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The Garden Dojo
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Our Philosophy
The Garden Dojo is a traditional karate school that offers classes for all ages and abilities. We believe anyone can benefit from karate training.
In a time of quickly shortening attention spans karate offers practitioners a break from the screens and the opportunity to be present and aware of their physical movements. Karate Inherently develops self-defense, establishes goal setting, increases muscular development and builds confidence.
Through the memorization of movement patterns, karate also promotes and maintains positive cognitive capabilities in children and adults.
The Garden Dojo develops these characteristics in our students by creating a fun, unique and safe atmosphere. Karate has become a go-to sport in the United States and we look forward to growing that excitement with you at The Garden Dojo!
Sensei Brian Mertel
Founder and Chief Instructor
Sensei Brian Mertel, a revered figure in the world of Shotokan karate, has spent nearly four decades dedicated to the art. His karate journey began in 1986, and since 1996, he has been imparting his knowledge and expertise to countless students and competitors.
In his nearly four decades of karate, Brian Mertel has won countless gold medals in kumite and kata on the world stage. He has lead the USA national karate team as their team captain and competed against some of the most talented athletes in the sport.
While his competitive career was nothing short of remarkable, Sensei Mertel’s true legacy is in his role as a mentor and coach. He has personally coached hundreds of junior and senior international medalists, guiding them to excellence on the world stage.
Today, Sensei Brian Mertel continues to inspire and lead at The Garden Dojo karate school, where he imparts his knowledge, wisdom, and indomitable spirit to the next generation of martial artists. His unwavering commitment to the art of Shotokan karate and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him an icon in the world of martial arts. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and an unyielding spirit.
A True Champion
Sensei Mertel’s karate career includes a remarkable 10 national championships and multiple gold medals at the US Open. He repeatedly clinched gold medals at the prestigious North American Cup in kumite, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the martial arts world.
Sensei Mertel’s achievements extended to the international stage, where he served as the captain of the USA national karate team. He competed and earned individual kumite gold at the Pan American Championships and team kumite silver and bronze medals.
His global impact extended even further when he competed at the 2008 WKF World Championships in Tokyo, where he demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, finishing an impressive 5th in the world.
Olympic Level Coach
Sensei Mertel’s true legacy is in his role as a mentor and coach. He has personally coached over 100 junior and senior international medalists, guiding them to excellence on the world stage. Sensei Mertel’s tenure as the USA National Team coach from 2007 to 2022 was marked by a continuous stream of success, as he nurtured and developed the talents of the nation’s brightest karate athletes.
Brian Mertel had the honor of coaching Sakura Kokumai at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games where she where she narrowly lost her bronze medal match against Viviana Bottaro of Italy.
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The Garden Dojo
455 W Northwest Hwy
Barrington, IL 60010