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

Where Warriors
Are Forged

Serving the Potomac Shores community with authentic Meibukan Goju-Ryu karate — rooted in Okinawa, built for real-world self-defense.

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12
Core Kata
1952
Meibukan Founded
3
Generation Lineage
All
Ages Welcome
10
Rank Levels

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

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

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 acknowledged successor to the Goju-Ryu tradition. Founded Meibukan ("House of the Bright Martial Arts") in 1952 on Okinawa, preserving the traditional kata in their most authentic form.
Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi
Dai Sensei · Current Head of Meibukan
Dai Sensei Meitetsu Yagi
Son of Meitoku Yagi and current head of Meibukan Goju-Ryu worldwide. Trained from childhood in the Yagi Dojo on Okinawa, he continues to lead and develop the Meibukan tradition with the standards his father established.
Kyoshi Sensei Shintetsu Kuniyoshi
Kyoshi · Senior Instructor
Kyoshi Shintetsu Kuniyoshi
Senior instructor of Meibukan Goju-Ryu with decades of dedicated practice. His teaching emphasizes the principles of Chinkuchi, Muchimi, and Gamaku — the hallmarks of authentic Goju-Ryu movement and power generation.

Our Programs

Training for every age and level — from first steps to black belt and beyond

Ages 5–12
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
Self-Defense
Women's Self-Defense
Practical civilian self-defense rooted in Goju-Ryu technique. Focused on awareness, de-escalation, and effective physical response to real threats.
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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Serving the Potomac Shores community

Potomac Shores Meibukan

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Address Potomac Shores, VA — Contact us for address
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Phone Contact via sign-up form
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Email Contact via sign-up form
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Hours Contact us for current class times
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