Ito’s White Tiger

Grandmaster Ito is one of the greats. There are martial art studios everywhere, but Robert Ito makes you earn your progress. White Tiger Yellow Belts (the second belt level after absolute beginner), often are better trained than many other area schools’ advanced students. There is no social promotion in this dojo.
You sweat. You become frustrated. You wonder what you are doing wrong. Sensei tells you, but he doesn’t ‘spoon-​feed’ you. Why? Because the lesson becomes instinctual that way.
Every belt level has a series of theories and attitudes within his system. The theories are physical building blocks you must surpass (balance, power, etc). The attitudes are what you must incorporate within your practice. They can seem as benign and hyperbolic as a political slogan until you start thinking about them. Once you figure it out (and yes… it is up to you to figure it out) a light goes on and your abilities increase.
Mr. Ito believes strongly in the classic «Mind, Body, Spirit» idioms of the old masters. He has trained with some of the top Hanshis in the world. Some of these surviving Hanshis journey to Marin County to consult with Mr. Ito and often hold special seminars which are only available to White Tiger students.
Because the Ito White Tiger System involves so much spiritual growth, one finds themselves applying these lessons in other areas of their lives. Additionally, once you become involved in the school you are afforded an opportunity to participate in demonstrations, pot-​luck gatherings, and other family-​oriented activities. Before you know it, you find yourself with a slew of new friends, business contacts, and social outlets. The harder you push yourself, the more you will get out of it. The camaraderie you share with other students is rooted in a ‘we’re all in this together’ attitude. While this may sound daunting, the program isn’t structured so that only the best survive. It is structured so that once you give it your best, once you have achieved your personal highest level of ability, you will progress.
Ito’s White Tiger specializes programs for students with physical and mental limitations. While the focus is on American Kenpo, there are generous portions of other styles incorporated in the system. Students learn kosho ryu, tai chi, and weapons as part of their training.
If you want to tell your friends that you take karate, there are a lot of schools to choose from. If you want to learn martial arts, there is Ito’s White Tiger.