Yagi Dojo — Okinawa
Traditional Okinawan Karate Do  ·  Meibukan Goju-Ryu

Where Warriors
Are Forged

Serving Northern Virginia with authentic Meibukan Goju-Ryu karate — rooted in Okinawa, built for real-world self-defense.

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1952
Meibukan Founded
4
Generation Lineage

Authentic Karate.
Real Purpose.

At Potomac Shores Meibukan we train in the traditional Okinawan art of Goju-Ryu as preserved through the Meibukan lineage. Our emphasis is on civilian self-defense — practical skills grounded in kata, principle, and honest hard work.

For Children (8-12 years old, younger by exception)

We keep kids active and challenged. Through the structure of karate we build character and resilience, give them tools to handle conflict wisely, and strive to be strong role models within the community.

For Teens & Adults (13 years and older)

We teach the principles and practices of Okinawan Karate with an emphasis on civilian self-defense — giving you a real chance of protecting yourself and those you love. As skill grows, so does responsibility.

— G. D. Harting, Director · Potomac Shores Meibukan

道場訓  — Dojo Kun

Karate is for self-defense only
We avoid conflict and readily forgive
We lead those with less experience with firmness, fairness, respect, and compassion
We strive to be strong physically, mentally, and spiritually
We have the courage to challenge ourselves in training, we are humble in our successes, and unashamed in our honest mistakes
We work to be useful to our family, community, and dojo
We respect our seniors and remain grateful for everything we have been given

Our Lineage

A direct line from the founder of Goju-Ryu to our dojo today

The 12 core kata of Goju-Ryu were passed from Chojun Miyagi to Meitoku Yagi, who founded Meibukan in 1952 in Okinawa. That authentic lineage continues through the Yagi family and reaches Potomac Shores today.

Dai Sensei Meitoku Yagi
Founder of Meibukan · 10th Dan
Dai Sensei Meitoku Yagi
Direct student of Chojun Miyagi and an acknowledged successor to the Goju-Ryu tradition. Founded Meibukan ("House of the Pure Minded Warrior") in 1952 on Okinawa, preserving the traditional kata in their most authentic form.
Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi
Dai Sensei 10th Dan — Second son of Meitoku Yagi
Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi
Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi was born on January 1, 1949 and has passed away on June 26, 2024. He began karate at the age of 6 with Meitoku Yagi Dai Sensei. His passing in 2024 was a significant loss to the global karate community, especially for practitioners of Goju-ryu and Meibukan lineage.
Kyoshi Shintetsu Kuniyoshi
Kyoshi — 8th Dan — Director of Meibukan Kuniyoshi Dojo
Kyoshi Shintetsu Kuniyoshi
Direct student of Katsuyuki Shimabukuro 10th Dan and Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi 10th Dan. His teaching emphasizes the principles of Chinkuchi, Muchimi, and Gamaku — the hallmarks of authentic Goju-Ryu movement and power generation.
Sensei Greg Harting
5th Dan — Director, Potomac Shores Meibukan
Sensei Greg Harting
Greg Harting is a retired U.S. Marine that currently works as a civilian employee for the U.S. Coast Guard. He began his training in Meibukan Goju Ryu in 1997 and began teaching in 2015. His training philosophy is "Function over form in all we do because without training Martial Arts with a clear focus on gaining self defense skills, those younger, stronger, and with more natural physical capability will always win!"

Our Program Pillars

Ages 8–12
Children's Goju-Ryu
Foundational stances, strikes, and kata in a structured, encouraging environment. Builds discipline, focus, and confidence that carries outside the dojo.
Kids
Teens & Adults
Adult Fundamentals
Introduction to Kihon basics — stances, hand techniques, kicks, and receiving. Begins with Sanchin kata. No experience necessary.
Beginner
Traditional
Kata & Bunkai
In-depth study of the 12 core Goju-Ryu kata and their practical applications — from Sanchin and Tensho through the advanced Kaishu forms.
All Levels
Partner Training
Kumite & Application
Ippon and Nihon kumite, Kakie sticky hands, and Connector Drills develop real sensitivity and timing. Grounded in principle over sport.
Intermediate / Advanced
Conditioning
Hojo Undo
Traditional Okinawan conditioning with makiwara, chi-ishi, and nigiri game. Develops the body mechanics unique to Goju-Ryu power generation.
All Levels

Watch & Learn

Kata, technique, and history from the Meibukan tradition

Begin Your Journey

Sign up to start training in Meibukan Goju-Ryu — no experience necessary

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Welcome to Potomac Shores Meibukan!

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Find Us

Serving Northern Virginia

Potomac Shores Meibukan

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Address 17650 Possum Point Rd, Unit H
Dumfries, VA 22026
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Phone 252-626-5864
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Email meibukanpotomacshores@gmail.com
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Hours Kids (12 & under): Wed 6–7pm · Sun 2–3pm
Teens & Adults: Mon & Wed 7–8:30pm · Sun 3–4:30pm
Contact Us
Potomac Shores, Virginia Map coming soon