L-R: Sensei Joyce Brekke and Sensei Katherine Engstrom
In 2007 we received the role of carrying on Shorei-Ryu Karate. JK Martial Arts mission is to teach karate in an all-inclusive environment customizing and adapting to ensure all are successful. We see our vision occur in every class; the students experience success! Our student population is neuro-diverse, neuro-typical, ages 6 to 75 years old.
The karate style we teach is Shorei-Ryu which means ‘encouragement school’. This style is over 500 years old. Our classes are small so our instructors give you extra attention and adapt to your learning style, and your physical and mental abilities.
Teaching Methods
Students learn in an atmosphere of methodical, structured, repetition with positive reinforcement and rewards. They experience success in every class, which builds confidence and self esteem. The values used in the school prepare them for other life experiences; respect, discipline, honor and humility.
All people benefit from consistent terms and repetition. We also benefit from learning step-by-step in a methodical disciplined manner. It is highly valuable for us to experience the personal success of learning a kata, (combination of 12 or more moves).
The style we teach is Shorei-Ryu, which is extra beneficial to people who have learning challenges. The style being, “hard vs. soft” stimulates the muscle memory. The movements include crossing the midline, coordination and stretching, all beneficial to the body and mind. We teach to all styles of learning, visual, audible, and tactile by using all three styles in conjunction. So students and parents say it has really improved their ability to focus, their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Classes are 45 minutes long. You may attend 1, or 2, times per week. Contact us for a free trial, 1:1 with Sensei Joyce so she can understand how you learn and you can learn some moves!
Our Story
Joyce Brekke, Sensei and Director
Joyce Brekke, Katherine’s mother watched and supported Katherine in her martial arts training and competition. “I am thankful that Katherine was so successful with karate during her challenging middle school years! It meant a lot, since Katherine was shy and insecure. It increased her self esteem, her ability to focus and memory.”
Joyce loves exercise, and physical fitness, so when Katherine, who was a Black Belt at 17 years old, suggested that Joyce learn karate, Joyce jumped at the chance to learn from her daughter. Immediately as a white belt, Joyce entered the competition circuit winning first place every time as an under belt. In 2007 she received her Black Belt from her daughter, Katherine. Joyce went on to become the NASKA National Champion in open hand forms and 2nd place in the NASKA National Weapons category. In local tournaments she won Grand Champion in forms.
Her business experience has prepared her to direct the school. Her 30+ years of experience include – Sales Management, Healthcare Sales, Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Department Assistant Director, teaching Respiratory Care and Sales to adults and teaching Baton and Swimming to children. Her experience as a mother and grandmother of children with learning challenges has motivated her to passionately teach karate to others because of the many physical, mental and social benefits!
Now as a senior citizen, exercise is medicine! It helps keep a body young, flexible, strong, heart healthy, and fight against chronic disease with every punch and kick!
Katherine Engstrom, Original Owner, now Retired 2nd degree Sensei
Katherine Engstrom struggled with a reading disability and ADHD as a child, so she empathizes with the child who has a learning disability or is bullied. She understands how important it is to adapt teaching to meet individual learning styles.
At 13 years old, she started karate to be able to kick as high as her friend. She quickly found her memory improving and her self confidence boosting. Seven years later as a 2nd degree black belt she took on the role as Sensei at JK Martial Arts. “I am committed to giving back to the community who supported me with special education.”
She was the head Sensei from 2007-2018. At that time she turned her attention to being a mother and home management. Therefore she awarded the responsibility of head Sensei to Peregrine Stephens (now, Haagen). In 2024 Sensei Katherine retired completely from karate and JK Martial Arts. She continues to give back to the neuro0diverse community as a founding board member of See Me Neurodiverse, seemeneurodiverse.org.
Peregrine Hagen (Peri), Sensei
Sensei Peri Hagen started as a student and quickly became a student instructor as yellow belt up to black belt from 2014-2018. She then became the head instructor. She is a highly valued instructor who brought success to hundreds of students. She awarded Black Belts to 6 classes. Now she has moved out of state and continues teaching some classes via Zoom.
