensei Joy Williamson led the school. Sensei Joy trained under Kaicho and Nidaime, but she also trained in Seido directly under Sei Shihan Nancy Lanoue of Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self Defense.
Services
We offer a variety of violence-prevention workshops for different ages and focused on different topics (work, school, home, etc.). Organizational scholarship applications are available if cost is a barrier. Supports students in developing personal boundaries and verbal assertiveness skills, as well as simple and accessible physical self defense techniques.
We offer yoga classes to our community members one day a week. Yoga class is currently taught on Zoom Sundays at 10:30 AM by Coty Delacretaz. When we get back to in-person classes, the schedule may increase again to two days a week. If you are part of our Seido Karate program, you and your guardian are welcome to attend our yoga classes at no extra charge.
As an entity, Sun Dragon prioritizes a welcoming and healthy environment for all of our community members. As such, at the recommendation of the Texas Department of State Health Services, we choose to adhere to Texas Immunization requirements. Immunization requirements are determined by the state legislature and set by the Texas Department of State Health Services, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency.
The following are answers to questions parents frequently ask. If you have any additional questions regarding your child's training, please contact us. We appreciate very much the opportunity to teach your child and look forward to talking with you. We recommend your child come to class twice a week.
Reviews (6)
Tom Thornton
Jan 19, 2020
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Our daughters have attended this dojo for over five years. They have learned motor skills, self-defense, physical and mental confidence, and quite a bit more. The instructors care about the students and also understand the ebbs and flows of youth attention spans and emotions. It's a great place for your kids/teens to learn karate and self-defense.
Healing Ink Studio
Aug 25, 2019
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Wil Mouradian
Sep 30, 2018
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Sun Dragon has completely turned my life around. This is an excellent school for people who have always been curious about martial arts but afraid of the sports-like / combat school approach that many schools and films would have you believe is the norm.
We're feminist, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and modify our practices to make sure they're safe and possible for everyone to train while still pushing to our limits. We also have scholarship programs, so anyone can train regardless of ability to pay. I've been training for four years and consider myself a lifer. Whether you're 4 or 84, there's a place for
We're feminist, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and modify our practices to make sure they're safe and possible for everyone to train while still pushing to our limits. We also have scholarship programs, so anyone can train regardless of ability to pay. I've been training for four years and consider myself a lifer. Whether you're 4 or 84, there's a place for
Bethlyn Thornton
Jan 28, 2018
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Tasca Shadix
Nov 29, 2016
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As a former student at the school, as well as a mom whose children still participate regularly in their self-defense courses and camps (sadly, we live too far away now to attend regular classes), I highly recommend Sun Dragon Martial Arts. The teaching is top-notch, the ethos of the school is welcoming and inclusive, and the approach is empowering. This is the type of place that changes lives -- I've seen it and experienced it firsthand. Sun Dragon is no McMartial Arts School -- it's a true community and an Austin original!
Summer Cacciotti
Dec 06, 2015
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Sun Dragon Martial Arts and Self Defense, NFP, has made an incredible difference in my life. Even though I started as a adult, Sun Dragon helped me develop amazing discipline and self confidence. It's an incredibly welcoming environment, and even someone as balance-and-flexibility challenged as I am was able to find a martial arts home. The instructors are great and all have their own unique teaching styles. I really appreciate its social justice focus and I'm proud to train at a nonprofit school that offers scholarships so money will never keep someone from training.
