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!
This dojo is #1 in my mind. I did research before putting my son in martial arts. I didn’t call the first dojo on google or the dojo closest to me. I searched for the best dojo via review after review. I found Zehand. I received a call back after a short time after simply texting them I have a five year old and I want him in karate. I spoke with Hanchi, he was respectful, and offered me to attend a class or two. After understanding how they run their dojo I pulled the trigger. And I don’t regret it. My son has learned many disciplinary things from his instructors. Meditation is big for me. It helps me, so teaching it to children and seeing them be able to control themselves is a milestone step for any individual. Everything will never be perfect. This dojo is not only a place for children who need discipline but also a very great place to learn confidence in one’s self. It’s a place for troubled children to find peace. A place for children who have peace but need understanding. They teach positive principles. Personal protection, as well as respect and human decency. I would rather instill my son with these principalities rather than common sports. It costs more, but it will be worth it mentally and physically for my son. Thank you.
Will
Anyone ones who know me knows how protective I am of my daughter and how much her safety means to me. Me knowing that inevitably there would come a day where I wouldn’t be there to protect her. I needed to make sure that not only could she verbally defend herself but also physically defend herself as well. I don’t know if she was more nervous or if I was that first day. What if they start of punching even if the new student can’t defend yet? What if my daughter cries her first day? What if she hates it and never wants to come back? What if this place is all about the money and not the lesson? These were just a few of the questions that ran thru my mind leading up to my daughters first day. Mannnn let me tell you that Zahand’s martial arts made me feel silly forever having any doubts. Immediately upon walking in we were greeted like family. Not just us either, no every single person that walked through those doors got treated with compassion and respect. The amount of care they put into each student is uncanny! My daughter has grown so much over this past year not just with karate, but with discipline, and how she treats others. She is always willing to help and guide those in need and even tho that characteristic has always been in her I believe the Zahand family helped amplify that along with her confidence. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that we made the right choice by choosing Zahand’s Martial Arts. If you have ever thought about you or your loved ones finding balance and becoming better people all while improving your combat. Please, I implore you to give Zahand’s a chance. You will not be disappointed.
Tera Dent
We love Zahand's Martial Arts! My son has been going here for 2 years now and it has played such an important role in his growth and maturity. He used to have frequent meltdowns and martials arts has played such an important role in helping him learn how to regulate his emotions. The staff at Zahand's is amazing and they go above and beyond in caring for the students. We get monthly calls from Doshi to check in to see how our son is doing outside the dojo. We have taken advantage of the Saturday conversations where Doshi opens up the opportunity to have a conversation to talk through life lessons. Our son is determined to get to black belt and we can't wait to celebrate when he gets there. He loves his dojo friends and family and we will be forever grateful for Zahand's Martial Arts!!
