Redwood Dojo has offered Cuong Nhu karate for adults since our doors opened in January 1992. Since then, students of all ages—from their teens to their seventies—have pursued the many benefits of traditional martial arts training.

While adults join Redwood Dojo for many different reasons, they stay because of the many benefits that go far beyond a good exercise program.  Within the structure of a traditional martial arts class, students build their confidence, learn self-defense skills, tap into their physical potential, sharpen their focus and concentration, and channel stress and aggression into a beautiful form of art.  The Cuong Nhu Redwood Dojo community welcomes students of all ages and skill levels who want to learn martial arts.

What do we mean by “traditional martial arts”? This phrase means different things to different people. Here at Redwood Dojo, students wear white Japanese-style karate uniforms. Our class structure is formal and includes certain rituals traditionally followed in Japanese dojos and other Asian martial arts schools. We believe an important goal of training is to challenge and improve ourselves as people, and not just to acquire specific skills. We enjoy the workout, and at the same time take it seriously. We recognize that mastery of a physical art takes focus and concentration. The formal structure of class gives due respect to the art.

Classes are taught by chief instructor Lara Tribe-Jones and founder Didi Goodman.  “Sensei Lara” began training at Redwood Dojo more than 25 years ago when she was eight years old.  She is now a third degree black belt and shares her life-long passion for martial arts and for teaching with students of all ages.  A former Oakland Middle School math teacher, she holds a Masters’ in Education and a California Teaching Credential.  “Sensei Didi” has been practicing martial arts for more than forty years, and teaching kids for more than thirty. She is the author of The Kids’ Karate Workbook: A Take-Home Training Guide for Young Martial Artists, from North Atlantic/Blue Snake Books.

Check the current schedule of classes or contact us to learn more.  To sign up, join the waitlist and we will let you know when our next opening is available.