Martial arts training is our foundation - it is the medium through which we work - but it is not why we are here. The Independent Karate Schools seek to realize Master Funakoshi’s premise, our ultimate aim is to help our students build character – for themselves, for their families, for their community. We do this through the building and reinforcement of a variety of character traits:

From their first day as a white belt, we show each student respect and set expectations of respect in return. Through our actions and traditions, we teach our students to respect the dojo (training hall), their instructors, their parents, each other and themselves.

We use ceremonies to reinforce courtesy and show respect. Students bow when entering or leaving the dojo, when greeting their seniors and when receiving instructions from their instructor. Each drill, each form, begins and ends with a bow. As students progress through their training, they realize that these formalities are symbolic and that true courtesy comes from within. This turns into a natural respect for others in daily life outside the dojo, as well as a respect for the environment and for all living things.

We instill confidence in our students by testing them and teaching them to test themselves, to know their limits and their potential. Their sense of confidence in the dojo gives them greater confidence in other aspects of their lives.

"There are no opening moves in Karate" and "Peace over War" are two common sayings at the IKS. We teach the martial arts strictly as a form of self-defense, and we stress that the best technique is to prevent or avoid a confrontation in the first place. When students are well-grounded in the art and confident in their abilities, they are unlikely to be shamed or goaded into fighting. They know it takes more courage to walk away from a fight, and will instinctively use their wits before their fists. This restraint helps students in other areas as well. They learn to never answer an angry word with an angry word.

Something that is accomplished without effort is not truly an accomplishment, just a demonstration. No matter what rank one becomes as a martial artist, there is always more to be learned. We encourage our students to push themselves, to set lofty goals and persevere with determination and fortitude. We have seen that this determination to succeed in the dojo carries over into scholastic achievement and dedication on the job.

Courage cannot be bought or taught, it must come from within. Courage is there inside every heart, and under the right circumstances, it will show itself. Through tests, tournaments, exercises and challenges, we help our students find and strengthen their courage.

One of our most fundamental guiding principles is embodied in the slogan "Treasure in a Pocket" which is symbolized by our Front Position stance, with right fist in left palm. The Treasure is expertise in the martial arts. The Pocket is humility. True martial artists are not showy, they do not draw attention to themselves, and they do not flaunt their martial ability in front of others for either intimidation or boasting. A true martial artist keeps his treasure in his pocket, and only brings it forth as a last resort in self-defense or the defense of others.

As a school dedicated to the higher ethos of martial artistry, our most enduring legacies are the students who pass through our doors. They are the culminations of all our efforts. If each student even once adds to someone else’s life, or the community by their actions, then we will have accomplished our humble purpose. But more than that, our noblest aspirations are to spark the imagination of a group of young people who will be a beacon for their generation, earning respect and inspiring hope by the content of their character. If the testimonials from our students and endorsements from their parents are any indication, we have reason to hope that our dreams are being realized, one student at a time.