08/22/2025
Dear Caruthers Community,
Hello! My name is Craig Habib. For those of you who may not know me, I have been a teacher at Caruthers Elementary School for the past 25 years and am entering year 26! During most of that time, more than 20 years, I have also taught Shotokan Karate here in Caruthers, at Extreme Motion Dance Studio.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to teach many people and meet many wonderful families from Caruthers and the surrounding communities. However, it has become apparent to me that many of you were not aware of my presence here in town. That is my fault- I never have been comfortable with self-promotion because that is not what this art is about. I have always prioritized traditional, respectful, and affordable training opportunities for karate.
Unfortunately the dance school closed last year and my karate school became homeless. I felt that it would be only a matter of time before I found a new place for it. In the meantime, I started a karate club at Caruthers Elementary School for kids who stay after school. It was a fairly unique class to have in an after-school program, and a great opportunity for the kids. And if your child came home from summer school excited about karate - it was because I taught a karate class during summer school, too! This after school program will be starting again soon and it is an excellent, free opportunity for your student to learn karate!
I have been made aware that a new person from Fowler intends to open a martial arts school here in Caruthers. I can see that what he has to offer is different from what I do. So, although that is an option, I want to take this opportunity to let you know about me and what I have to offer, and let you know that I will continue to be dedicated to providing excellent karate instruction to Caruthers and the surrounding communities.
About me and Shotokan Karate: I have been training in Shotokan Karate for 45 years and am a 5th degree black belt. I started as an 11 year old in 1980 at the Way of Japan karate school in Fresno, became a black belt in 1984, and have been teaching karate in some capacity for almost 40 years - including more than 20 here in Caruthers Along with teaching, I still train at Japan Ways Traditional Shotokan Karate in Fresno. We are affiliated with Shotokan Karate International Federation, an international organization with over 2 million members and dojos all over the world. There are a lot of reasons that is an awesome thing – one is: anywhere I go in the world, my rank will be recognized and I will know the same curriculum of karate schools I visit, this means the same for you and your children! My dojo in Caruthers has always been an affiliate of SKIF as well. (A bonus in that- my students are welcome to train at Japan Ways in Fresno, and can attend the many special events they offer.)
Shotokan Karate emphasizes precision in movement, power and speed, body awareness and coordination. It helps develop self-discipline and confidence, perseverance,and respect for others. It demands patience, effort, and helps build character. This is why I think you and your family should all be training,
I am reaching out to all of you to let you know I am in the process of securing a new dojo and to say I appreciate your continued support as an educator and karate sensei in our community. Please feel free to like our page https://www.facebook.com/japanwayscaruthers and reach out to us if you have any questions! We will be posting about classes soon so keep an eye out for updates. And remember, the Caruthers Elementary after school program karate club will be available for your children at CES soon. Thank you so much for reading this and I look forward to seeing your family in the dojo!
Traditional shotokan karate. Instructed by Sensei Craig Habib, 5th degree black belt.
