Oshi Shinobu Dojo

Big congratulations to Professor John Kearns! 👏

A truly respected leader both on and off the mats, John represents what it means to be a teacher—not just inside the dojo, but in everyday life. His dedication, knowledge, and ability to connect with students of all ages is something special, and we’re honored to celebrate him reaching this next level.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to learn from him yet—you’re missing out.

Whether it’s you or your kids, if you’re looking for a place to have fun, build real confidence, improve physical fitness, and learn how to defend yourself the right way… this is it.

Come train with Professor Kearns alongside our Senior Professor Brian Miller (3rd Degree Black Belt) and experience the level of instruction and leadership we’re building at Oshi Shinobu Dojo. 💪🔥

Respect NextLevel

When I say I’m not here to herd sheep, I’m not insulting people—I’m challenging them.

A sheep mindset follows the crowd.
It avoids discomfort.
It looks for the easy way out.
It gives in when things get hard.

That mindset doesn’t hold up when life tests you.

The lion’s mindset is different.

A lion:
• Faces adversity head-on
• Stands with confidence, even when alone
• Endures pain and pushes forward
• Protects what matters
• Leads instead of follows
• Trains, sharpens, and grows continuously

That’s what I’m here to build. Be the Lion! Osu!

Reflections from the Dojo

Maybe I’m just getting older.

There was a time in my life where my heart wanted to go without end—and my body followed. Now… my heart still wants to go, but my body doesn’t always allow it.

Two blown discs in my back. Pain every day until I can get moving. Shoulders, knees… all reminding me I’ve put in some miles over the years.

And honestly… it’s changed me.

Maybe for the better. Maybe not.

I’m not as aggressive as I used to be. Not as “full bore.” I’ve found myself being a little more patient, a little more understanding—and it makes me wonder sometimes…

As a teacher… as a motivator… am I doing people a disservice?

Because here’s the truth I keep running into:

People say they want big things.
They say they want to grow.
They ask for help…

At least in the beginning.

But then come the excuses.

And I’ll be honest—I’m tired of the excuses.

Not because I don’t care. Not because I lack empathy. I do. I understand life happens. Family matters. Responsibilities matter. Tragedy happens, and everyone handles it differently.

But there’s a difference between life happening…

…and living in excuses.

There seems to be no limit to the reasons people come up with to avoid doing the work required to reach their own goals.

What’s harder to watch is this—when people truly need guidance, they often push it away. They keep those who will tell them the truth at arm’s length… because they’re not in the mood for truth.

I get it.

I’ve been there too.

I’m not speaking as someone who’s done everything right. I’ve done plenty wrong. I’ve made excuses. I’ve avoided hard truths.

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

Most people will work harder to avoid the work… than they will to accomplish their dreams.

They start strong.
They’re motivated.
They’re excited.

But the moment life throws up a wall… pain, obstacles, resistance…

They stop.

They throw their hands up.
And just like that—their dreams get pushed aside.

Not because they weren’t capable.

But because they chose not to push through.

That’s the part that’s hard to watch.

Because the path is still there.

It always is.

The question is… who’s willing to walk it when it’s hard?

Osu.
Sensei Justin

“The spirit of Kyokushin is not simply about physical toughness.
It is about the discipline to continue forward when life becomes difficult.

We all face moments of exhaustion, frustration, sadness, and even anger.
These emotions are part of being human.

But the Kyokushin spirit teaches us that we cannot live in those moments.

We acknowledge them.
We face them.
Then we move forward.

Because true strength is not found in avoiding hardship —
it is found in enduring it.”

~Sensei Justin~

Gregory Johnson Marvin Yves Saint-Cyr

“Kyokushin is not built on physical strength alone, but on the mental discipline to keep pushing when your mind begs you to quit.” — Sensei Justin LaBarre

Strong kids. Strong skills. Strong confidence.

Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program at Oshi Shinobu Dojo is building discipline, respect, self-defense, and resilience — one class at a time.

Mondays & Wednesdays
5:30–6:30 PM

Come join us!

Kyokushin Strong! 👊💪👊🇺🇸

What an incredible day at Oshi Shinobu Dojo.

A total of 25 promotions earned through hard work, perseverance, and true Kyokushin spirit. I am beyond words proud of every student who stepped forward and gave their all on the floor today.

A sincere thank you to Shihan Marvin Saint-Cyr of Bushiken Karate Saint-Cyr Dojo in Raleigh, and Sensei Gregory Johnson of IFK North Carolina for sharing in this experience and standing with us during testing.

Great work. Great Kyokushin spirit.

Osu. FullContactKarate KnockdownKarate KarateLife BudoSpirit MartialArts DojoLife KarateFamily TrainHard EarnedNotGiven

Strong night with our Oshi Shinobu Dojo Kyokushin family.
Focused, disciplined, and locked in as we prepare for tomorrow’s big promotional test.
Proud of the hard work everyone is putting in.
Osu! 👊💪👊🇺🇸