Shinju Dojo Martial Arts School
Longview / Kelso, Washington
People love our martial arts classes
Even the white belts love to throw Roy!
"Overall awesome, everything is great."
- Patty Andrews
“Heather and Roy are very knowledgeable and patient instructors, they take the time to thoroughly explain each aikido form which greatly helps understand the dynamics behind every movement, I have enjoyed the journey and look forward to advancing my knowledge with their guidance.”
- Ernie Halleck
“Wonderful teachers who create a safe, welcoming space for learning...and it's fun to boot!"
- Dennis Hill
”They are great teachers for aikido. We had a great time at Shinju Dojo! Thank you so much!”
- Kumi Kawai
"The folks at Shinju Dojo are absolutely top notch at what they do, which is to teach the traditional martial arts of aikido, judo, and jodo for automatic, reliable self-defense in a friendly, positive environment.
I recall the first time I did randori (sparring) with Heather-sensei at a clinic in Houston sometime around 1997 or 1998. I think she was around 2nd degree black belt and I was around 3rd but I couldn't touch her! She slipped or redirected or otherwise just walked out of everything I tried to do to her. It was a very humbling and educational experience that I've meditated on for years.
And Roy-sensei is not just chopped liver either!"
- Pat Parker
"I would highly recommend Heather Sensei and Roy Gawlick to train. They are very knowledgeable of aikido and ability to teach the art makes it easy to learn. Plus, they are a lot of fun!"
- Steve Rogers
”I have practiced with these instructors for well over a year. This is a safe, effective, and positive atmosphere that I would recommend for everyone. As a former military officer, I would emphatically recommend this school for anyone with an interest in martial arts. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.”
- Zachary Metzger
"I never imagined what a transformative journey this would be when I joined Shinju Dojo. As from day one, I immediately felt at home; the classes are enjoyable, fun, and run in a very friendly atmosphere. The instructors Heather and Roy are extremely knowledgeable and are amazing human beings. They care about all their students; they are passionate about delivering the best experience and teaching. No matter the age and fitness level, Heather and Roy know how to chunk each technique into moves that are accessible by anyone according to their respective abilities. Aikido is not only a great self-defense art, but it is also practical. It effectively improves posture, improves how we carry ourselves, and also teaches us how to minimize injury and protect ourselves in case of falls. Taking classes at Shinju Dojo is probably one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Give it a try, their first class is free, and it is month to month contract."
- Laval Law
“I can't really describe the change I've felt since joining this class. Aikido is enlightening and frustrating and amazing all at once. Learning it from as relaxed, experienced, and absolutely welcoming a place as Shinju Dojo was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
- Jess Hilliam
"Both Roy and Heather are knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated, creating fun classes!"
- Andie S.
"Fun, inclusive classes that teach and entertain. Learn valuable self defense tools while learning how to fall properly to avoid injury. (That came in handy last winter.)"
- Kathy Wille
"Great classes in friendly environment. My husband, kids and me are enjoying the classes. We learned a lot so far and looking forward to learning more. Heather and Roy are knowledgeable and are attentive to details. They care that we learn the techniques correctly and always give us recommendations on how to improve.
My family - husband and two teenage kids - were enjoying the classes while Heather and Roy taught aikido in Vancouver. Heather and Roy are excellent, knowledgeable, intuitive and very fun teachers! They will explain the self defence techniques step by step and adjust the learning environment if needed. They have the gift to push your skill and confidence forward. Thank you both for such a great experience. Zuzana with family."
- Zuzana Kelbelova
"Fun and informative class. Both Heather and Roy are very knowledgeable and patient as instructors. Highly recommend."
- Andrea Stanley
"Aikido is maximum effect with least effort. It's also ideal for someone who isn't looking for a new life-style. One of the things I really appreciate is their focus on understanding why and how a technique works. A fringe-benefit of a slow pace is reduced risk--there has not been any injuries since I started about 10 months ago. So far the class-size is small, allowing for a good amount of one-on-one. It also means a close, friendly environment--important when getting dropped to the floor. I also practice Jujitsu (at another dojo), which is significantly faster and riskier by nature. I occasionally miss the slowness aikido allows. I've brought my fiancé to class before, and would bring friends as well."
