Business Details
Empowering Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training in Austin
Sun Dragon Martial Arts fosters physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment through nonviolent martial arts training. Our inclusive community provides accessible Seido Karate instruction and Empowerment Self-Defense programs for ages 6 to adult, emphasizing conflict resolution, boundary-setting, and personal safety. As a nonprofit organization, we prioritize accessibility regardless of financial means, offering scholarships and community outreach programs.Our instructors hold advanced black belts in multiple disciplines and maintain rigorous safety standards, including mandatory vaccination policies for in-person classes. With over two decades of service, we combine traditional martial arts principles with modern trauma-informed practices to create a supportive environment for all students.
Services
Seido Karate Classes
Self-Defense Workshops
Summer Camp Programs
Yoga Classes
Violence Prevention Training
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed Empowerment Self-Defense programs developed by national experts
- Our instructors hold 5th degree black belts and maintain rigorous safety standards
- We provide financial assistance ensuring accessibility for all income levels
- Our curriculum combines traditional Seido Karate with modern conflict resolution techniques
- We maintain a fully vaccinated training environment with flexible class schedules
What people say
Empowering community
Expert instructors
Trauma-informed approach
Family-friendly environment
Accessible programs
Services
Seido Karate Classes
Our Seido Karate program teaches mindfulness, inclusiveness, and accessibility through traditional martial arts techniques. Students learn strikes, blocks, kata forms, and self-defense strategies while developing mental discipline and physical fitness. The curriculum emphasizes nonviolent conflict resolution and personal empowerment for all ages and skill levels.
Self-Defense Workshops
Empowerment Self-Defense workshops focus on trauma-sensitive strategies to prevent violence and build personal safety. Participants learn boundary-setting, verbal assertiveness, and physical defense techniques while examining social issues that contribute to violence. Programs are tailored for different age groups and community needs.
Summer Camp Programs
Our summer camps combine martial arts training with confidence-building activities for children in a non-competitive environment. Campers learn self-defense techniques, conflict resolution skills, and mindfulness practices while engaging in team-building games and physical fitness activities designed to foster personal growth.
Yoga Classes
Sunday yoga sessions focus on breathwork and movement to enhance strength, flexibility, and self-awareness. The practice complements martial arts training by promoting body-mind connection and stress reduction. Classes are open to teens, adults, and karate students seeking holistic wellness development.
Violence Prevention Training
This program addresses systemic violence through educational workshops and practical skill development. Participants examine social justice issues while learning evidence-based safety strategies that reduce fear and promote collective responsibility for community well-being through nonviolent means.
People
Kyoshi Graham M. Smith
Head Instructor
Kyoshi Graham has taught at Sun Dragon since 2007 and holds a 4th degree black belt in Seido Karate. He brings expertise from running a Tang Soo Do school in North Carolina and serves as Head Instructor since 2020.
Sensei Laura Hayden
Executive Director
Sensei Laura has trained at Sun Dragon since 2008 and served as Executive Director since 2020. She holds a 3rd degree black belt and specializes in youth programs while contributing to national women's martial arts organizations.
Kyoshi KJ Scheib
Senior Instructor
Kyoshi KJ has trained at Sun Dragon since 1999 and earned her 5th degree black belt in 2024. She teaches adult classes and brings experience from multiple martial arts disciplines including Judo and Tai Chi.
Coty DeLacretaz
Violence Prevention Coordinator
Coty has led self-defense programs since 2009 and holds yoga therapy certifications. She teaches Sunday yoga classes and develops community outreach initiatives while maintaining martial arts training since 2019.
Senpai Susan Schorn
Violence Prevention Instructor
Senpai George has trained since 1999 and holds black belts in Kyokushin and Seido Karate. She contributes to curriculum development and brings leadership experience from national martial arts organizations and book publishing collaborations.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students from kindergarten age through adulthood with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Do you require contracts?
No contracts are required. Tuition is month-to-month with optional automatic payments for convenience.
Are classes available for beginners?
All classes accommodate beginners with experienced instructors guiding new students through fundamental techniques and practices.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a fully vaccinated training environment with mandatory mask options and background-checked instructors for student safety.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide scholarships and sliding-scale tuition to ensure accessibility for all income levels without requiring documentation.
Can siblings train together?
Siblings are welcome to train together while recognizing individual progress rates through personalized instruction and group activities.
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