Henderson's Martial Arts Academy

"One only needs to see him in action to understand he is a real Martial Artist".
- Mr. Goodwin, 30 year student of Sensei and one of Senseis 4 Black Belts, Urbana, IL
 

 "Sensei has the purest martial arts training and heritage that you will ever find in America.  You will find NO OTHER instructor that has the lineage Sensei offers.  He understands every nuance of our movements, inside and out.  His understanding is at such a deep level that he knows our movements before they even happen.  Sensei's training is so much more than just how to punch and kick.  Sensei's training can be applied to all areas of your life.  One who becomes a student will have their life changed forever.  Your eyes will be opened to a world you never knew existed.  You will truly know more about people than you ever thought possible.  More importantly, you'll know yourself better.  Sensei offers what you always imagined martial arts to be and more.  Of course, these are just my words based on my own experience.  You won't believe me unless you come see for yourself, and that's exactly what I challenge you to do. "  - Jeremy, Urbana, IL

"He's a diamond in the rough"- Wyatt, Thomasboro, IL

"He has a firm grasp of traditional karate, a superb instructor"- Higaonna, Sensei - Okinawa, Japan.
 

"Greg is a fine instructor he carefully teaches his students and provides them with the pure facts of traditional Martial Arts." - Lana, San Marcos, CA
 

"I have noticed a positive behavioral change in our son since we have been taking him to Henderson's Karate Academy" - Chris, Rantoul,IL

"The fraction of a percent that I've been fortunate enough to witness, far surpasses anything I could have ever imagined. Sensei is the real deal and this is something I knew after my first class" - Kurt, Thomasboro, IL

"Sensei instruction covers both theory and practice. It is the most challenging and rewarding instruction I have ever recieved. Sensei takes the time to develop a trusting relationship that fosters the kind of learning that is life changing". - Juan, Rantoul, IL

"For all those that know Gregor those of you who have considered taking classes from him I have these words to shar.  24+ years ago I started learning Okinawan Karate from Greg - and he will tell you faster than anyone I was nothing but a kid with an attitude.  The discipline, respect (not only for others but for myself...) and self-control were in large part learned from Greg.  He not only teaches the martial arts - he teaches a way of life.  Thanks Greg for helping me grow into the man I am today!!!  - Jim Breen, one of Senseis 4 Black Belt students, Franklin Park, IL

History, Lineage, Tradition....you feel from the moment that you walk in the door!"

 -Earl Webb, Champaign, IL

The Japanese word for bowing is called "rei" and is the method of greeting one another throughout Asia. Many westerners are confused about when, where and how to bow in and around the dojo, but seem to pick it up pretty quickly. I guess it's like the military, when in doubt - bow.

I once read a story about respect and the message by analogy was that the rice stalk that carried the most grain bent the lowest. I find that in the martial arts, there seems to be a similar truth. It has been my experience that the most senior and respected teachers are the most humble and respectful beings around. They understand that respect is not something one can demand, but is earned by showing respect to others. The very act of taking time to recognize another and showing that you recognize them and appreciate their being is an act in humility all in itself.

There is a natural law that I call the law of the farm. This law specifies that in order to get, you must first give. In order to get respect from others, you must first give respect. On a farm you plant seed in the spring, work the crop during the summer, and harvest in the fall. You can't skip the first part and expect results in the fall, nor can you rush this process by pulling on the stalk during the summer. There are those that sit in front of a stove and think that once it heats up, then they will add wood to the fire. That process just doesn't work, and yet everyday, products are sold and bought that promise instant gratification with no effort needed.

Even in the martial arts world, there are those who promise instant security, a six-month black belt, or deadly abilities in only a few lessons. Anyone who understands natural laws, must realize that quality martial arts takes many years, a lot of hard work and dedication to a good organization and teacher. Every time you bow in the dojo, you should understand that you have identified this process and are earning your proficiency the old fashion way - through hard work, discipline and respect.

Many senior teachers have realized that simply teaching fighting tactics or strategies, without including the philosophical and spiritual attributes of respect, humility and self-discipline, is doing nothing more than creating street-fighters. In classical martial arts, the training of the entire person, mentally, spiritually and physically, is the goal of the teacher. One of the major first steps towards becoming a great warrior is learning how to bow properly