A New Generation of Training.
In 2018, when his teacher decided to retire, leaving the dojo in Niagara Falls without a successor and facing closure, Sensei Joey Jackson, a dedicated martial artist with years of training, couldn’t bear to see this beloved institution close its doors. By July 2019, the Martial Arts Center was officially under his leadership, supported by his fellow senior students, including his wife Sarah.
Shortly after, Sensei Jackson met and became a student of Kyoshi Mike Sywyk and by association, Taira Masaji Sensei. Impressed by the organization, Sensei Jackson and the The Martial Arts Center became members of the Eastern Martial Arts Coalition (EMAC). Sensei Jackson received his Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) in Karate Do from EMAC at the recommendation of Kyoshi Sywyk.
The pandemic was a challenging time for martial arts worldwide, leaving dojos empty and quiet. Adapting to the new normal, Sensei Jackson led a transition to online training. Already having much experience in Kobudo (weapons) practice as taught by Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Jackson chose to pursue Okinawan Kobudo (Matayoshi Lineage) under the tutelage of his teacher, Mike Sywyk as part of the Okinawan Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai (OKDR) led by Hanshi Neil Stolsmark. Sensei Jackson is currently ranked as Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) under this system.
Today, Sensei Jackson continues his training and teaching with unwavering dedication at the same location in Niagara Falls. Inspired by his exceptional role models in Karate-do, his energetic and empowering teaching style motivates his students to surpass their limits and discover new opportunities in the world of martial arts. Sensei Jackson’s commitment to martial arts extends to his family, as his wife, and two sons also train at the dojo, contributing to a family legacy of dedication and excellence in martial arts.
