Tibons Goju Ryu Fighting Arts - Stockton, California

Isauro D.

Tibon’s Goju Ryu fighting arts is the best in the business ! Not only do they develop highly skilled athletes but the respect and discipline that the students learn in the dojo Really shows on how the kids interact with others and how they give back to the community. Highly recommend !!

Kelly G.

The Sensi is very qualified to teach and the staff are plesent and the program goes from beginners to black belts. I would definitely recommend this business if you are interested in self defense.

Kelly G.

Very well structured classes. Very qualified instructors who is a master of the art. Definitely would recommend this program for discipline and balance of the mind and body.

wayne R.

its great physical and mental exercise that helps make one be more prepared and disciplined for what life brings. All 4 of my children have gone to this dojo and have greatly benefited from their experiences. All the sensei are exceptional teachers. I highly recommend

Gay L. A.

My granddaughter loves her Sensai and is testing for her purple belt already. She's only been in karate about a year. Sensai also talks to the students about school behavior and conduct in life. Very valuable input for a teenager.

Richard K.

I love the Tibon family and all they do. I studied martial arts here as a kid and watched my dad become very successful in the art. I wouldn't consider any other dojo. This is the real deal straight from Okinawa.

PC J.

I have had the privilege of knowing the Tibon family for many years and actively participated at this dojo for over 9 years. I have watched other 'schools' and seen many promotions to know that Tibon's Karate cover all concerns.

1. where does it come from?
There is a rich history at Tibon's. The style of Karate is traced through past sensie or 'teachers' to Okinawa, Japan.

the 'school's' own history is on their walls. from pictures to news article clippings. just as well as it is in the multiple families that attend.

2. does it work?
There is no definite answer to whether or not a single action allows a person to defend themselves. during a high adrenaline moment - the question is whether or not your spirit, your mentality will withstand or crumble. This school dives into that area the best anyone can. The tools for that situation are taught to us through drills in every class. tolls (blocks/strikes) proven to be beneficial by the school's own history as well as the systems history.

It is not a hit, kick mentality. it is prevent, or over come to survive mentality - as best described by me. visit the school & talk with the family and the students more to discover if this is for you.

3.what is it like?
As you step onto the floor; the school's motto hangs on the front wall. "Respect, Discipline, Loyalty". It is expressed by most and most importantly by the owners.
This is observable by the interactions you will have on your first class day.

Everyone is helpful and outspoken. There are always exceptions (shy, new, etc.) for example myself. soon I was out of my shell however as the instructors sought my participation. Eventually I was helpful as well.

Class begins with exercises to warm up and push the body. then comes the fun stuff. the school works basics every night in some form, then expand it by explanation in kata (forms) or fighting.

normally at the end of the night, I'm tired, excited, sometimes sore, and most of all happy.

Since it is a traditional school, there is bowing and other things of the such. treated honestly these things may help learn respect and discipline (patience, etc.).

conclusion:
Tibon's Karate is a helpful and genuine school. the owners/instructors care about the people they teach and show it every day. A single interpretation or perspective is not enough to do this school justice however. one must visit it and see it for themselves. talk to the owners, instructors, the students and even parents of students. not to just hear how good something is, but to help discover what you want in a martial arts/self defense school. Even if this is not the school you pick - the information will help you choose the right one.

p.s. if anyone wants to know why I stopped, it is because of life/economy. plain and simple. otherwise I would still be going to class. still the experience stays with me and I study/train when I can myself.

Catrina G.

Xaviar loves going to class and each Sensei really cares and teaches with so much patience. I'm so glad we chose Tibon's.