Tora Martial Arts

08/18/2026

Boundaries are good. Boundaries are healthy. Boundaries are set in place to protect yourself from harm whether it is physical, emotional, financial, spiritual or any other way. In other words- Boundaries are a first line of self-defense.

Boundaries do not need to be socially acceptable either. You have the right to choose whatever boundary makes you comfortable. If you don't want to shake hands with someone- then don't. It doesn't matter who that person is.

The thing is, I tend to make some people angry when I talk about boundaries and I'm okay with that. Boundaries should be respected and we should teach children (and adults) to respect boundaries as well as setting their own, even and especially when people are uncomfortable with them. I will always teach boundaries because they are healthy.

08/15/2026

Ha ha ha 🤣 so which one are you????

08/10/2026

It's that time again to prepare for Back to School!! Back to the routines, back to homework, back to friends at school but this year let's send the kids back empowered with confidence, better focus to get better grades, and better ability to know how to handle bullies and make great friends.

Tora Martial arts is offering a Back to School Special for half off your first month plus your uniform is free! This special back to school offer will expire on August 31.

Call Sensei Sarah at Tora Martial Arts to start today!!
859-443-0150

Kids beginner classes are on Mondays at 5:00, Wednesdays at 6:30 and Thursdays at 5:45

Teens and Adult beginner classes on Mondays at 7:15, Wednesdays at 8:15, Thursdays at 7:15

Homeschool Kids classes are on Thursdays at 10:00 am

Seniors classes (age 60+) are on Fridays at 10:00 am

We can't wait to see you soon!

08/06/2026

Wellness Spotlight: Women's Self-Defense Class

Confidence is one of the greatest forms of self-care.

Join Sensei Sarah for a FREE Women's Self-Defense Class, where participants will learn practical techniques to increase personal safety, build confidence, and feel more prepared in everyday situations.

Whether you're looking to learn new skills or simply want to feel more empowered, this class offers a supportive environment for women of all experience levels.

Date: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Family Nurturing Center – Florence Office
Who Can Attend: Women ages 14 and older

At Family Nurturing Center, our Holistic and Wellness Services are offered free to everyone in the community because everyone deserves access to programs that promote health, confidence, and well-being.

Invite a friend, a daughter, a sister, or a coworker, and join us for an evening of learning and empowerment.

To learn more about our wellness classes or to register, visit:
https://familynurture.org/services-of-family-nurturing-center/holistic-and-wellness-services/

'sWellness

08/02/2026

Almost missed posting it but I can't let this one slide. On this day in 1992, my mom and I started this incredible journey of martial arts. We started in Taekwondo and I don't have many pictures of those days but these are a couple of my favorites. I will be forever thankful for my original teachers Miss Karole and Miss Carol who loved me enough to kick my butt when I needed it. Their early guidance shaped so much of who I am today and they have no clue how many times they saved me from myself. It's been an incredible journey and I'm so thankful for my current instructor Sensei Holley. He puts up with my blunders but is always so encouraging to me to keep pushing on and raising the bar to an even higher standard. But mostly to my mom- thanks for changing our lives by signing us up for martial arts. I didn't understand then the lifelong journey this would be, but I'm so extremely grateful and blessed beyond measure.

07/27/2026

At Tora, we try to help everyone become the best versions of themselves. Teaching focus and self-discipline, and showing that respect is the beginning and the end of everything we do. In doing this, students become more confident, focused, and driven.

Try your first week for free at Tora. Call today! 859-443-0150

07/20/2026

I'm proud to be a member and affiliate dojo of KOJF

Regarding KOJF (Karate of Japan Federation):
We are a federation of Japanese and Okinawan
Karate and Kobudo that requires members to be practitioners
of traditional Budo. It must have direct Japanese or
Okinawan lineage and history. It cannot be something
recently developed by someone who claims high dan grades
that is self promoted because they created or founded a
style in their country. We have several different karate
and kobudo styles represented and promote traditional
Budo. We also have clinics, seminars and an annual
tournament that is geared towards children who are our
future to promote brotherhood instead of ego. It is not
about winning or losing but sharing friendship and coming
together to meet each other under a common goal of sharing
out love of traditional Budo.

As chairman of KOJF I am working to help develop the brotherhood
and world peace by doing my small part with KOJF. We do not
care about what style you practice just that you have a
sincere heart and good moral character and ethics. We are
working towards the betterment of mankind through our daily
training in Karate-do and Kobudo. Friendship, brotherhood,
honor, strong and good character are essential to success in
life as well as Budo.

We do not give rank out because someone is a member. We always
suggest that a member seek out their instructor to obtain
rank or someone qualified. We can through our membership
always make recommendations to reach someone in that
style/Ryuha to help make that happen however. Those who
seek to advance their karate rank under KOJF must meet
standard protocol of the practice of traditional Karate or
Kobudo. We do not simply offer rank for money. Our
reputation is of the highest regard and integrity. There are
other organizations that will give rank just because you are
a member. We do not do that. Someone of proper rank and
understanding of a members style/ryuha must administer an
exam and requirements must be met before anyone of our
members can obtain rank.
As chairman it is important to note that I have no rank from
KOJF, I have no title from KOJF. My karate rank comes
directly from Japan and is registered with the Japanese
Government. I do not have any certificate from KOJF.
That is not what I do and I do not claim to be a
"Soke" or "Kaicho" or "Kancho". It is important also to note that my
title of "Hanshi" was issued by the oldest Budo Federation in Japan, (circa 1895)located in Kyoto, as is my rank which is registered
with the Japanese Government. This is only for your
information so you know that I am not someone making up a
style or rank.
If you have any questions, need assistance, or just need direction
all black belts can speak directly to me. We do not have
state directors only members and representatives. You
report to no one but can always talk direct to me. My email is:
[email protected]

Humbly here to serve mankind through Karate-do.
Dwight Holley

07/13/2026

Tora is now enrolling new students! Kids, teens, and adults! Homeschool kids and seniors too!

Call to start you free trial! 859-443-0150

07/08/2026

07/06/2026

Tora Martial Arts is where kids come to have fun and make friends! Call today to start your free trial!