This was the first martial arts dojo I filmed. In retrospect, I’d probably make a few different creative decisions, but we did hit the focus of the video: show a family atmosphere where kids are supported and encouraged. There was also an emphasis placed on showing old world traditions and honoring the Asian roots of this art. Parents brought their kids in for the shoots at different times than they were used to (an inconvenience for them), so I made a point of getting all of the students in the video.
East Valley Martial Arts teaches karate in Mesa to kids and adults from the Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa area. We have martial arts classes for ages three and up. We offer weaponry for our intermediate students, with instructor approval. East Valley Martial Arts karate students study the “fist-way” of the Okinawan people. Karate originated on the island of Okinawa (now part of Japan) when it was an independent country. This small territory of farmers and fishermen developed Karate (with influences from China) to protect their families, themselves, and their belongings. The techniques have been passed down from teacher to student for hundreds of years. They were gifted to us, and now we offer you the opportunity to become part of the tradition.