When I was nine years old I joined Karate under Chris Taneda. At the time it was the last thing that I wanted to do. To this day I am thankful that my parents saw the benefits and made the choice for me to continue! Sensei Taneda has inspired me through his example. One of the things that sets Sensei Taneda apart from others is that he never asks from his students that which he is not willing to do himself. I have moved all over the world and there has not been a time that I have not thought of Sensei Taneda and all that he has taught me. Determination, personal strengths, and striving to be better. Anyone who has trained with Sensei Taneda knows that he is teaching to the whole person, in the Karate club and out. He truly cares about each and every student and their families. I now have a nine year old who is about to start Karate and only wish that is could be with Sensei Taneda.
Michelle Cowan
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In a world of “I want it now” and a misplaced sense of entitlement, it is refreshing to be involved with someone like Sensei. He leads by example, and encourages others to do the same. During my 15 years of training under his guidance, never has there be a time when I’ve not learned something. Quite often what I learn is beyond the physical movements of the art we are learning; personal values are examined, the way in which I interact with others, and even what I consider important. I am a better person because of his efforts to make me such. Peace.
Owen Lloyd
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This testimonial is from my heart in support of the Taneda Dojo.
Karate is viewed by many people as kicking, punching and learning how to defend yourself. I witness karate being much more than just the physical aspects. The training is far reaching and has touched our lives every day, in such a powerful positive way.
I have told many people over the course of the past decade how thankful and grateful I am to the dojo, for helping groom and shape my daughter and husband into the people they are today.
Ashley has trained in the dojo since she was in grade 2. She is now a high school graduate. Her karate journey has been nothing short of amazing. This word seems over used in our lives. But truly there is no other word to describe the journey Ashley has had in the dojo.
She has not only learned how to do round house kicks, but I believe as important and maybe more important than the kicks, punches and blocks, has been the positive beliefs and attitude she brings from the dojo to her everyday life. She is learning that successful people are not successful because they have a big house or a fancy car or wear a brown belt. Successful people have a sense of dignity, they do not need to show off, brag about what they have, or who they are.
Ashley was just in a situation. Where some friends of a group were trash talking another friend, and Ashley’s moral radar came not from her father or I, but from her years of training and love of the people in the dojo and the wonderful wife of the Sensei. She stood very still and pondered. What would Sempai Cheryl do?? With this in mind, she defended the person the others were trash talking. What more could a parent wish for and dream for our children. A positive, good, honest, valued, cherished role model??
Ashley will soon be leaving to attend University and she takes with her the strongest set of values, solid moral code that will help her in many ways in her path of life.
Both Sensei Chris and Sempai Cheryl have been a fabulous support network for our family and many families in the dojo. The dojo is not just a building where they learn kicks, punches, and kata’s, it truly is a family. Where each person in the family unit is as important and valued as the one standing next to you. The color of the belt around the students middle is a sign of determination, hard work, passion, commitment, and dedication. No belts are easily attained; each student is driven to be the best THEY can be.
This dojo is a well rounded, positive environment that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking challenges, discipline, a healthy lifestyle and fun.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pati Aoki
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Chris Taneda has provided a great environment for my daughters to train and grow as individuals. Thank you for all that you do, we appreciate your commitment and dedication. Your leadership is a great example for all to see, not only with training but life skills also. A BIG thank you.
Nicola Jones
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I have been trying to write a message about Sensei Taneda. How can I put into words what being a part of his dojo has done for me? Or means to me….he is someone that has great presence. He is quiet but somehow speaks volumes. He has this ability to make you want to do better. He has great faith in all his students–he KNOWS that they are capable of so much more and he proves it time and time again. I joined his dojo in 1989–I was 36 and certainly not an athlete. During the first class we were doing bear walks, crab walks, jumping jacks, running, jumping, stretches, learning the basic stance and starting to learn how to punch. As I was huffing and puffing I realized something—I was grinning like a little kid! I couldn’t wait for the next class! I was an active student for 14 years—and every single class I had was different. How great is that?? Through Sensei Taneda’s teachings and his great patience, I gained more confidence within myself. He proved to me (over and over) that nothing is impossible. I learnt so much more from Sensei Taneda than just karate. Thank you!
Trudy Mervyn
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I have been involved as a parent and as a volunteer in the Taneda Karate Dojo for the last twelve years. Thanks to the world class coaching and selfless nurturing constantly given by Sensei Taneda, Senpai Cheryl Taneda, and the countless other experienced and dedicated members of the dojo, I have watched my two children develop into elite level athletes. More to the point, I have watched them develop into people who have grown up in an environment that has taught them that working diligently in harmony and respect with others often leads to group experiences that are powerful beyond measure. Yes, my children have had the opportunity to develop to the point that they compete locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Yes, they have earned 28 external credits toward high school graduation because of their activities within the dojo. Yes, they have learned what it means to teach and to travel. Yes, they have made lifelong friendships with people of all ages. As a parent, though, one of the most cherished gifts Sensei and Senpai Cheryl continue to offer my children is the opportunity to contribute to, grow with, and belong to a large, positive extended family.
Jean Boothe