Founded in 2003, Goshin Kai Academy, designs, researches and delivers youth and adult development programming for schools, community centers and churches. We also offer training to instructors and educators in the GKA pedagogy.
Goshin Kai works with youth and adults to build self reliance and a relationship of trust with one’s own body, while fostering authentic communication within the community. The qualities emphasized are:
Healthy Body Composition
Literacy and Communication Skills
Academic Performance
Recognizing/Stopping Bullying
Increased Flexibility
Muscular Strength & Endurance
Formulating a Daily Mind-Body-Spirit Practice
Tutoring Peers
Developing Compassion and Empathy
Self Esteem Building
Conflict Resolution
Subduing Aggression
The Ready to Learn Mindset
Creating Safe Space to Discuss Trauma
Healing Adversity
At Goshin Kai Academy, we see how adverse events in anyone’s life can limit and restrict their experience of feeling safe, secure and confident to trust and explore the world around them. It also suppresses the desire to follow their own instincts and stay open to positive experiences that can enhance one’s ability to be the best they can be.
The specifics of traumatic events and negative energy varies in relation to age, gender, race, class, geography, culture and experiences, yet the effects are the same. The potential to thrive is limited and a fear-based perspective can dominate the learning process. We look at the root of trauma by creating safe spaces for students to talk, label and connect with others about what is negatively impacting them. The second step is to help transform these experiences into opportunities for growth by providing new skills of empowerment via the GKA Martial Arts curriculum.
Sensei Dre is a youth development consultant and martial arts teacher. Sensei Dre currently holds a 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He has worked in youth development management for over a decade, building youth and community development programs in New York and Louisiana
Douglas Worthen began to deeply study ShotoKan Karate in East New York Brooklyn in 1987 with Sensei Craig Harrison. By 1990 Douglas was given his first black belt. He continuted to study multiple forms of self defense over the next decade and in 2008 was awarded his 7th degree Black Belt under professor Bahiy Muhammed and awarded the title of Master. As a co- founder of Goshin Kai Academy his speciality has been in self defense, security and physical fitness for women and men while developing the in school and after school programing for kids in NYC and New Jersey area.
History
In 2003, Sensei Dre and Sensei Doug came together in Brooklyn New York to form GKA. They saw the value and impact that martial arts had on their personal development as young men and wanted to give back to the youth of the future. Moving away from the traditional Dojo model, GKA set out to integrate their programing into schools and community centers, exposing kids and adults who may not have otherwise been introduced to Martial Arts training and its benefits. Below is a timeline of organizations they have partnered with over the last 14 years.
Police Athletic League at Brownsville Beacon Community Center Brooklyn, NY – Taught family-style traditional Shotokan karate and self defense to school-aged kids and their parents, as well as trained members of the NYPD. (2004)
Man Up Community Center Brooklyn, NY Taught martial arts within their after school program. (2005)
Woodycrest Center for Human Development at Intermediate School 166 Roberto Clemente, Bronx, NY. Taught martial arts within their after school program. (2005)
Emmanuel Baptist Church Brooklyn, NY Taught a women’s self defense workshop. (2005)
Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, Brooklyn and Queens NY: Arts & Literacy and Beacon after school programs -Taught martial arts to primary and middle school students in various schools (2005 – 2012)
Eximius Academy, Junior High School Bronx, NY – Taught martial arts classes to middle school students. (2006)
Validus Preparatory Academy – Junior High School – Bronx, NY Taught in school enrichment martial arts classes to middle schoolers. (2006)
Academy for Social Action, Harlem NY – Taught martial arts classes to middle and high school students during school and on weekends, as well as summer school. (2006 – 2011)
Mildred Osborne Charter School New Orleans, LA – Taught K-8 students martial arts enrichment classes during school and after school. (2013 – 2018)
Kenner Discovery Health Science Academy, Kenner, LA – Taught after school martial arts to 3rd through 8th grade students. (2016)