About Shorin-Ryu Westwood Karate Studio

At the Shorin-Ryu Westwood Karate Studio martial arts excellence meets community values. Located in Palestine, Texas, we proudly serve students from across Anderson county, Freestone county, Houston county, Leon county, Cherokee county, and Henderson. Since our doors opened in 2019, we’ve been dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality martial arts instruction to students of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on respect, discipline, and personal growth. Whether you’re a parent looking for a disciplined and respectful environment for your child, a teenager seeking confidence through self-defense, or an adult wanting to sharpen your skills, Shorin-Ryu Westwood offers something for everyone.

Shorin-Ryu Westwood is the vision of John and Jessica Piper, who are deeply passionate about martial arts and community service. John Piper, a 5th-degree black belt with over 16 years of experience, enrolled in classes so he could train alongside his son when his son was 8. His deep commitment to teaching and personal growth led him to earn certifications in Krav Maga and Haganah, two of the most effective self-defense systems in the world.

In 2019, John and Jessica opened Shorin-Ryu Westwood to share their love for martial arts with the community and provide students with an exceptional place to train. Since then, their mission has been clear: to offer affordable, inclusive, and high-quality martial arts instruction for every individual who walks through the doors.

As a proud member of the Palestine Chamber of Commerce, John ensures that Shorin-Ryu Westwood is more than just a martial arts school—it’s a valuable part of the local community. The studio is also certified under RENMEI, an esteemed martial arts organization led by Hanshi Dave Lockhart, ensuring that all training is held to the highest standards of the Shorin-Ryu tradition.

Our Commitment to Affordability and Inclusivity

At Shorin-Ryu Westwood, we believe martial arts should be accessible to everyone. We are proud to offer affordable pricing, especially when compared to other studios in the area. Unlike other schools that push costly black belt packages, our approach is straightforward and transparent. Our goal is to make martial arts training available to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

Additionally, we foster an inclusive environment where students of all abilities are welcomed. Unlike some other studios, which may exclude students with special needs or learning differences, Shorin-Ryu Westwood opens its doors to everyone. We have experience working with children with mental handicaps and autism, creating customized approaches that allow them to succeed. We understand the unique challenges these students may face and offer a supportive space where they can grow, learn, and develop important life skills.

Core Values of Discipline and Respect

One of the key pillars of martial arts is discipline, and we take that seriously at Shorin-Ryu Westwood. Over the years, we have worked with many children who have struggled with behavioral challenges, and we’ve seen firsthand how martial arts can instill a sense of responsibility, focus, and self-control. Our classes are structured to provide clear expectations for behavior while fostering respect between students, instructors, and parents.

We emphasize the development of good character, teaching students not only how to defend themselves physically but also how to demonstrate integrity, patience, and respect in their everyday lives.

Classes We Offer

At Shorin-Ryu Westwood, we offer a range of martial arts programs designed to suit students of different ages, skill levels, and interests:

Shorin-Ryu Karate

This traditional martial art teaches discipline, self-defense, and physical conditioning. Our Shorin-Ryu program is especially popular with children and beginners, providing them with a strong foundation in karate.

Adult Karate Classes

Our adult classes offer a great way for men and women of all ages incorporated with Krav Maga and Haganah to stay in shape, relieve stress, and sharpen their martial arts skills.

Student Tournaments

We encourage all of our students to participate in tournaments as a way to test their skills, build confidence, and learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship.

For those seeking personalized attention, we also offer one-on-one instruction tailored to individual needs and goals. This option is perfect for students who want to fine-tune their technique or require a more personalized learning experience.

Try Your First Week Free!

We know that finding the right martial arts studio can be a big decision, which is why we offer the first week of classes for free! This includes three full classes where you or your child can experience our dojo, meet our instructors, and explore our training programs without any financial commitment. We want every student to feel confident that Shorin-Ryu Westwood is the right place to begin or continue their martial arts journey.

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Get in Touch with Shorin-Ryu Westwood Karate

We’re excited to welcome new students to Shorin-Ryu Westwood Karate Studio! If you’re ready to start your martial arts journey or would like to learn more about our class schedules, pricing, and registration options, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Whether you’re interested in group classes or personalized one-on-one instruction, our team is here to help.