1. How long have you been in business in Bend? We opened in August 2005, just two months after moving to Bend, and have been rocking ever since!
2. What makes your dojo unique to our community? Bend has a rich and growing martial arts community, and we see our school as a place where martial artists of all ages - from shy 3 year olds, to high-flying teenagers, to busy 30-somethings, to grandmas in their 50s and centenarian tai chi students - can all come and find a positive place to train, work hard, push their personal limits and be a part of a wonderful community. While insisting on a strong base of traditional Japanese technique and skill, we teach a diverse array of martial arts and provide opportunities for students to train even in styles that we don't personally teach at the dojo. All doors are open to Sortor Karate students.
3. What do your students love about your business and what keeps them coming back? I know what I love the most is being proud of the quality of instruction and the broad experiences provided at the dojo, and the high level of skill, effort and genuine love for one another that I see in our students. But I thought I could let the students speak for themselves, and have included some quotes from students, if you'd like to use those:
"Being a part of this group has been nothing but a positive thing for Kealib. I was very afraid as to how he would do after his father died and to see him now is remarkable. Not even 2 years after his passing, he has shown in school and home how well he has been able to deal with all that life has thrown his way and he would not be who he is today with out the Sortor Karate family. Thank you everyone!"
- Charlotte, mother of a blue belt student
- Charlotte, mother of a blue belt student
"I’ve been part of some terrific teams in the past but our Sortor dojo takes the cake! The kids and adults are incredible in their spirit and action, so many times I get compliments on what a terrific school we have at tournaments. The other dojos are impressed. But what impresses ME most has to be the support of our families. “Family dojo” isn’t just lip service! The Sortor dojo is more than simply a karate school, it’s a family, an idea and philosophy that touches and empowers us all, educating our bodies, minds and spirits, and inspires us to endeavor to be better people."
- Tim, blue belt adult
- Tim, blue belt adult
"We are still celebrating Cameron's achievement at yesterday's test. I, for one, am still in amazement at how well all the kids did. Sensei was tough, and pushed them hard, but did so while smiling, encouraging, and praising them all the way. I saw a side to all students I hadn't seen before, a real determination to succeed. AND THEY DID!!!! My little guy, Cameron, just 7 years old, moved with a maturity, strength, and focus of a much older student. I can't even put into words how proud I am of him and his accomplishment! He is dreaming of his future black belt! He loves training with Sensei Brian! We ALL KNOW that he is the BEST sensei around! From a devoted karate mom,"
- Tracy, mother of blue belt student Cameron
- Tracy, mother of blue belt student Cameron
"While living in Norway, I had attained blue belts in two different disciplines under two different senseis. My first sensei was extremely physical, and I had at least 3 or 4 broken fingers under him. The second dojo was much more commercial. I have learned more in six months [at Sortor Bushido Kai Karate] in both technique and the true spirit of bushido, than in the 3 and 1/2 years training in Norway. Thank you."
- David, yellow belt adult
"As a black belt (25 years in training), I was lucky enough to meet Brian through his kick-boxing class. His leadership, technical abilities, and selfless demeanor have allowed me to rise to another level. He represents the true professional sensei in the world of martial arts."
- Burr, Cardio-Kickboxing student
"I would like to thank Sensei Brian, Kristina and everyone else for the continued encouragement and support. As newer students everyone has made Austin and I feel like we really are part of the family there. What a great group of people!!"
- Mark, yellow belt adult student and father of yellow belt student Austin
"My little guy, Zac, has worked so hard & I couldn't be more proud of him. Sensei Brian & Evan were tough at the test...but we wouldn't want it any other way, right?! I am so glad that Zac is a part of this dojoseing him, and the rest of the Sortor Bushido Kai students, grow & flourish over the coming years."
- Heather, mother of blue belt student Zac
"Well, I was so impressed with T-Rex at the first day of football practice tonight. I can see where the discipline and his training from karate come into play. Thank you for helping his mom and I mold him into a young man that is determined to exceed in sports, school and life."
- Mike, father of blue belt student Trevor
"I was on a panel today interviewing people for a possible position and on man stated he organized karate tournaments in California and Nevada. He was also a fourth degree Black Belt and when I mentioned that Trevor attends the Sortor Bushido Kai Karate dojo and trains under Sensei Brian, he said he has heard of him as well as his Sensei Stuart Quan. The gentleman had only good things to say. Just goes to show that when you live by the values taught at Sortor Bushido Kai Karate, it does not go unnoticed by peers in the karate world."
- Mike, father of blue belt student Trevor
4. What inspired you to donate to our Growing Dreams auction? Ponderosa Elementary is home to many of our karate students as well, and is the closest school to us - just right up the street - so we are neighbors! From the first month that Ponderosa opened, everyone in the office has been so sweet and helpful, and we really enjoy getting to work with them. We are also big believers in experiential learning, and so a fundraiser to support technology, educational field trips and art programs is important to us.
