Prior to becoming a magazine writer, I was what is known as a “dojo buster.” The lifestyle entailed roaming the countryside in search of dojos so I could challenge every master and disciple inside.
Challenge them … to karate.
I faced off against multiple opponents at once. I faced off against giants wielding large and spiked weapons. I even fought a guy who looked just like pre-grill George Foreman. I emerged victorious every time, because MY karate is the strongest.
Or so I thought.
One day I was meditating under the cherry blossoms of Mt. Minnesota, when suddenly I sensed the most powerful aura I had ever sensed. I peered up at the polite and friendly figure which had somehow manifested before me. He was dressed in a bright red gi, and rimmed by sunlight such that I couldn’t make out his features. He spoke: “Ready to fight a real opponent for a change?”
I cracked a half grin and cocked an eyebrow. “Hmph,” I said, rising. “Took you long enough.”
What followed was the greatest martial arts duel the world ever saw. I’ll spare you the details. What’s important is that I tasted defeat for the very first time. Bruised and beaten, I crawled to my opponent’s feet, clutched a leg of his zubon, hung my head down, and begged him to teach me. A tear rolled down my cheek – a single, glassy bead of humility.
“Sure thing!” said the man, who appeared before me at that moment as a 100-foot-tall fiery dragon. “Just come on down to DOJO Karate, where we offer martial arts classes for preschoolers all the way up to adults, as well as fitness kickboxing. We also host fun children’s birthday parties!”
I would later find out that man is Tyler Hauler: head instructor of Eden Prairie’s own DOJO Karate, and co-owner alongside Maddie Loche and his father T.J. Hauler.
“My dad and I started doing karate together when I was 5 years old. I loved the time we spent together. I loved coming out of my shell. As I grew older, I became passionate about the sparring and competition aspects of karate, and motivated to gain new responsibilities by progressing in rank. It’s been a lifelong passion, and I’m excited to continue it right here at DOJO Karate.
“The best thing about karate, however, is teaching it. My part in preserving this ancient tradition is admittedly small, though it’s an honor to play it all the same. It’s also a blessing to share something I cherish with so many people every day, and help them have fun, get fit, and build confidence while I’m at it.”
If you’re looking for a karate instructor who will teach you how to become a more effective bully, then Tyler just isn’t your guy. The path of the DOJO Karate student is a righteous one. It’s also potentially safer.
“There’s no denying that karate could come in handy during a self-defense scenario,” said Tyler. “Martial arts weren’t invented because everyone is nice to each other all the time. They are meant as a last resort, though, which is why we teach students to avoid threatening situations, attempt to deescalate when they can’t, and run for the hills when that fails. For a lot of kids, just knowing they can defend themself gives them the confidence they need to stand up to any bullies who get in their way.
“Every age group takes so much from karate. Preschoolers love an environment where they’re encouraged – not just allowed, but encouraged – to yell all they want. They make new friends, learn the tiniest bit of structure, and get a rewarding introduction to exercise while they’re at it. By grade school, kids are really looking for the confidence they need to navigate the world. We don’t give them that confidence, but we do create the best environment where they can earn it themselves. Older students also appreciate becoming stronger and learning how to fight. They’re often surprised by how meditative karate can be, and find they have better focus after rehearsing their ‘katas,’ or pre-arranged forms.
“Looking for a more condensed and aerobic workout? Then you’ll definitely want to check out our group kickboxing classes, which are all about heavy bags, mitt drills, and blowing off steam in the healthiest way possible. And if you want to treat your kid to a one-of-a-kind birthday party, then you couldn’t pick a better spot for it than our dojo. Even kids with no previous experience can learn how to punch or kick a board in half by the end of the party – always a surefire crowd-pleaser. We have plenty of room for cake, presents, and other games, too. We’ve put a bouncy house in here a couple of times!”
Visit dojokarate.com. Call (952) 522-3656. Email edenprairie@dojokarate.com. Stop by 7916 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie. Just whatever you do, do not pass up this opportunity to become a karate master like me and Tyler!
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of character." – Gichin Funakoshi.