AMERICAN KARATE INSTITUTE KEEPS TRADITION GOING

from Discover 361 - 2018 Edition

RAILROAD SEAFOOD STATION IS ‘SHRIMPLY’ DELICIOUS

BY MARCUS GUTIERREZ mgutierrez@vicad.com

When you walk into the American Karate Institute in Victoria, it’s easy to notice all the trophies, pictures and award patches on display.

The accomplishments are a lot to take in, but Sensei Ralph Jaschke remembers that he starts with his students on Day 1 and looks forward to see how they improve throughout the years.

“I enjoy watching my students develop and grow,” Jaschke said. “Everyone starts at the bottom for the most part, and it’s up to me and my staff to teach them and develop them over time. It’s something that I really enjoy doing.”

A sensei is a martial arts teacher who focuses on teaching beginners through advanced classes.

Jaschke, 67, has taught karate and other types of martial arts for more than 50 years.

Since Jaschke started teaching martial arts in 1968, he has taught more than 20,000 students.

“I never set out for a number like 20,000 students,” Jaschke said. “It just happened like that. Some people like to do certain things in life for a long time, and for me it was teaching karate. I like that I get to stay in shape, and teaching keeps me going.”

Jaschke, who is an eighttime black belt, opened Victoria’s American Karate Institute in 1988 and has seen parents bring their children in to develop their character.

“Most parents bring their children to me for self-discipline for the most part,” Jaschke said. “Discipline is important in teaching karate, and you have to be mentally focused when you come into the dojo.”

The American Karate Institute offers introductory, beginner, intermediate, advanced and sparring sessions at the dojo that focus on martial arts and self-defense.

People of all ages attend the American Karate Institute and will move up when they have earned the proper belts.

Teaching more than 20,000 students has been special for Jaschke, but the one moment that stands out the most was when his son, Jason Krot, received his black belt in 1997.

“The day my son got his black belt was probably the proudest moment as a sensei,” Jaschke said. “I pushed him to be great, and when he accomplished being a black belt, I was so proud.”

Jaschke started karate training in 1967 under Sensei Tom Redmon and was awarded his black belt in 1970 from grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, who has been called the father of American tae kwon do.

“I plan to continue teaching until I can’t anymore,” Jaschke said. “I have had students that I have taught and they bring their children, and we hope for it to continue like that. I’m always looking forward to a challenge and making my students better in martial arts. It’s what I chose to do with my life, and I’m happy with the decision that I made.”

 IF YOU GO

AMERICAN KARATE INSTITUTE

3208 Sam Houston Drive Suite C, Victoria 361-575-2467

HOURS // Monday/Wednesday/Friday 4:305 p.m. — Introductory course 5-5:45 p.m. — Beginner class 5:45-6:30 p.m. — Intermediate class Tuesday/Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Advanced class Saturday 10-11 a.m. — sparring, open gym, and competition class

MARTIAL ARTS IN VICTORIA

Victoria Karate Academy 4002 N. Main St., Victoria 361-570-5424

Victoria Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1901 N. Main St., Victoria 361-575-8255

Victoria Mixed Martial Arts 205 Glascow St., Victoria 361-575-8255

Zhonghua School of Chinese Martial Arts 104 Circle St., Victoria 361-655-2816

Matthew Westmoreland/mwestmoreland@vicad.com Lee Molina, 41, holds punching pads for student James Kurth, 45, at the American Karate Institute.

Matthew Westmoreland/mwestmoreland@vicad.com Donovan Garcia, 13, gets into a defensive position while sparring with a partner at American Karate Institute.

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