Karatedo Shinyokai - El Cerrito, California

Adrienne Melodia

I first got into Martial Arts about a year ago, when Mark Sensei taught a kickboxing afterschool class at my school. I really liked it, so I signed up for the summer camp and the virtual dojo classes, and they have been awesome! Sensei Mark is always very encouraging, he pushes you to do your best, but not absolutely drain yourself. He is also very welcoming to beginners. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone who wants to learn martial arts. 🙂

Kari Gim

The teachings of Mark Sensei go above and beyond what the novice would imagine for learning karate. While I figured that I would get a good workout and the basics of karate when I registered for Sensei’s adult bootcamp, I had no idea I would learn all of that and yet so much more from six lessons. With a gentleness and uplifting demeanor, Sensei was always encouraging, and we left each class with a feeling of accomplishment. One of the biggest takeaways for me personally was the philosophies Sensei taught and continues to teach — not just to us adults but in his kids classes too — that can be used in everyday moments.

Mark Sensei is a true inspiration to students far and wide — the young, the old, the novice, the black belt — as he demonstrates and even trains right next to you. There is never any discrimination; Sensei shares his gift with all who choose to accept. I recommend Mark Sensei and his classes to anyone remotely interested in the martial arts!

Tiffany Redding

Karatedo Shinyokai has literally kept my family sane and healthy throughout the entire COVID era. Mark Sensei has been conducting excellent Zoom classes from the very start of the shutdown, for both karate and kickboxing, adults and kids. My son trains in the teen class and my daughter with the junior kids class, and they enjoyed eight weeks of daily online karate camp this summer with their classes - training, kata, nunchuks, sticks, games, calligraphy, cooking and more!

The adult karate and kickboxing classes are fantastic. I have learned so much, and become stronger and more disciplined, by training under Mark Sensei . And these sessions have brought fun and camaraderie to an otherwise difficult period. I cannot recommend this dojo highly enough!

Josh Eisenberg

I've been taking adult classes with Sensei Mark for over three years. His training and inspiration have helped me to become a better person - stronger and faster, but also more aware of myself and other people. He's always helpful and encouraging, and he's accommodating when real life throws you a curve. I've made good friends here and I highly recommend Karatedo Shinyokai.

Cybèle D'Ambrosio

Mark is an inspirational teacher who has a gift for bringing out the best in all of his students. There is a strong sense of comraderie among the children and it is beautiful to watch how under Mark's guidance, they all work together to progress and improve their skills.

Erin Wynden

I've been practicing karate here for around six years now, and my experience has been amazing and transformative. Taking classes here has made me a more diligent, self-aware, and focused person, and the community that the Mind Body Dojo has to offer is excellent. In addition, Sensei Mark is, hands down, the best teacher I've ever known. He encourages success in every student he teaches and brings out the best in other people. I've seen so many kids transform into more confident, hard working, mature, and humble people after training at the Mind Body Dojo. I highly recommend this program if you are interested in karate and developing as a person.

Goren Sarriegui-Simon

During these troubling times of a global pandemic, and far before it started, Karatedo Shinyokai has been the soul motivating factor in my day to day life. Sensei Mark's profound understanding of karate has allowed for a mind body coherence that goes way beyond anything I thought achievable before starting. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have found his dojo and be a part of such a kind and motivating community. Sensei Mark's efficient teachings and uplifting attitude allows one to feel their progression and accomplishment with every single class.
For anyone looking to learn traditional Goju-ryu karate, become connected and in control of their body, attain the confident ability to defend themselves, and feel an overall sense of well-being in daily life, I could not recommend a more positive and beneficial martial arts experience than training at Karatedo Shinyokai.

Gloria G

My daughter has been a student of Sensei Mark's for the past four years. Her dedication to and enthusiasm for Karate have grown each year. She has become more focused, disciplined, and responsible through Sensei Mark's guidance and says that she feels at peace in the dojo. She also always wants to spend her entire summer in Sensei Mark's karate camp. Sensei Mark gives each of his students individual attention, guidance and care and gives each student opportunities to experience success. The community of students and parents created by Sensei Mark is wonderfully caring and supportive.