A Club rich in history

Our beginnings

More than 50 years ago something of a tradition started in

New Hartford. On most any given Monday night somewhere in

town, a group of ordinary folks could be heard shouting in

rhythmic cadence in counterpoint as they practice their

Karate basics.

It all started in in 1969, when Kancho Mike Ganci, moved from New York City to Connecticut. Among the things he missed most was the ability to take training or meet with other students at the dojo in a vacant storefront in Brooklyn. Not only was there no place to train in CT, but there was no one to train with.

The first classes in New Hartford were held in the basement of the church near the town green. Classes began to grow, and they moved locations to the newly completed Ann Antolini School.

Ganci discovered a new way of training could be provided and called

our practice "Mushin." Since it's beginning, literally thousands of people of all ages and walks of life have experienced the NHKC.

The style of mushin karate-do

Within the club the style of karate we practice is called "Mushin," which translates as "mind-of-no-mind" a state of selflessness essential for clear perception.

Mushin- Do uses a standardized curriculum, having a fixed formal program with a

defined and progressive method of teaching and practice. The course of study is based upon the ten pillars of Karate:

Etiquette and proper behavior
Calisthenics stretching, endurance, and strength building
Kihon waza (basics)
Oi-tsuki (coordination training)
Kata (forms)
Kumite (sparring)
Ibuki-nogare (breathing excercises)
Tameshiwari (self-tests)
Zazen (meditation)
Philosophical, historical and future dynamics of the art.

The goal of the training is long term. We do not strive to be competitive, but cooperative. We endeaver to make ourselves "Strong Enough to Be Gentle."