WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Our basic Shotokan classes meet on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Our young children’s Ninjas and Shoto Kids classes meet on Sundays and Tuesdays,
or Mondays and Thurdays.
PRINCIPLES OF OUR KARATE SCHOOL
Seek Perfection of Character
hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
一、人格完成に努むること
Be Faithful
hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto
一、誠の道を守ること
Endeavor to Excel
hitotsu, doryōku no seishin o yashinau koto
一、努力の精神を養うこと
Respect Others
hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto
一、礼儀を重んずること
Refrain from Violent Behavior
hitotsu, kekki no yū o imashimuru koto
一、血気の勇を戒むること
The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” —Master Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of Karate-Do
GRANITE FOREST DOJO TEACHING STAFF
Bruce Costa, Chief Instructor
For well over four decades, Sensei Costa has studied Shotokan Karate and other disciplines with many of the world's most respected instructors. He is a passionate teacher, successful entrepreneur, professional speaker, published writer, student of mindfulness meditation, and the father of three grown, professional, socially engaged children. Mr. Costa has taught at MIT, Princeton Adult School, and scores of public, private, and parochial schools. He is the author of Welcome To Karate: Unlocking the Wisdom of the Beginner’s Mind, which has received praise from high ranking instructors on six continents, and is given free with our Introductory Offer for Shotokan. You can read more about Sensei Costa, and download free chapters of his book, at BruceCosta.com.
The instructors at Granite Forest Dojo were invited by Sensei Costa not only for their knowledge of Shotokan Karate and their personal skill as black belts, but also because of their excellence outside the dojo. Each one of them is a talented professional, a superb parent, and a generous community member.
Barbara Conroy
Senior Instructor
Business Manager
Lead Children's Instructor
The happy voice you'll hear when calling us belongs to Sensei Barbara Conroy. She is known by her colleagues for her precise, refined techniques and by her students (of all ages) for fun, welcoming, and informative classes. Sensei Barbara is ranked Yondan (fourth degree black belt), owns a hair salon, and is the mother of two adult, professional daughters.
Joseph Quinn
Senior Instructor
Technical Director
Sensei Joe Quinn travels weekly to other dojos and tournaments to practice, gain insights, and discover new teaching concepts. Ranked 4th degree black belt, he is also a painter, designer, and user experience director. "I’ve come to realize how closely martial arts and visual art are tied together. Each day I strive for my karate and my artwork to be better than the day before." Like Mr. Quinn, his two grown children received their Black Belts at Granite Forest Dojo.
James Viscusi, Jr
Instructor
Chief Medical Officer
Sensei Jim Viscusi offers elements of psychology and biomechanics in his physically demanding classes. He holds four-decade careers as an IT team leader for Oracle and an emergency rescue officer and SWAT medic among other vital volunteer posts. With Sensei Costa, Mr. Viscusi rode in the 4-man team that raised $120,000 for pediatric tumor research in the "World's Toughest Bicycle Race," RAAM. He is happily married with two successful adult children.
Wade Greim
Instructor
Lead Facility Advisor
Sensei Wade Greim's intense passion for karate is as big as the laughs he produces in the dojo. His teaching style is all about empowerment and confidence-building. Mr. Greim has been a professional musician and electronic and audio technician for over four decades. He was lead foreman throughout the construction of our beautiful dojo, and is father to three extraordinary young men.
Terence Farrell
Instructor
Black Belt Project Lead
Sensei Terry Farrell is a career U.S. Naval officer and a manager for a multinational Sustainable Habitat firm. He is a devoted husband, father, and jokester. Lt. Cmdr. Farrell administrates the innovative Granite Forest Dojo Black Belt Project program, providing mentorship in this mandatory program for all Shotokan Black Belt candidates.
Chad Wenhold
Instructor
Sensei Chad Wenhold balances high technical skill with a knack for creating good rapport with young students. “According to my wife, it is because I am still a kid at heart,” he said. Happily married for decades, the Wenholds have two thoughtful children, Gillian and Evan. Both of them are advanced students at Granite Forest Dojo.
George McKnight
Instructor
Chief Technical Officer
Sensei George McKnight is VP for Product Development for the successful software startup he helped found, and owns LizardTee, the innovative screen printing and embroidery company that creates all of Granite Forest Dojo's high-quality apparel. Mr. McKnight has made many contributions to our dojo family, including this website. He lives in the home his Grandfather was born in, and is the devoted father of Megan and Kodak. One's a high-achieving young woman, the other is a dog.
Shawn Aupperlee Instructor
Both Sensei Shawn Aupperlee's speed and caring nature are second to none in Granite Forest Dojo. He has trained in multiple styles of karate spanning over fifteen years, earning his black belt in each discipline. In Shotokan, Sensei Aupperlee holds the rank of Shodan. He is happily married with a young, enthusiastic son who hugs all of us even more than Mr. Aupperlee does.
Tom Heckler
Instructor
Sensei Tom Heckler routinely takes it upon himself to work with all of our members, especially our younger students of advanced rank, making sure their skills are up to par in his specialized Sunday advanced kata class. He is the father of two karate-practicing boys and a happy husband of a wonderful wife. Mr. Heckler is a property manager by trade but karate practitioner and avid golfer by passion.
