What our students are saying!!!


"Shorinkan Family Karate has been an important part of my grandson's life for nearly two years.  In addition to building his strength, endurance and teaching him karate skills, the Pearson's have taught other important life skills - such as respect and 'stranger danger'.  Sensei Paul and his wife Michelle treat all students with respect and give each one the individual attention necessary for success.  I heartily recommend this program!"
- Fran (Grandmother of student), Canon City

"Since my 6 year old son has been attending Lil' Dragons, I have seen a dramatic increase in his coordination, attention span and self-esteem.  Michelle, the instructor, is very patient with this age group and communicates instructions effectively with a lot of fun.  My son loves coming to his karate classes and I love all the positive changes I see."
- Amy (Mother of Lil' Dragon), Canon City


"My daughter Alexia has been a part of the Lil' Dragons since Feb. 08.  Since then I have noticed her agility and confidence blossom.  Both Sensei Paul & Michelle have been excellent instructors, giving personalized attention to each and every student.  They not only teach traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate and Kobudo, but they also teach discipline and respect for yourself and for others.  I highly recommend Shorinkan Family Karate to everyone I know."
- Kimberly (Mother of Lil' Dragon), Canon City


"I have been participating in Shorinkan Family Karate for about a year and I have found it most rewarding.  The instruction is given in a great atmosphere with Sensei Paul, his wife Michelle and their sons demonstrating knowledge and excellent teaching skills.  Each instructor gives help and personal instruction whenever needed.  The training is at a comfortable pace tailored to meet just about anyone's schedule.
The potential for trouble is all about us, so a self-defense course made sense to me and I was pleasantly surprised by the family like environment and healthy exercise regiment."
-  Chuck, Canon City


"I like Sensei Paul because he makes things fun.  I like karate because it is fun and it teaches you self defense and is good exercise." 
-  Wesley, 10 years old, Canon City

"Our son, Wesley, is 10 years old and is more committed to karate at Shorinkan Family Karate than any other sport or activity he has ever been involved in.  Wesley is not 'into' team competitive sports.  He's never enjoyed the traditional youth team sports and we had a hard time finding something active that he could do with enthusiasm that would give him physical activity.  We visited one other dojo before settling on Shorin Kan. We are so happy that we found this dojo!  Wesley never complains, "Do I have to go to karate?"  That's what I always heard about going to baseball or soccer practice.  Wesley would like to attend karate classes even more often if it was possible.  He is learning discipline in training his body through the exercises that Sensei Paul has them do to tone muscles.  He also has learned self-defense and knows that karate is never to be used for attacking someone else without being provoked.  It's also not to be used for "fun" on the playground or with siblings as karate moves can potentially hurt someone.  We are especially thankful for the Christian attitude that pervades the dojo.  Paul and Michelle care for their students and strive to give them a strong moral foundation in addition to physical training.  It's a wonderful thing for a child to have healthy adult role models that they respect because 'they're cool'!" 
-  Sharon (mother of student), Canon City.


"We learn to use karate only for defense, and we learn to control our temper.
So come join us." 
-  Nate, 7 years old, Canon City


"My wife and I, and our two boys (Micah 14, Josiah 12), have been studying karate at Shorinkan Family Karate for almost 2 years now.  We began karate as a way to do something together as a family. We are able to spend time together and exercise in a Christian environment.  In today's society, families seem to be torn apart at every turn.  Families are so busy doing things separate from each other; school work, sports, one child has ballet on Monday, another has baseball on Tuesday, Thursday music lessons, not to mention work demands on the parents.  Our family has found that doing karate together has been fun and healthy, but more important it has been something that we can do as a family."
-  Craig, Canon City


I like karate because I get to spar and wrestle. It's challenging and fun.
-  Josiah, Canon City


I like karate because I get to do it with my family and it helps me to show respect to other people inside and outside karate.
-  Micah, Canon City

"My husband and I, along with our two sons, have been taking Karate classes for six months, and during that time we have earned a belt ranking and we have increased our physical capabilities through practice and exercise.
**With an emphasis placed on honor and respect for ourselves and for fellow students, the school has proven to be a perfect place to excel as individuals, and also as a family.  Karate has not only strengthened our bodies, but our relationships as well, as we strive towards the goal of black belts together.**" 
-  Randi, Canon City