Roots Dojo of Yokohama, Japan in Totsuka

ROOTS DOJO

Okinawan Karate • Modern Self-Defense • Bilingual Training A joyful place to grow body, mind, and spirit.

Roots Dojo was born from the spirit of Emerald City Karate in Seattle, Washington, a dojo known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere and deep respect for Okinawan tradition. Roots Dojo continues that legacy here in Japan — blending classical karate, practical self-defense, and bilingual instruction in a community where everyone is welcome.

ABOUT ROOTS DOJO

At Roots Dojo, we train hard, smile often, and grow together. Every class includes:

• Okinawan karate fundamentals • Modern, practical self-defense • A fun game or drill to keep energy high • Simple Japanese & English phrases woven naturally into training • Manners, respect, and dojo etiquette • Global and Japanese proverbs that spark reflection and character growth

Our goal is to help each student—child or adult—build confidence, focus, strength, and community. The dojo is a joyful, uplifting space where beginners feel welcome and advanced students feel challenged.

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PROGRAMS & CLASSES

Youth Karate (Ages 7–12)

Active, encouraging classes where kids learn strong karate basics while building confidence, focus, and emotional control. Classes are structured but playful, blending tradition with modern fun.

What kids gain: • Respect, discipline, and good manners • Strong focus for school • Healthy physical activity • Teamwork and social confidence What parents love: • Positive role models • A safe, supportive environment • Bilingual exposure to English & Japanese • Clear progress through belts ⸻

Family Class (Ages 7 to Adult) —

Mondays at 6:30 PM A welcoming all-level class where adults, teens, and kids can train together or come independently. It’s not exclusively for families — it’s simply our “everyone trains together” class. All are welcome: • Kids attending alone • Adults attending alone • Parent–child pairs • Beginners & intermediate students The feeling is lighthearted, energetic, and community-focused.

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Advanced Karate & Kobudō (Invitation Only)

For students ready to study more deeply. This class includes advanced kata, partner work, body mechanics, and traditional Okinawan weapons such as bō and sai. Training emphasizes safety, etiquette, and respect for the classical culture behind the weapons.

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MEMBERSHIP & FEES

Simple Monthly Membership — 6,000円 • Attend all classes for your level • No long-term contracts • Join anytime • Flexible and parent-friendly ⸻

CLASS SCHEDULE

Mondays 6:30–7:15 PM — Family Class (All Levels, Ages 7 to Adult)

Everyone is welcome: kids, adults, and families training together or independently.

7:15–8:15 PM — Advanced Karate & Kobudō Advanced students + invitation-only training.

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EVENTS

Annual International Toyama Kai Joint Training (Every November — Nishi-Tokyo) Each year we participate in a special full-day international training session with Toyama Kai dojos from Japan and abroad. Students experience classical training, friendship, and the deep spirit of Okinawan karate.

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CONTACT

Questions? Want to try a class? We’d be honored to welcome you.

Email: tobeystansbury@gmail.com

Phone: 080-8711-8946

8 Reasons Families Choose Roots Dojo

1. Children Learn Respect and Proper Etiquette

We teach strong, confident responses and greetings in Japanese, along with proper bows and traditional dojo manners. Students also learn seated bowing and meditation at the start and end of each class, just as practiced in authentic martial arts training.

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2. Gentle When Needed, Firm When Needed

Students learn the difference between good choices and bad ones. When unsafe behavior appears—such as actions that could lead to bullying or accidents—we explain why it’s unacceptable and correct it firmly but fairly.

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3. Growing Real Confidence

Instructors immediately praise good effort, attitude, and improvement. This helps children become confident and more willing to try new things. Even if a skill feels difficult at first, consistent practice builds confidence, and advancing in rank or succeeding in matches gives students a powerful sense of accomplishment.

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4. Improved Strength and Fitness

Kids build core strength through fun group workouts like sit-ups and push-ups, done in a game-like format so it never feels like a chore. Karate is a full-body activity that improves flexibility, balance, and coordination.

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5. Developing Independence, Cooperation, and Leadership

Beyond technique, students grow socially through teamwork and shared practice. Each child gets opportunities to lead warm-ups, guide a group, or serve as a team captain—helping them build independence, cooperation, and leadership. Middle- and high-school students with brown belt or higher may also assist with instruction.

