Karate Testimonials from Happy Members

I began training at Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai almost six months ago with no prior training in karate or martial arts. Intimidated and scared I walked in my first day and was welcomed with open arms into my new dojo family! Since joining karate I feel an increased level of focus and confidence in my life which I never thought possible. The balance of traditional training as well as sport training is unique to this dojo and offers students who are interested the opportunity to compete at a competitive level while at the same time allowing them to train in traditional goju ryu. The knowledge and support I continue to gain from Sensei Oddy and Sensei Kushnir as well as from my fellow students is immeasurable.

Sensei Oddy and Sensei Kushnir, for all your continued efforts, dedication and endless patience...

THANK YOU!

Kerri Sweredoski

I started training with Sensei Oddy six months ago with my daughter and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. My daughter and I have increased our fitness, discipline and competetive levels tremendously. I would recommend Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai to anyone who wanted to improve any aspect of their life!

Dan Ware

We are so lucky to have found Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai right in our own backyard of Cicero. Since signing up our son, 6 and daughter, 11 for karate a few months ago we have seen a positive change in their attitude towards us, their elders and each other. Sensei Oddy has taught them discipline, respect and self-confidence. They are very excited every week to attend each class where Sensei Oddy takes their boundless energy and focuses it on karate training. They are even speaking a little Japanese at home! Their continued improvement and advancement is amazing to watch!

Thank you Sensei Oddy!

Jill & Andre Herrera

As Director of the Developmental to Elite Sport Karate Program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY, I have had the privilege of working with Dave Oddy at an elite level.

His commitment to preserving the integrity of the martial arts coupled with his years of experience in the international arena will be an asset to anyone who joins his dojo.

Students of the Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai Goju Ryu Dojo will receive the latest developments in sport-karate as they benefit from Dave's experiences on the U.S. National Team and participation in our program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. I am proud to support his efforts of running a karate club that is focused on traditional values with a modern approach.

Eric Hill

For a very long time I had always been fascinated by and desired to try some form of martial art, but school, work or my participation in track and field, in which I have been very dedicated to my training as a pole vaulter and have had a great deal of success with, got in the way. I initially met David in 2005 while I was at the gym to train and briefly tried the class but work once again got in the way. I finally began training at Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai about a year ago with this being my first endeavor into the martial arts, participating in both the traditional and sport aspects of the dojo. The entire experience has been excellent and of the highest quality.

David and Sergey demonstrate an indepth knowledge of the discipline and are able to effectively convey that knowledge through indepth explanations, demonstrations, progressions, drills and traditional and sport specific training methods. They are dedicated to retaining the integrity and quality of the art and avoiding the commercialization that has become commonplace at many other dojos.

The small class size allows the instructors more interaction with the individual students and to provide them with extensive feedback. The classes are typically laid back, fun, challenging and impart students the necessary knowledge so as to facilitate self directed training. They also offer variation in what is being taught keeping things interesting while not neglecting the continual development of the basics. The other students in the class are a very interesting and diverse bunch including those who have come from other dojos and even other countries.

Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai is unique in the fact that it offers both Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu and Olympic style sport Karate and I love being a part of it. As someone who has a background in Physical Education, Coaching and extensive experience as an athlete I highly recommend Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai as it has something to offer everybody regardless of age or ability.

Jason Brocious

Joining Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai has easily been one of the best decisions I have made in this lifetime. Not only am I surrounded by amazing people, I am keeping fit and learning a discipline that I plan to practice as long as I am able to. Why, you ask? Because it embodies so many things at one time.

The kata provide a moving meditation - involving consciousness of breath, focus, determination and patience. These same components I find to be very helpful in all areas of my life. I am reminded of a quote from Buddha, “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” It’s something to strive for, anyway. . .

The sport competition on the other hand provides for an adrenaline rush like no other. The training is intense, fun, always relevant and again, Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai offers the best and the brightest to learn from!

Sensei Oddy and Sensei Kushnir are true masters of their discipline and I am very fortunate for the opportunity to train with both of them. So much so, that I plan on continuing my training with Syracuse Martial Arts Kenkyukai next year when I am living over an hour away.

Stacey McNeill

Although I have only been training with Sensei Dave Oddy for just over a year, I have been training in martial arts for well over ten. In this one year I have made an unbelievable amount of progress in both my competition and physical fitness. Sensei Oddy offers both a traditional and "sport" training class that cannot be found at any other school. I have competed in many tournaments this year including the AAU National Championships where I took a second and third in two different sparring divisions. I owe a great deal of thanks to both Sensei Oddy and Sensei Kushnir for all the time and effort they have put into this dojo.

Bryan Randazzo

(Since writing this note a few years ago, Bryan has since gone on to earn a spot on the United States National Karate Team - we're looking forward to seeing more from this amazing young athlete!)

I have known Dave for a few years now, but have watched him compete in tournaments for years prior. He is a great fighter that has the poise to wait for the appropriate opening and score. Besides tournaments, Dave has a vast knowledge of the martial arts, which shows in his teachings. He is a true Martial Artist.

Bryan Winkelman

Great job David!

I trained with David at Jundokan in Okinawa while he was a Marine. Great man with a passion for excellence in everything he sets his mind to.

For those of you fortunate enough to train at David's dojo, you will benefit greatly from his understanding of traditional Goju and his connections with the U.S. National Team!

Onward and upward!

Mark Loucks

Wow! What an opportunity to train with some of the best right here in Syracuse. I have been lucky enough to train with Dave before and learned a lot even at my level of second degree in another style. I am happy to see that a facility like this is here in CNY for the growth of karate.

I look forward to training with some of the best in the country. It is always great to see Karate in CNY being represented professionally and respectfully.

My past training with Dave has been very educational and inspirational. I would recommend it for any level child or adult.

Jeff Layhew

Visited once and will return. Sensei Oddy was friendly and still very professional in his attitude and teaching. Seems to have something for everyone. Traditional training and/or competitive training. Looking forward to spending some quality training time at this dojo.

David Hayes

David is the best example of focus and goal achievement that I have come across in years. His ability to discipline himself both mentally and physically makes him a great example for people of all ages. David masters anything he puts his mind to and his martial arts training will be great for your spirit and physical conditioning. Congratulations on your training center!

Tom Soccocio

Dear Dave-san,

Congratulations on the new dojo! We met a few years back when I was still competing, and I remember you as a formidable competitor and perfect gentleman. Central NY is lucky to have such a high caliber instructor and program.

I am also pleased to hear of your association with Eric Hill. I also met him through competition years ago, and marveled at the skills of his young students. His tournament in Lockport was run with integrity, and I enjoyed bringing my students there.

I wish you the best of luck in this venture, and encourage everyone who is interested in a quality martial arts program in your area to give your introductory program a try. While there may be a few large schools out there (two organizations come to mind), one would be hard pressed to find the depth and quality of training that is a hallmark of the Jundokan Goju Ryu system. One would also be hard pressed to find an instructor with the breadth of experience that you bring to your classes.

Thomas Erik Angerhofer