Karate and eastern weaponry isn’t exactly as we see it in the movies, says Paul Wilson, founder of White Rock Kenshin Kan Karate & Kobudo Dojo, though the third-degree black belt admits he was inspired early in his martial arts career by the iconic Mr. Miyagi. Back in high school, a friend talked Wilson into attending a local Karate class. As good fortune had it, the Grandmaster visited the class that week. “He looked just like Miyagi … I had fun and became very fascinated by the whole culture behind the martial arts.” Like Miyagi, Wilson isn’t all about competitions and rank. Rather than teaching competitive or kiddie Karate, the school teaches “a practical self defense art that goes back hundreds of years.” To Wilson, it is about encouraging families to participate in the sport (children should be at least 13, but he has made exceptions), and if they get serious about it, to continue the pursuit of perfection. In addition to physical maneuvers, he teaches a complex and intriguing history behind Karate and Kobudo: Did you know the nunchuk was originally made from an Okinawan horse bit?
Wilson’s school meets regularly in the East Dallas area at either Dragon Fire Yoga studio (9028 Garland), or Amanda Dalton School of Dance (718 N. Buckner). Drop in and observe, and even take the first class on the house. 214.289.2545 or karate-dojo.org.
