Testimonials

These are kind words from students and parents about our dojo.

"The Dojo itself may not be located on ancient battlefields or training hideouts in feudal Japan, but the spirits of those great warriors continue to live on through Sensei and his teachings. I have earned so much about myself already, even though I have barely begun the long and twisted journey through the world of Enlightenment. Give us your poor, your broken, your weary, and we will do our best to make you strong. You see, we are not just a school, we are a family. We are all learning how to get along with Life, and we are always students. Everyone on this planet still has a little more to learn about the world and about themselves. Donjitsu Do is another way to accomplish this, using physical abilities, discipline, and patience. I look up to those who have been at the Dojo longer than I have. I see them as noble mentors, and I am eager to learn everything I can from them. I see those who haven't been here as long as students who are willing for me to teach them what I have learned, and I strive to be the best example I can be for them. Starting out is always hard, but at Donjitsu Do Dojo, we are ALL here to answer your questions and to support you when you feel like giving up. I've seen many people come and go, so it's a good feeling to watch someone stick around and learn advanced technies and excel in their studies of Donjitsu Do. I can only imagine how Sensei feels when he watches us succeed. I can assure you that he does his best, and it pays off for all of us. We hope to see you at the Dojo!"

-Apr 11 2011 by Emmi-san

“I started attending the dojo about two years ago because I wanted to learn self-defense. I’ve had about a year of Tae Kwon Do training when I was 12 or 13 years old so I would consider myself a total beginner. I love that the classes are small in size and we are not required to do any tournaments or exhibitions. Each class is taught by the owner (sensei), not other students, so I get a lot of his attention. The classes can be physically tough and periodically are a little rough, but I didn’t want to learn a self-defense that was great in a dojo, but not useful in real life. What I’ve learned in two years here I do not believe I could have learned anyplace else. The techniques and processes and reasoning behind each movement or defense is the focus of this program, not the color of the belt worn. Because I enjoyed it so much, my 13 year old started in the kids class and he’s been attending about a year and a half now. He attends twice per week and always seems excited and ready to start. I love this dojo and enjoy working with everyone who attendsand I look forward to the next couple of years here.”

-Aug 22 2012 by Darren D

"I’ve been training at the Donjitsu Do Dojo consistently since 2000. When I first began my training it was because I was in law enforcement and felt I needed to further my skills and techniques. However, the lesson I have gotten from years of training has actually been more of a lesson about myself than anything. I am Sensei’s wife and I am awarded no favors. If anything, my training has been harder than others’because I am a high rank AND his wife. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way because the dojo has afforded me the ability to learn about who I am as a person and identify my strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the person I am . . . and, as a bonus, I learned to confidently defend myself . . all-the-while training with my best friend. I am still amazed at the things I accomplish from class to class through Sensei’s teachings. When asked what he does for a living, Sensei always responds “I’m a teacher.” And, a teacher he is! It really takes a special person to be a teacher and a teacher of the martial ways may be even one of the most difficult. Not only does the teacher need to be able to effectively do the technique, the teacher must be able to teach it in many different ways as we all do not learn the same. Sensei Ogle is patient and thorough, making sure we not only understand how to do the technique, but that we understand the technique . . . why we would use it; when we would use it; what happens when we use it; what happens if we don’t use it; and, how to make the technique work if we make a mistake. His biggest motto is “Ask ‘why?’” – “What is it for?”, “Why does the technique work this way but not that way?”, “Why can’t I get this technique to work the way it is supposed to?”, “Sensei, why do you want us to learn this?” Through the years I have been asked about our dojo. It is a difficult conversation. If the audience has no training then they generalize all martial arts as “they’re all the same”. If they have some training then they think our “mixed” style is mixed as in MMA / UFC. Um, no, definitely not. It is so hard to explain and compare to other systems because it is some of “that”, a little of “this”, a lot of “that”, with a bunch of “this”, with “none of that”. When it all boils down, in my opinion the DonjitsuDo Dojo can’t be explained, it can only be experienced."

