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Greetings All,
We find ourselves living in a truly remarkable period in our history. Although it has been hard to fathom, the world as we knew it has vanished. The COVID-19 virus has disrupted lives on a global level never thought possible. Although mankind will never be the same, and our daily balance upset, we all MUST keep a positive mindset as we navigate our way through the pandemic.
It is the primary reason I am writing to you today. The Imperial Dragon Dojo has served the Woodhaven community for 45 years, 30 at its current location. In that time, our school has changed so many lives for the better. Our students become physically fit through physical training while also developing strength of will and character. They become more confident, believing in and developing their physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. Many of our students perform better at school, regardless of the grade level. Others do better at their jobs. More importantly is the sense of community and belonging. Our current and former students create more than memories, they create lifelong friendships. They become part of our family. For certain, our style of traditional karate is far more than just kicking and punching!
A quick recap of our Dojo history reveals the following:
Our chief instructor is Myron M. Lubitsch, Hanshi. He has studied Shorinjiryu karate for over 50 years training in the United States and Japan. All of his instructors were high ranking Black Belts in Japan and here in the states. He graduated college in 1968 with a BBA and in 1976 had earned a MS in Guidance and Counselling. He was a teacher, in the New York City school system, for 32 years before retiring in 2011.
In 1980, Hanshi created the Kenryukan School of Shorinjiryu.
The Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai, a world-wide group of like-minded Shorinjiryu practitioners dedicated to the study of Shorinjiryu, under the banner of friendship, was organized in 1986.
Currently, Hanshi Lubitsch holds a ninth degree black belt In Shorinjiryu as well as a first degree black belt in Aiki-Kempo Ju-Jitsu.
In December of 1991, the lease on our new (present) school headquarters was signed. Shortly thereafter, the Shorinjiryu Kenryukan Karate Headquarters LTD opened the Imperial Dragon Hombu Dojo on 980 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. After over a decade at a different location on Jamaica Avenue, the new home idea came to fruition.
What effect has the Dojo had on the community:
The dojo has become a staple of the neighborhood for close to 30 years. The effect on the neighborhood has been clear as we foster respect and friendship to all our neighbors.
The Dojo works with students of various ages, cultures, races, genders and languages.
The Dojo stresses tradition. Students learn jujun – obedience, sonkei – respect, sonkei – loyalty, renshu – training (practice) and wa – harmony.
We stress self-defense and self control. We do not condone unwarranted use of techniques taught.
Two very special words are taught and stressed: kudasai – please and arigato – thank you.
As a service to the community, street fair demonstrations are performed for churches, street events. We are the official martial arts school demonstrators for the Woodhaven Street Fair and the Harvest Fair for the NYC Forest Park. We have also put on shows at the Flushing Meadows Park, the Queens Center Mall as well as other events.
The Imperial Dragon School endeavors to continue the work that builds and sometimes reclaims lives and creates citizens not just of this city, not just of this country, but of the world through our international partnerships with sister schools that dot the globe. However, we have reached a crossroad brought on by COVID-19. The virus has disrupted all of our lives regardless of circumstance. The pandemic has severely limited our ability to continue our mission. We are not able to host as many students, our lifeblood, as we need to sustain the dojo. Hence this appeal to you to assist us to serve this wonderful community for many years to come. We desperately need additional funding to enable us to continue our work. Please help us to keep our school alive so that we can continue to serve and meet the needs of our community.
Kudasai, We cannot survive without you!!
We find ourselves living in a truly remarkable period in our history. Although it has been hard to fathom, the world as we knew it has vanished. The COVID-19 virus has disrupted lives on a global level never thought possible. Although mankind will never be the same, and our daily balance upset, we all MUST keep a positive mindset as we navigate our way through the pandemic.
It is the primary reason I am writing to you today. The Imperial Dragon Dojo has served the Woodhaven community for 45 years, 30 at its current location. In that time, our school has changed so many lives for the better. Our students become physically fit through physical training while also developing strength of will and character. They become more confident, believing in and developing their physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. Many of our students perform better at school, regardless of the grade level. Others do better at their jobs. More importantly is the sense of community and belonging. Our current and former students create more than memories, they create lifelong friendships. They become part of our family. For certain, our style of traditional karate is far more than just kicking and punching!
A quick recap of our Dojo history reveals the following:
Our chief instructor is Myron M. Lubitsch, Hanshi. He has studied Shorinjiryu karate for over 50 years training in the United States and Japan. All of his instructors were high ranking Black Belts in Japan and here in the states. He graduated college in 1968 with a BBA and in 1976 had earned a MS in Guidance and Counselling. He was a teacher, in the New York City school system, for 32 years before retiring in 2011.
In 1980, Hanshi created the Kenryukan School of Shorinjiryu.
The Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai, a world-wide group of like-minded Shorinjiryu practitioners dedicated to the study of Shorinjiryu, under the banner of friendship, was organized in 1986.
Currently, Hanshi Lubitsch holds a ninth degree black belt In Shorinjiryu as well as a first degree black belt in Aiki-Kempo Ju-Jitsu.
In December of 1991, the lease on our new (present) school headquarters was signed. Shortly thereafter, the Shorinjiryu Kenryukan Karate Headquarters LTD opened the Imperial Dragon Hombu Dojo on 980 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. After over a decade at a different location on Jamaica Avenue, the new home idea came to fruition.
What effect has the Dojo had on the community:
The dojo has become a staple of the neighborhood for close to 30 years. The effect on the neighborhood has been clear as we foster respect and friendship to all our neighbors.
The Dojo works with students of various ages, cultures, races, genders and languages.
The Dojo stresses tradition. Students learn jujun – obedience, sonkei – respect, sonkei – loyalty, renshu – training (practice) and wa – harmony.
We stress self-defense and self control. We do not condone unwarranted use of techniques taught.
Two very special words are taught and stressed: kudasai – please and arigato – thank you.
As a service to the community, street fair demonstrations are performed for churches, street events. We are the official martial arts school demonstrators for the Woodhaven Street Fair and the Harvest Fair for the NYC Forest Park. We have also put on shows at the Flushing Meadows Park, the Queens Center Mall as well as other events.
The Imperial Dragon School endeavors to continue the work that builds and sometimes reclaims lives and creates citizens not just of this city, not just of this country, but of the world through our international partnerships with sister schools that dot the globe. However, we have reached a crossroad brought on by COVID-19. The virus has disrupted all of our lives regardless of circumstance. The pandemic has severely limited our ability to continue our mission. We are not able to host as many students, our lifeblood, as we need to sustain the dojo. Hence this appeal to you to assist us to serve this wonderful community for many years to come. We desperately need additional funding to enable us to continue our work. Please help us to keep our school alive so that we can continue to serve and meet the needs of our community.
Kudasai, We cannot survive without you!!