MIRES MARTIAL ARTS

Let’s Karate and Stuff!

 

At Mires Martial Arts, we believe karate is more than just a martial art. It's a vehicle for teaching essential life skills such as:

 

Persevering instead of giving up when things get difficult.

Getting back up after you’ve been knocked down.

Teaching, helping, and supporting others is rewarding.

Belonging to a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community.

Nothing compares to the pride of earning an achievement through hard work and dedication.

 

These are the fundamental principles of the Mires Martial Arts teaching philosophy and these lessons are incorporated into every class.

 

At Mires Martial Arts, we teach our students to be respectful and kind to others. If someone is nice, try to be nice. If someone is not nice, still try to be nice. If someone tries to hurt you, we say no thank you. We always teach students to avoid fights, when possible, but if they cannot get away safely, they may use their karate skills to protect themselves.

 

While using force is a last resort, it is important that the students develop the practical skills they may need should they ever have to protect themselves. At Mires Martial Arts, students are also taught to be realistic about their abilities. Self-defense skills can be very effective, especially against someone of a similar size and age, but there are no magic techniques that work in every situation. That is why we also teach awareness, avoidance, and how to get help when needed. Staying safe is always the most important goal.

 

 

At Mires Martial Arts, students learn the importance of both hard work and having fun. Progress comes from a good attitude, dedication and effort, but enjoying the journey is just as important. When students have fun, they stay motivated to work hard. And when they work hard, they gain the skills and confidence needed to reach their goals. We believe that the best learning happens when challenge and FUN go hand in hand.

 

 

Sensei Geoff Mires, Jr. began training in Shorin-Ryu Karate in January of 2000 while attending St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. In March of 2010 he started Mires Martial Arts at the Walnut Country Clubhouse in Concord. In March of 2012 Mires Martial Arts moved to its first official dojo and current location. Sensei Geoff is currently a Yondan (4rd Degree Black Belt) in Shorin-Ryu Karate and a Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Kyokushin Karate.

 

Sensei Geoff has a passion for teaching all students, but his own experiences overcoming learning challenges have given him a special connection with those who struggle. He understands the frustration that can come with learning something new and the fear that often accompanies pushing beyond one's limits. This understanding drives him to help students build confidence, embrace challenges, and realize their full potential. He firmly believes if a concept cannot be explained simply enough for any 5-year-old student to comprehend, it needs to be made simpler for all students. He recognizes that every student learns differently. Some students pick up new skills quickly, while others need more time and practice. No matter how you learn, his goal is to help students build confidence, make progress, and succeed at their own pace. Many students who are neurodivergent with many different classifications have been and are successful at our dojo. Sensei Geoff believes in the philosophy from Lilo & Stich. “Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind”

 

If you have a positive attitude and are ready to work hard, have fun, and grow both on and off the mat, we'd love to welcome you to the Mires Martial Arts family.