-Sept 1 2012 by Jennifer O

  Of all the places that I have been to, the one particular place I feel the most content is the Donjitsu Do Dojo in Greer, South Carolina. Here, I study much more than fighting techniques. In my four months of training, I am already seeing just how helpful the dojo is. The peaceful and supportive environment of the dojo is a place that strengthens me, allows me to be myself, and teaches me about myself and the world around me.

            The Donjitsu Do Dojo strengthens me both directly and indirectly. The dojo has a direct effect on my physical and mental strength. The workouts that we do in the dojo are not meant to drastically increase our strength, but to keep our bodies healthy, toned, and in shape. They also improve balance and flexibility, which are important components of good health. Furthermore, the dojo strengthens me mentally. Before I started attending the dojo, I was very shy and also lacked confidence and focus. In the few short months since starting my training, I have become much more confident, focused, and open to talking to new people. The dojo also indirectly strengthens my faith. In order to create a fair, judgment-free environment, religion is not discussed in the dojo. However, I have been able to take concepts taught in class and apply them to my Christian walk. By doing this, I have been able to comprehend Christian principles that, in the past, seemed as if they were written in a foreign language. My training in the Donjitsu Do Dojo has strengthened me and is continuing to make me a more rounded person.

            Not only have I become a better person because of my training, but I am also discovering how to be myself and how to be an individual. Over the last few years, I became a people-pleaser. I tried to be the person that everyone else wanted me to be. I had no confidence in who I really was. I was told constantly to be myself, but I never knew how. When I started going to the dojo, I finally understood the true importance of accepting my individuality. To be a member of the dojo is to be a member of the dojo family. Just as no two people in a family are alike, no two members of the dojo family are alike. This concept of being an individual is so important to the dojo that it has been materialized into our family crest. Our crest is a tree enclosed in a circle. Every tree, or student, is an individual, and we are surrounded by the never-ending love and support of our family. It is said that communities give a sense of belonging, and I feel as if I belong at the dojo. This comfort, along with the support and encouragement of my dojo family, is what gives me the courage to be myself.

                                                                                                            -Nov. 10 2013 by Ashlee G.

I began my training at the Donjitsu Do Dojo a little over two years ago. At the time I was introduced to the dojo by a friend of mine, I had no formal martial arts training and was unsure of what to expect. I soon came to learn what Sensei Ogle teaches is not just strikes and kicks- he teaches how martial arts is about our journey through life and our understanding of ourselves. Yes, in our training we do learn striking and kicking techniques and the combat drills can be quite intense and demanding- both physically and mentally. Along with the self-defense training, Sensei also teaches us about the way of the Samurai and the Ninja Warrior- why and how they trained. It is these teachings that have given me a better understanding and appreciation for the martial arts way. Each of us are different with different skills and abilities. Sensei will adjust a technique to fit the individual, giving one the understanding of what will allow them to become a better warrior. Although we may work on the same technique in a series of classes, each class is different as Sensei "sprinkles in the reality" (as he calls it) of what we are training for. We are always reminded that we train for the one day we pray never comes. An added benefit that comes from training at the Donjitsu Do Dojo is the sense of being family. We are all there to learn, understand, and become better at what we do. The others I train with, especially those of the higher rank have been willing to assist me with this. In my training at the Donjitsu Do Dojo I feel I am more physically and mentally conditioned than I was 10 years ago. My only regret is that I did not start my training sooner. I do not see myself leaving the dojo anytime soon. However, I know that if the time were to come where I could not continue my training, I now possess knowledge and insight into the martial arts way that will never be lost.

-Dec. 2014 by Jeff H.

This is the dojo through the eyes of one of my 12-year-old students. I received this as a Christmas gift this year and wanted to share. This was a wonderful gift and what makes it all worth it to me.

My Hobby is ju-jitsu. I go to a building called a dojo to train in this martial art. The dojo was built by Don Ogle, my instructor. The students and I call him Sensei which means teacher in Japanese.

Outside of the dojo a cobblestone path with a koi fish pond next to it leads to the entrance of the dojo. Before entering, you must take off your shoes, and you should bow out of respect before entering the training area. Students wear Japanese robes called gi's.

Inside the dojo there are Japanese decorations on the walls such as unusual masks. There are also Japanese swords and rods on mounts. Most people would think that these rods are used for bruising and beating but when used correctly, rods can break bones. In addition, there is a suit of Samurai armor at the front of the training.