- Jacob Smith
"Wonderful!"
- Frankie Canant
- Patty Andrews
“Heather and Roy are very knowledgeable and patient instructors, they take the time to thoroughly explain each aikido form which greatly helps understand the dynamics behind every movement, I have enjoyed the journey and look forward to advancing my knowledge with their guidance.”
- Ernie Halleck
“Wonderful teachers who create a safe, welcoming space for learning...and it's fun to boot!"
- Dennis Hill
”They are great teachers for aikido. We had a great time at Shinju Dojo! Thank you so much!”
- Kumi Kawai
"The folks at Shinju Dojo are absolutely top notch at what they do, which is to teach the traditional martial arts of aikido, judo, and jodo for automatic, reliable self-defense in a friendly, positive environment.
I recall the first time I did randori (sparring) with Heather-sensei at a clinic in Houston sometime around 1997 or 1998. I think she was around 2nd degree black belt and I was around 3rd but I couldn't touch her! She slipped or redirected or otherwise just walked out of everything I tried to do to her. It was a very humbling and educational experience that I've meditated on for years.
And Roy-sensei is not just chopped liver either!"
- Pat Parker
"I would highly recommend Heather Sensei and Roy Gawlick to train. They are very knowledgeable of aikido and ability to teach the art makes it easy to learn. Plus, they are a lot of fun!"
- Steve Rogers
”I have practiced with these instructors for well over a year. This is a safe, effective, and positive atmosphere that I would recommend for everyone. As a former military officer, I would emphatically recommend this school for anyone with an interest in martial arts. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.”
- Zachary Metzger
"I never imagined what a transformative journey this would be when I joined Shinju Dojo. As from day one, I immediately felt at home; the classes are enjoyable, fun, and run in a very friendly atmosphere. The instructors Heather and Roy are extremely knowledgeable and are amazing human beings. They care about all their students; they are passionate about delivering the best experience and teaching. No matter the age and fitness level, Heather and Roy know how to chunk each technique into moves that are accessible by anyone according to their respective abilities. Aikido is not only a great self-defense art, but it is also practical. It effectively improves posture, improves how we carry ourselves, and also teaches us how to minimize injury and protect ourselves in case of falls. Taking classes at Shinju Dojo is probably one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Give it a try, their first class is free, and it is month to month contract."
- Laval Law
“I can't really describe the change I've felt since joining this class. Aikido is enlightening and frustrating and amazing all at once. Learning it from as relaxed, experienced, and absolutely welcoming a place as Shinju Dojo was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
- Jess Hilliam
"Both Roy and Heather are knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated, creating fun classes!"
- Andie S.
"Fun, inclusive classes that teach and entertain. Learn valuable self defense tools while learning how to fall properly to avoid injury. (That came in handy last winter.)"
- Kathy Wille
"Great classes in friendly environment. My husband, kids and me are enjoying the classes. We learned a lot so far and looking forward to learning more. Heather and Roy are knowledgeable and are attentive to details. They care that we learn the techniques correctly and always give us recommendations on how to improve.
My family - husband and two teenage kids - were enjoying the classes while Heather and Roy taught aikido in Vancouver. Heather and Roy are excellent, knowledgeable, intuitive and very fun teachers! They will explain the self defence techniques step by step and adjust the learning environment if needed. They have the gift to push your skill and confidence forward. Thank you both for such a great experience. Zuzana with family."
- Zuzana Kelbelova
"Fun and informative class. Both Heather and Roy are very knowledgeable and patient as instructors. Highly recommend."
- Andrea Stanley
"Aikido is maximum effect with least effort. It's also ideal for someone who isn't looking for a new life-style. One of the things I really appreciate is their focus on understanding why and how a technique works. A fringe-benefit of a slow pace is reduced risk--there has not been any injuries since I started about 10 months ago. So far the class-size is small, allowing for a good amount of one-on-one. It also means a close, friendly environment--important when getting dropped to the floor. I also practice Jujitsu (at another dojo), which is significantly faster and riskier by nature. I occasionally miss the slowness aikido allows. I've brought my fiancé to class before, and would bring friends as well."
- Jacob Smith
"Wonderful!"
- Frankie Canant
