By Nyerere Davidson
Carlos Davidson ( back right) is joined by students and staff at the grand opening of his new Martial Arts Studio at 4411 W. North Avenue. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
There are many misconceptions when it comes to martial arts. Many may think of classic Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan or Chuck Norris films as an example of using violence for protection. However, it is quite the opposite.
“I believe that the first line of defense is the mind,” said Carlos Davidson, founder of the newly-opened Umoja Dojo: Kempo-Goju School of Karate on Milwaukee’s north side. “My endeavor is to use the popularity of the martial arts to teach the youth and adults of the community life skills.”
The Umoja Dojo is one of four Martial Arts Schools in the Milwaukee area providing instruction in the art of Kempo-Goju. The system began in Milwaukee through the efforts of Charles Warren, who studied the martial arts while serving in the U.S. military. Upon completion of service, he returned to Milwaukee and created what is now known as Kempo-Goju. Warren is now the first African American police chief in Palmyra, Wis.
With more than 35 years of experience instructing martial arts at several inner-city locations including the Braggs & Pitts Boxing Gym, Salvation Army and the YMCA, Davidson said he feels that it’s necessary to provide martial arts instruction within the inner city.
According to the City of Milwaukee Uniform Crime Rate statistics, although showing signs of steady improvements, Milwaukee still has some of the highest crime rates in the United States with Milwaukee having 37,781 reports of crime, which include robbery, assault and rape.
“I moved around the city teaching where ever space was offered. Deciding to teach in the city was based on the frequent stops I received from former students, who would express the profound effect the classes had on their lives and how it helped them through college and beyond,” Davidson said. “Martial Arts teaches survival skills that will effect every aspect of one’s life. The classes focus on discipline.”
At Umoja-Dojo’s recent grand opening brought many people from the community, parents, children and other martial artists to celebrate, and included a martial arts demonstration by other Kempo-Goju instructors.
“I’m happy that this dojo is open and prepared to make a positive impact on the community,” said Chloe’ Allison, an attendee of the Umoja Dojo’s grand opening. “The demonstration was great and I’m sure that the dojo will do great things for years to come.”
Classes are offered Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30pm. The adults-only class is offered on Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 7:30pm. All rates are affordable with family plans available.