Reviews of Seiren Dojo

overall amazing dojo but as i said sensei smith has recived his shidoshi license

Take it for what it's worth because I may be biased. I trained under the same sensei and for my money, this is the best instruction you can get.

I have been a student under the same Shihan as Jason for 6 years now, and have been to his dojo in Cookstown many times. If you live in the area and want serious, traditional training in an art that offers development on all levels, then this may be the artform you have been looking for. The students at Seiren Dojo are friendly and dedicated to helping each other grow as well as themselves. The head instructor, Jason Smith, is a very skilled martial artist, as well as an excellent role model. I would highly recommend this dojo to anyone that is looking for training in the martial arts in a friendly and non-competitive atmosphere. Its more than just a bunch of people getting together to train. Its a family.

The style is rich with more than just kicks and punches, from locks and throws, weapons, gymnastics, to tactics and strategy, with no requirement to be "superhuman" to participate and learn. The dojo has a traditional Japanese martial arts theme and feel which primes the mind for training and provides cultural hooks back to the style's source. In any given class, you could be learning about anything in the style regardless of level. And guests from affiliated dojos often make appearances. The students are varied in both age and background, willing to help with training, so long as you are willing to help with their training. The instruction is generally given on traditional techniques, but the instructors have the perspective to relate what was learned back to real life scenarios.

Ultimately, there is a certain style, school, and people fit for anyone looking to train in martial arts. I find myself very fortunate to count myself as a student at Seiren Dojo as all three align for me.