For adults
A challenge worth returning to.
Develop a focused physical practice with depth and room for continued learning. Work on technique, stay engaged and build consistency.
Traditional Koei-Kan Karate-do
Strong in practice.
Grounded in life.
Small classes. Personal instruction. A traditional karate practice that asks for your best, and gives you guidance along the way.
Undiluted Tradition. Modern Strength.
01 Tradition with purpose02 Students known by name03 Character before rank
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Confirm everyone pictured is happy to appear on the website. This photo is 960 px wide; a higher-resolution original would look sharper on large screens.
The way we train
High standards.
Personal attention.
Learning karate takes consistent practice and thoughtful instruction.
At the Martial Arts Center for Excellence, we teach Koei-Kan Karate-do in small classes. Instructors learn your name, notice where you need help and guide your progress over time.
Expect clear standards, careful correction and encouragement to keep improving. Sincere students are welcome at every experience level.
Get to know our instructors01
Technique with depth
Preserve the details. Practice with purpose. Learn the principles behind the movements as you develop your skills in traditional Koei-Kan.
02
Character through effort
Showing up, listening carefully and working through difficulty are part of training. Attitude and integrity matter alongside technical skill.
03
Responsible self-defense
Awareness, avoidance and de-escalation come first. Physical training emphasizes control and responsibility.
A place to begin. Room to grow.
A meaningful practice
for you or your child.
For parents
Guidance that knows your child.
Our approach emphasizes respectful conduct, steady effort and personal instruction. Learn how the dojo's values shape the way we teach.
For teens
Confidence through practice.
Work toward meaningful skills in a respectful environment. Take on challenges, learn from correction and recognize your progress.
Ask us about current classes and the right starting point. Contact us about age groups and finding the right class.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Business rules: minimum age is 12. This section speaks to parents and “your child” — state the minimum age (12+) and confirm there is no children’s program.
Our dojo. Our purpose.
Tradition carried forward
through people.
We preserve and teach Koei-Kan Karate-do through rigorous technical training, respect and personal guidance. Our purpose is to help students become stronger human beings, physically, mentally and morally.
Etiquette is part of the practice. We respect our instructors, our training partners and the tradition we share. The effort students bring to the dojo is something they can carry into school, work and daily life.
The roots of Koei-Kan
Two Okinawan traditions.
A continuing practice.
Koei-Kan was founded in 1952 by Eizo Onishi and brought to the United States by Edward Kaloudis in 1954.
His studies with Kanken Toyama and Juhatsu Kyoda connect Koei-Kan to the Shuri-te and Naha-te traditions of Okinawa. The name Koei-Kan is translated as “Prosper with Happiness.”
Shuri-te
Sokon MatsumuraShuri-te master
Anko ItosuAlso known as Yasutsune Itosu
Kanken ToyamaTeacher of Eizo Onishi
Naha-te
Ryu RyoAlso written Ryu Ryu Ko
Kanryo HigaonnaTeacher of Juhatsu Kyoda
Juhatsu KyodaAlso written Kiyoda
Eizo OnishiFounder of Koei-Kan
Koei-Kan · 幸栄館Founded 1952 by Eizo OnishiBrought to the United States in 1954 by Edward Kaloudis
Brian FrostKoei-Kan lineage
Jeff MasonHead Instructor, MACE
Martial Arts Center for ExcellenceShelby Township, Michigan
History sources for partner review
Teaching lines are based on histories published by West End Dojo and Koei-Kan Peristeri. The 1952 founding and the 1954 introduction to the United States are confirmed in Brian Frost, Koei-Kan Karate-Do: Practice and Precept. The extended genealogy (Matsumura, Ryu Ryo, Brian Frost, Jeff Mason) comes from the Koei-Kan Keizu in the All-Japan Karate-Do Association booklet supplied by Dan Fife in October 2026.
The people behind the practice
Careful instruction.
Human connection.
An instructor's role is to guide, correct and encourage. Get to know the people who carry our standards into each class.
Jeff Mason
Part of the Koei-Kan teaching tradition introduced on the school's existing instructor page.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Approved biography and portrait.
Dan Fife
The existing instructor biography describes Dan as a founding member of the Shelby Dojo who began studying Koei-Kan in 1990 under Jeff Mason.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Confirm biography and add an approved portrait.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Business rules list three more instructors who are not on the page: Josh Coletti (Expert Instructor, 3rd Degree), Dr. Steve D’Addario (Guest Instructor, 4th Degree), Chris Doolittle (Guest Instructor, 4th Degree). Decide who appears; each person approves their bio and photo.
Mat time available
Judo, aikido, tai chi, qigong, yoga and meditation practitioners and instructors: our matted dojo floor is available for your own classes or private sessions. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday throughout the day. Call 586-210-0501 or email us with the subject “Training space.”
Your first step
Come with questions.
Start a conversation.
Interested in training for yourself or your child? Call or email us to discuss your goals and arrange a first visit.
Do I need previous karate experience?
Sincere students are welcome at every experience level. Tell us about your background so we can discuss an appropriate starting point.
What does the dojo expect of students?
A willingness to learn, consistent effort and respect for instructors and training partners. Progress comes through practice and attention to feedback.
How do I arrange a first visit?
Call 586-210-0501 or email info@koeikanshelby.com. We can discuss which class is right for you and what to expect.
When is one-on-one instruction?
One-on-one instruction follows each group class: Tuesday and Thursday from 7–8 PM, and Saturday from noon–1 PM. Contact us to discuss arrangements.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Pricing and the free introductory class are not on the page. Approved: free intro class (book ahead, arrive 10 minutes early, workout clothes, barefoot on mats); Virtual $39.99/mo, Unlimited $119.99/mo, Unlimited + 1 family member $179.99/mo; billed monthly, cancel anytime. Decide whether to show prices.
Find the dojo
Koei-Kan Karate-do in Shelby Township
51360 Van Dyke AvenueShelby Township, Michigan 48316View address in Google Maps ↗
586-210-0501
info@koeikanshelby.com
Follow us on Facebook ↗
| Day | Group class | One-on-one |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6–7 PM | 7–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 PM | 7–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–noon | Noon–1 PM |
Closed Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED “Closed” days are not in the business rules (the space is offered for rentals on those days). Confirm wording, office/phone hours and holiday closures.
PARTNER INPUT NEEDED Parking and entrance guidance (where to park, which door, accessibility) is missing.
Martial Arts Center for Excellence
Your practice begins
with a willingness to learn.
Discover a dojo that values personal attention, thoughtful instruction and the effort you bring to every class.