Doshi, meaning "leading teacher," is the master instructor and head of the dojo, under Hanshi. A veteran of the United States Navy, he mixes his charismatic personality with discipline to teach fun and structured classes. He enjoys spending time with his fur babies/dogs, Fonzie and Budo. Also, Doshi has traveled to 48 states and over 15 countries performing/competing. His accomplishments include being a 6-time international champion,12-time national champion, and EUSAIMAA Hall of Fame Inductee. Recently, Doshi joined his dojo under the IFK Organization where he and his elite students represent Ohio in the Kyokushin Karate world. Last, he is most proud of his Bully Buster Program - 12 steps for kids to handle bullies without fighting - which Matt volunteers teaching in four school districts and hopes to expand. Same as the Navy, Doshi Matt believes karate is a global force for good.
The Best Martial Arts & Self Defense Classes in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, & Beyond!
Just what our family needed. Our son is 9 years old and has struggled for years with various motor skills issues and concentration. Throw in Covid the last few years during the most crucial academic time of his life and things were getting disastrous. We have done everything from therapy for his motor skills to tutoring for his academics and nothing really helped significantly. The wife and I decided martial arts was literally one of the last cards we could play so we went all in. We took our son to a few places, but he was set on Zahand’s, Matt really connected with him. Everyone is respectful, kind, helpful, and thoughtful. We feel as we have someone who has our back in helping Josh. In the few months he has been enrolled, he has become more confident, inquisitive, and more respectable. His grades have started to come up some, and he knows it, so that in turn has encouraged him to do better and try even harder. We have no regrets and couldn’t be any happier with the way things are going. Nothing more to say than a top notch business.
Cat Boston
My teen daughter started at Zahands a few months ago and we are thoroughly pleased with every experience we have had. The team at Zahands take a personal interest in each individual student, checking in on a regular basis to see how they can support in a wholistic way, not just in the dojo but out in their every day life, offering one-on-one training or time to talk with students and support them with any issues they encounter. The instructors don’t compare my daughter to others but to herself and how far she has come since she’s started. I love seeing how she has gained confidence in herself and her abilities which translates beyond the class. I also appreciate that so much of the class is focused on self-defense and self-control rather than just punches and kicks. My daughter’s strength and poise have greatly improved since starting at Zahands and I highly recommend them to anyone at any age.
Malikah Williams
I found these amazing people three years ago and not to be biased but hands down, they are thee BEST martial arts group. The passion, love and discipline they show the children from learning their names individually, rewarding them during activities and even keeping the parents informed and involved, I love them!!! My son (3 at the time of enrollment) needed the principles instilled from the dojo and today, he’s matured so much! It really takes a village, not just for children but for adults as well! I appreciate you all and love you like my family💙💙💙
