Business Details
46 Years
experience
Traditional Karate Training for All Ages in Soquel, CA
Founded in 1980, Sanford's Martial Arts has been a cornerstone of martial arts education in Santa Cruz County for over four decades. Our dojo was established by Sensei Rod Sanford, a 9th-degree black belt with extensive training in Shorinji-Ryu Karate, Aiki-Jujutsu, and traditional weaponry, who began teaching karate full-time after a distinguished career in law enforcement. Under the leadership of Sensei Sean Sanford, our head instructor and general manager, we continue to uphold the traditions of discipline, respect, and practical self-defense passed down from our founder. Our curriculum emphasizes character development through weekly mat chats on values like honesty and self-discipline while building physical fitness and coordination. With classes for students aged four and up, we offer a structured environment where generations of families have learned traditional Okinawan Karate.Our instructors include certified experts with backgrounds in police tactics and decades of combined teaching experience. We integrate Aiki-Jujutsu techniques and weaponry training into our Shorinji-Ryu foundation, providing a comprehensive martial arts education. Our community impact extends beyond the dojo through school programs teaching self-defense to local students. Recognized by international martial arts organizations, we maintain strong ties to the legacy of masters like OSensei Richard Kim. Every aspect of our program reflects a commitment to preserving authentic martial arts principles while making them accessible to modern practitioners.
Services
Karate Classes
Aiki-Jujutsu Training
Traditional Weaponry
Youth Programs
Adult Classes
Self-Defense
Character Development
Mat Chats
Police Tactics
Law Enforcement Certification
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of continuous operation in Santa Cruz County
- Our instructors include 9th and 7th degree black belts with law enforcement expertise
- We combine Shorinji-Ryu Karate with Aiki-Jujutsu and traditional weaponry training
- Our curriculum emphasizes character development alongside physical skills
- We provide age-specific classes from children to adults
Associations and certifications
- Zen Bei Butoku-Kai
- Kokusai Butoku-Kai
Services
Karate Classes
Our Shorinji-Ryu Karate program teaches traditional techniques to students aged four and up. Classes focus on building physical fitness, coordination, and self-defense skills while emphasizing character development through structured curriculum. With separate sessions for youth and adults, our instruction combines Okinawan Karate fundamentals with practical applications for modern practitioners.
Character Development
Weekly mat chats integrate essential values like respect, honesty, and self-discipline into martial arts training. This unique approach combines physical instruction with moral development, addressing contemporary issues such as bullying awareness and conflict resolution. Our philosophy ensures students grow both as martial artists and responsible community members.
Aiki-Jujutsu Training
Complementing our Karate curriculum, Aiki-Jujutsu techniques teach joint locks and takedowns for practical self-defense. This system emphasizes using an opponent's energy against them through precise control techniques. Students learn effective defense strategies that align with our traditional martial arts philosophy.
Traditional Weaponry
Our program includes instruction in classical Okinawan and Japanese weaponry as part of comprehensive martial arts education. Students learn proper handling and techniques for traditional weapons, deepening their understanding of martial arts principles and historical context.
Police Tactics
Developed through the Pacific Institute of Defensive Tactics, our police training program certifies officers in arrest control and baton techniques. This specialized instruction combines martial arts principles with practical law enforcement applications, serving agencies across California.
People
Sensei Rod Sanford
Founder/President
9th-degree black belt with 60+ years martial arts experience, former Santa Cruz Sheriff Sergeant, and founder of Pacific Institute of Defensive Tactics. Trained under OSensei Richard Kim since 1960s.
Sensei Sean Sanford
Head Instructor
7th-degree black belt with 30+ years teaching experience, certified POST instructor, and former school self-defense teacher. Succeeded father as dojo leader in 2022.
Malcolm Crocker
Youth Instructor
4th-degree black belt teaching since 2005, specializes in youth programs. Combines martial arts expertise with photography and nature education.
Frances Trengove
Youth Program Lead
4th-degree black belt instructor since teenage years, Psychology major who balances teaching with family commitments. Trained from age seven.
Sonora Sanford
Office Manager
Daughter of founder, manages administrative operations. First-degree black belt with childhood dojo experience, contributes to family business management.
Questions
What age can children start Karate classes?
Our program accepts students starting at age four with specialized youth classes.
What should I wear for my first class?
Beginners can wear comfortable workout clothes; we provide white belts for trial students.
Do you focus on practical self-defense?
Yes, our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense techniques from day one.
Are instructors certified professionals?
All lead instructors hold 4th-degree black belts or higher with decades of teaching experience.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We primarily teach Shorinji-Ryu Karate with Aiki-Jujutsu techniques and traditional weaponry training.
