Shinzo Kaizen Dojo
Karate (Beikoku Tamashii Shorin Ryu), Kobudo (Beikoku Tamashii Kobudo) in Tacoma
- Price
- Not published
- First visit
- Free trial
- Beginners
- Beginner class
The style taught at this Tacoma dojo is Beikoku Tamashii Shorin Ryu Karatedo and Kobudo, a branch of Kobayashi Shorin Ryu, and the dojo states a direct and verified lineage through Jerry Piddington, O'Shihan. Head instructor C.J. Mayo, Kyoshi, started the martial arts at age 3 and trained in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu and Ryukyu Kobudo under that lineage. Mayo is also a U.S. Army veteran. The spiritual aspects of the system, the dojo says, are based on Christian biblical principles.
Newcomers get a free week of classes, and the dojo asks for an appointment to try a class. The adult program serves both aims the dojo names: “whether you are looking for fitness or that black belt.” Kids and teens have programs of their own.
Regular classes meet on Monday and Thursday evenings. The beginner class runs 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and the advanced class follows, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. On the other days, the dojo opens by appointment.
A team of assistant instructors works with Mayo, from Garrett Collins, Renshi Godan (5th Degree Black Belt), to senpai at Shodan and Shodan-ho. Each instructor completes an Instructors Certification Course before becoming an official instructor. The dojo is a chartered lifetime member of the American Karate Academies National Association (AKANA).
Tournament training is available for those who wish to compete, and the dojo runs the Kaizen Invitational Martial Arts League. Group self-defense classes are set up by appointment, and private lessons are available. The dojo doesn't list prices; the appointment for a trial class is a good moment to ask.
- Shorin Ryu karate and kobudo with lineage through Jerry Piddington, O'Shihan
- Free week of classes for new students
- Beginner and advanced classes on Monday and Thursday evenings
Kids and juniors at Shinzo Kaizen Dojo
Shinzo Kaizen Dojo describes karate programs for kids and for teens. The kids program is pitched to parents as “a great way to separate your child from their tablets.” For teens, the dojo offers “a safe place” to learn “the steppingstones to becoming not only a martial artist but a productive member of society.”
The dojo doesn't give age ranges for either group or separate class times for them, so the dojo can tell you which group your child joins. New students start with a free week of classes.
Classes at Shinzo Kaizen Dojo
| Class | Who | Ages | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Karate Classes | beginners | not listed | beginner |
| Advanced Karate Classes | adults | not listed | advanced |
| Kids karate program | kids | not listed | |
| Teens karate program | teens | not listed | |
| Adult karate program | adults | not listed |
When classes meet
Days and part of day as of November 2026. Exact times are on the school's schedule.
Instructors at Shinzo Kaizen Dojo
Facts from shinzokaizendojo.com, checked November 2026. Something out of date? Send a correction.