Our History

We build lives at Woodard's Todai Dojo.

1997 - 2009

If you are ready for yourself, or your child, to start down the path of taking control of life, (and have fun doing it!) you've come to the right place.

This may sound a little strange to hear coming from what you would usually call a "Karate School." But that's what we do. That's why we prefer to call it "Self Defense." (Or in our case Budo Taijistsu) -- is how we get down the path. It's the tool we use to create the life we want. You can use it to create the life you want, or the life you want for your child. To take charge, take control. And it is the same tool we use to protect that life.

What does does this path get us?

Confidence

In yourself and in life. Confidence in your abilities. Confidence in your potential. Confidence to get things done here and now. Confidence in your body. Confidence in your mind, and what it can do. Confidence that you can accomplish what you set out to do. That you can achieve what you want out of life. That all your goals are only a matter of planning, execution and hard work.

Security

You feel secure when you know you are in control. In control ofy our life, your mind, your body. Knowing that you can do what you need to do. And what you want to do -- when you want it. Secure in yourself. Secure in the knowledge that you are happy with who you are, where you are, and where you are going.

Serenity

What is serenity? It is feeling at peace. It is feeling calm. It is a lack of stress. You get that through exercise. But not just sweating and huffing and puffing. Serenity comes from being at peace. From working at something that has true value. It comes from the feeling inside that tells you the work you've done is building you in wonderful ways that will help you in every aspect of your life. It is the feeling that comes from knowing you are headed down the path -- and you are going to get where you want to go. You are becoming who you want to be.

How does our form of self-defense do this?

We think about self defense from the inside out. That's why our motto is:

"Create a life of value. Protect that life."

How does our form of self defense do this? It's simple. We build leaders.

Leadership

As much as you learn to punch, kick, block or flip or fall, you will learn to lead. Just as you (or your child) will learn to follow orders, you will learn to give orders. Every action, every movement, every punch or action at Woodard's is accompanied by a command. An order.

It comes with the class--it is built into the teaching style. It is how the classes are organized, from the beginning ceremony and words of respect, to the plan and exercises given by the instructors, to the announcements and class cheer and high-fives that end every class.

Every student, in every class, is surrounded, at all times, by the organization of discipline. If you're thinking this doesn't sound like fun -- if it sounds like army bootcamp, well, it's not. Students don't really notice the underlying discipline and organization and the leadership building because they are having so much fun. It is an exciting thing to do these exercises -- whether punching, kicking or rolling off your shoulder into a defensive stance.

And we make sure it stays fun! What's the point if you're not enjoying it, right!?

Goal Setting

One of the most important parts of getting to any destination is having plan. Putting together that plan is goal-setting. It is one of the most integral, crucial parts of of Woodard's. You and I both know we'll have a hard time getting anywhere in life without a map that marks the way. And the only way you know that you're getting closer is by consulting the map and checking off landmarks.

One of the first things you'll notice at Woodard's is the wall of Intention Sticks. This is a piece of wood with the student's picture on it. There is a section of the wall for each belt level and each student. After our belt-award ceremony, after the student has put on their new belt, their next action is to go to the will, and move their intention stick up to the next level. The experience of getting a new belt and then moving your intention stick up to your next level -- where you intended to put yourslef, is an incredible feeling. You have to experience it for yourself -- or watch your child experience it to know how truly life-changing it can be.

It's a great feeling to be in control of your life this way. It is a great feeling to know you are acheiving your goals. And it is a great feeling to know that the journey is making you stronger physically, more keen mentally, as well as helping you to grow psychologically and emotionally.

Work

That's right. It's simple, old-fashioned focused effort. How many times have you heard the Albert Einstein's quote: "Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration." Well, old Albert would be proud.

Those are the 3 main principles we use at the school. Now to further explore, in depth, how it all works, we need to get into the specific artform we practice -- Budo Taijutsu -- or you can read more about what we do at Todai on our main page.

I encourage you to do both. And enjoy the journey!

Warmest regards,
Matt & Vicki Woodard
Owners/Instructors