Sensei Ogle's philosophy for his form of ju-jitsu is self-defense based, and he trains you for real life situations in case you are attacked. Other forms of martial arts are flashy and useless. This one is neither. According to him, survival and escaping means more than beating up your enemy. Training at the dojo gradually strengthens you mentally and physically and sensei discipline and pain tolerance. Many of the techniques he teaches are complex and could save your life. This quote from Sensei's website sums up his version of ju-jitsu: "we don’t train for sport. We don’t train for fun. We prepare for the moment we pray never comes."

Often I am sore and bruised after I come back from the dojo. Every now and them something worse happens like getting the wind knocked out of me, having an asthma attack or getting dazed after I hit my head.

Sensei Ogle is extremely disciplined and mentally and physically and he is extremely aware and watchful of his surroundings. It seems as if he has ju-jitsu memorized perfectly. He is also very funny and tells us stories. I especially enjoy his stories about when he was a mall cop. One time he took down a big thug without a fight.

Ju-jitsu has taught me discipline and pain tolerance. I can now say in confidence that I would be more prepared if I were ever attacked.

-Dec. 2014 by Chad A.

I've been attending this Dojo since the beginning of the year. Before I started I wasn’t able to leave my house by myself, or be in large crowds. My anxiety was severely crippling. I couldn’t even get through the day if I didn’t take my anxiety medicine. Even with medication, I’d still have a few panic attacks before I made it home. But now, I’m off my medicine, and my panic attacks are far and few in between. I know it has everything to do with this Dojo, and the confidence I’ve gotten from it thus far. I’ve never taken any sort of martial art classes before. So to say that this was out of my comfort zone, is such an understatement. But I’ve never done anything that has impacted my life quite as much as these classes have. This has been an amazing learning opportunity, one that has absolutely improved my quality of life. Sensei is a trustworthy man who has helped me every step of this new journey in my life. He goes above and beyond his job to help any of his students. I’m so relieved that I found this Dojo. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and dedication you’re constantly showing your students.

-Aug. 2018 by Hanna P.

Donjistu Do Dojo isn't just a place about learning how to punch, or kick; its learning about life and how to deal with it. When I was looking for a place to start martial arts, i wanted a place that was difficult with rigorous training, but also a place I'd feel at home, Donjistu Do Dojo is that place. When people think of martial arts, it’s the stuff from the movies, like all the fighting and action, but it is much more than that. When I first came to the dojo, I had started to try and better myself, as I had been going through a lot of self-reflection in what I was doing and who I wanted to be. I set out on an overall goal; to be the best me I can be, and Donjistu Do Dojo not only supports this goal but helps me in working towards it. Donjistu Do Dojo teaches you how to defend yourself, in all aspects, whether it be a physical attack or something as simple as getting mentally prepared for a test that Friday. The physical training lets you see the potential in yourself that you didn’t even know was there, and the lessons you are taught can translate into so many different day to day interactions and situations. Donjistu Do Dojo not only teaches you self-defense, but how to deal with life as well. The people I train with inspire me to do more and to try harder, and I couldn’t thank them or Sensei enough for how much they have helped me. If there is anyone who is looking to train in self-defense while also learning about themselves, having people there to help you along the way in becoming the best YOU you can be, then there is no better place than Donjistu Do Dojo.
-Aug. 2018 Nathan F.

My child has been a student at Donjitsu Do Dojo for almost three years now. Over this time we have watched him learn and grow under the instruction of Sensei Ogle. We appreciate Sensei Ogle’s dedication to the lifelong study and path in this field. He is a constant example to his students as well as the parents who observe from the sidelines. He not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk right alongside the students in his Dojo. My child has gained confidence, inner peace, and a healthy awareness of situations throughout this time. My child looks forward to attending the training and practicing these skills. The students of the Dojo learn ways to defend themselves physically, but more than that, the students learn skills that will aid them throughout all of life’s situations. If you are looking for a place to learn, grow, and prepare yourself or your child for life, Sensei Ogle is the one to call.

-Aug. 2018 Jessica B.

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