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6. Learning Japanese Language and Culture

We teach greetings, responses, and etiquette used in Japanese dojos. Every class includes “Mat Chat,” where students learn Japanese proverbs and cultural lessons. Children experience training that feels authentically Japanese—while staying safe and having fun.

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7. Parents and Children Can Train Together

Our dojo offers a special Family Class not found in many other schools. It’s perfect for parents who want to train with their children and build healthy habits together.

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8. Instruction From a Teacher Who Speaks Japanese

Our director and head instructor, Tobey Stansbury, teaches gently and clearly in Japanese. Even students who are shy with English can relax and enjoy learning alongside their classmates.

Introducing our Head Instructor

Director & Head Instructor

Tobey Stansbury

Tobey first began karate at age seven after being inspired by The Karate Kid. Only a few months into training, something remarkable happened—his lifelong stutter disappeared. Through this experience he learned firsthand that karate is a martial art that focuses the whole mind, body, and spirit. He trained under one of the Northwest’s pioneering martial arts masters, Hanshi Morris Mack, and at age twenty-four he traveled to Japan on his own to search for the roots of his karate style.

For three years he lived and trained in Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Tokyo, studying under senior instructors of the same lineage. During this time he also taught English at elementary and junior high schools, strengthening both his Japanese language skills and his cultural understanding.

At age twenty-seven, he returned to the United States and founded Emerald City Karate, a dojo that grew into a beloved community hub in Seattle.

Later, at age forty-four, Tobey founded Roots Dojo in Japan, carrying forward the spirit of joyful training, bilingual instruction, and deep respect for Okinawan karate that shaped his lifelong journey.

2 week Trial $29.99

Includes Dojo T-shirt and Belt!

Testimonials

“I first started training under Sensei Tobey in 2008. When I first started my training I was a pack-a-day smoker. I had tried to quit smoking many times but had failed. I promised Sensei I’d quit before my black belt test. I no longer smoke, and I believe that my training in Shudokan Karate under Sensei Tobey gave me the mental discipline that I needed to quit.”

-Thom E – Adult Karate Program

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Testimonials

“My 7-year old son and I have been going to Emerald City Karate for several years now. We have had a great time and always look forward to our family/youth class. As well as teaching about karate and Japanese culture and language, Sensei Tobey provides great lessons on how to work hard and patiently to succeed in anything. It’s also a great way to get mid-week exercise!”

Alan H – Youth & Family Program

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Testimonials

“Sensei Tobey is my son’s Karate teacher (we’re in the 4 to 6-year-old class). As a teacher of small children, I find him to be a wonderful combination of patience, discipline, and fun. He is very passionate about teaching Karate and it shows. He relates to the kids very well and can teach boys and girls equally, not only the physical skills of Karate but mental focus skills as well. It’s been a great experience for my son and I highly recommend Sensei Tobey and Emerald City Karate to anyone looking to enroll their child in a martial arts class. “

Yvette H (Karate Mom)

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Testimonials

Before joining Emerald City Karate I had no experience playing sports or participating in exercise programs because I didn’t like physical activities. So I didn’t expect I would be able to keep training for more than a month or so. But I found it to be fun immediately. The karate class has a variety of different subjects that keep students from being bored. Also, Sensei Tobey knows how to encourage students and allows them to have fun while feeling good about themselves. He likes telling jokes and making students laugh but his passion for teaching karate is always distinctive and serious. Because of his encouragement, I have kept training for a long time and even now I am training in Japan! Karate has taught me the joy of exercise and improved my concentration and it continues to teach many students to practice better manners and etiquette.

It is my pleasure to recommend Emerald City Karate for your exercise and experience in martial arts.

-Kaoru M: Adult Karate Program

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Testimonials

“I cannot say enough good things about the programs offered at Emerald City Karate. If you have children, this dojo (school) is a wonderful environment for them to learn traditional Japanese martial arts, self-discipline, and to have a great time!”

-Samantha: Karate mom

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About Roots Dojo

Roots Dojo of Yokohama, Japan in Totsuka

8 Reasons Families Choose Roots Dojo

Introducing our Head Instructor

2 week Trial $29.99