Harmony By Karate

Specialties

This Upper West Side center integrates the meditation and flexibility of yoga, the deep breathing and flow of Tai Chi, into the striking/​grappling

skills of karate to evolve the mind, body, and spirit for life.

Harmony By Karate premiered as the martial art of the world

famous Reebok Sports Club/​NY for 20 years and is

rated in the top 10 martial arts schools in the US.

At Harmony By Karate, «harmony» is achieved through deep breathing, philosophy and meditation. This helps the student develop a peaceful mind and nurtures spiritual growth. The «karate» aspect is the practice of simple, practical and fluid techniques that contribute to longevity. They are learned through slow movement that will ultimately maximize speed, power and flexibility. This demonstrates what is possible, eliminates fear, and empowers the individual to conquer any obstacle.

History

Established in 1995.

John heard through one of his students that Reebok Sports Club/​NY was constructing a new facility and in search of a karate system that employed all the aspects of traditional karate. In 1995, having found great satisfaction in helping to improve the lives of many of New York’s «movers and shakers» through karate instruction, Sensei applied to Reebok, and after an intensive eight-​month interview process was accepted on the basis of his answer to the question: «Why do you want to teach at the Reebok Sports Club/​NY?» His reply: «Because the members of your club are the leaders of society. If I want to make a positive impact on society, I need to teach them.»

Meet the Business Owner

John M.

Business Owner

When he was eight years old, Sensei John was hurt badly by a neighborhood bully in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. For seven months he studied karate for survival. The next time the bully fought him, he did not win the fight, but he did earn the bully’s respect. He was not bothered again.

At age 14, his serious training began. At age 19, he earned his black belt from his father and began teaching at Nassau Community College. He initiated an adult class two times a week, and then later began teaching four and five-​year-​old children at the Naval Base next door, an experience that helped him appreciate the importance of both patience and simplicity.

In May of 1984, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his four years of military service, Sensei John developed a martial arts dance act by setting karate to music and performing nationwide as an Air Force entertainer. Throughout this time, he continued teaching privately to both civilians and military personnel.