Clemson University Dojo Information
Class Information:
The Clemson University Karatedo Doshinkan Dojo offers Clemson faculty, staff, and students as well as others in the community the opportunity to train in a traditional, non-competitive martial art. Doshinkan is a unique Okinawan/Japanese martial art that emphasizes a balance between physical 
techniques and eastern philosophy. Doshinkan members do not compete with each other in our classes or in competitions; instead we focus on individual effort and on supporting each other. To accomplish this, our classes focus primarily on the learning and repetition of hard and soft techniques (hard techniques as seen in many karate movies and soft techniques as seen in Tai Chi), kata (a series of techniques in a specific order), and controlled partner training where we can learn to carefully apply our techniques. This type of training will teach our members better awareness, focus, balance, coordination, flexibility, and physical control, and will improve muscle strength. In addition, members are gradually exposed to different aspects of eastern philosophy and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Please note, however, that our chosen means of learning in Doshinkan is through physical training and effort. The mental aspects and mental control are an intrinsic part of the physical training, but the physical training is the "path."
Our classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays on the Clemson University campus. The first class (from 5 to about 6:15 PM) is for all Doshinkan members. In this class, we work on basic techniques, partner training, and kata. The second class (from about 6:25 to 7:15 PM) is for everyone who has already regularly attended classes for three months or more. In the second class, we introduce and repeat additional techniques, more partner training, and many more kata. In addition, we have a separate advanced class on Wednesday mornings (from 7 to 8:10 AM) for our members who have earned a brown or a black belt. These classes focus on more partner training, working with traditional training weapons, review of kata, and yet more kata.
Doshinkan trainings are designed for adults. Anyone 17 and older is welcome to train with us. Children 14 to 17 years old may train if at least one parent is training with us and with the permission of the instructor. Our members are encouraged to participate as fully as possible and to improve their physical stamina and control through training. The key to doing well in Karatedo Doshinkan is quite simple...be willing to try and do your best even when you think you may not be able to do something and be willing to repeat, repeat, repeat. Anyone can learn the techniques and kata that are intrinsic in Karatedo Doshinkan; it simply takes focus, effort, and repetition. Our CU dojo members range in age from 18 to 66 and work hard to improve their individual skills and understanding as well as to support each other in our training in Doshinkan.
Adults in the Clemson area are welcome to observe a training at any time. We hold free trial classes at the beginning of each academic semester (usually January, May, and August) of each year. New members may also begin training at other times with the permission of the instructor.
Instructor Information:
The Clemson University Karatedo Doshinkan Dojo is led by Shihan 7.Dan Dr. June Pilcher. Shihan Dr. Pilcher has a Ph.D. in Biopsychology and is a Professor of Psychology at Clemson University. She holds a 7th degree black belt (7.Dan) and has been awarded the title, Shihan. Shihan Dr. June has been leading Doshinkan classes for over 18 years and established the CU Doshinkan Dojo in May 2004.
Please contact Shihan Dr. June Pilcher for more information about Karatedo Doshinkan or about joining our classes.
