How Our Story Began
It all started eleven years ago in Goodyear, Arizona, with a shared vision, a few rolls of training mats, and a passion for bringing traditional Shotokan Karate to the local community. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Sensei Woody and Sensei CeCe, Simba Dojo began not as a commercial gym, but as a grass-roots project driven by a simple belief: that martial arts should build character, confidence, and community above all else.
In those early days, every lesson was hands-on, every milestone was celebrated together, and every student became part of an expanding family. Sensei Woody and Sensei CeCe set out to create a space where the discipline of traditional training paired seamlessly with an encouraging, non-intimidating approach—proving that high-level martial arts instruction could be both rigorous and deeply welcoming.
Over a decade later, that small community effort has grown into an 11-year legacy. Now residing in the beautiful neighborhood of Verrado in Buckeye, Arizona, Simba Dojo continues to fulfill its original mission. While our home has expanded, the spirit remains unchanged: a family-founded club where students of all ages step onto the mat to grow in strength, respect, and self-confidence.
What is this Martial Art?
Shotokan Karate is one of the most widely practiced traditional martial arts styles in the world, founded in early 20th-century Japan by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Characterized by its low, deep stances and long-range striking techniques, Shotokan emphasizes explosive power, speed, and precision. The style teaches students to leverage their entire body weight behind every block, punch, and kick, training practitioners to generate maximum kinetic energy from a stable base. Beyond martial application, the philosophy of Shotokan is rooted in character development, guided by Funakoshi's principle that the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.
Training in Shotokan is traditionally built around the Sanbon Pillar—the three core elements of practice: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Practitioners begin by repeating fundamental stances, strikes, and blocks in kihon to build muscle memory and fluid body mechanics. These techniques are then linked together into choreographing sequences known as kata, which simulate defense against multiple imaginary opponents and preserve the art's historic techniques. Finally, kumite allows students to apply these movements safely against a partner, refining timing, distance control, and tactical awareness under pressure.
Head Instructor
Sensei CeCe, Chief Instructor at Simba Dojo, discovered her passion for Shotokan Karate under extraordinary circumstances in Nairobi, Kenya. After successfully fending off an attack on the street, she sought out top martial arts masters and convinced them to train her, eventually committing up to eight hours a day to rigorous practice. Her extraordinary dedication culminated in a historic milestone: becoming the first woman in Kenya to earn a black belt from the prestigious Japan Karate Association (JKA). Facing and overcoming intense local jealousy in a heavily male-dominated martial arts culture—where female competitors were famously handed tiny trophies while men received grand awards—Sensei CeCe persevered to compete on tournament stages worldwide. Having taught and practiced across Kenya and Germany before settling in the United States as a proud citizen, she now brings a lifetime of world-class expertise, resilience, and heart to her students in Arizona.
Assistant Instructor
Sensei Woody’s martial arts journey began in his youth, inspired by David Carradine’s iconic TV series Kung Fu and childhood dreams of training at the Shaolin Temple. In high school during the 1980s—an era with limited access to traditional Asian martial arts—he earned his first black belt in American Karate and nunchaku. Driven by a desire for deeper knowledge, he began exploring diverse disciplines once he started earning his own income. His turning point came when he began studying Togakure-ryū, unlocking a true understanding of the Budō spirit and kindling a lifelong reverence for Japanese culture and language. Though college and career temporarily paused his daily practice, the passion never faded. Today, as co-founder of Simba Dojo, Sensei Woody channels decades of martial arts exploration and cultural study into guiding the next generation of karateka.
Senior Student
While Bill originally joined Simba Dojo as a student, his position in our hierarchy is unique. He is technically our highest-ranked member, holding a 3rd degree black belt (Sandan) in Shotokan Karate, which he earned through the Japan Karate-do Federation in Mission Viejo, CA, under Shihan Paul Godshaw.
What began as a dare from a colleague at age 39 quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. Though he no longer trains daily, Bill remains an integral part of the Simba Dojo family, serving as a board member, occasional adjunct instructor, and regular participant in our belt gradings.
Tai Chi Instructor and Karateka
Martial arts has always been a family affair for Johnny, who first walked into Simba Dojo with his son and daughter to train in Shotokan Karate. With more than three decades of dedicated martial arts practice under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for movement to our community. In addition to his karate journey, he serves as a local Tai Chi instructor right here in Verrado. Sifu Johnny leads a Saturday morning Tai Chi group at 8:00 AM, offering a welcoming space for anyone looking to improve balance, mindfulness, and internal strength.
Senior Student
From the very beginning of Simba Dojo’s journey with the Goodyear Recreation Department, Patti stood out as one of our most dedicated and hardest-working students. She came to us already grounded in traditional Shotokan Karate, bringing experience, focus, and a relentless work ethic to the mat. When our club made the move to Verrado, Patti moved right along with us, helping establish the heart and spirit of our new home.
While life's changing seasons eventually pulled her away from regular daily training, Patti’s connection to our dojo family remains unbreakable. She continues to support our growth by sitting on rank grading panels and stepping in whenever our community needs her guidance. As our longest-continuing student and a deeply valued friend, Patti holds a unique place in our history—and continues to bear the true honor of being Simba Dojo's Senpai.
Lead Student
Oliver is our most senior and dedicated student, having practiced martial arts continuously since the age of three. Before joining us, he trained in Tang Soo Do right here in Buckeye, where he earned his black belt. When his original school closed, Oliver found a new home at Simba Dojo in March 2017 where he continues to practice.
Showing remarkable humility and dedication, Oliver chose to start over with a white belt as he transitioned to a new school and a new martial art. Today, he is hard at work training for his brown belt—join us in wishing him the very best on his journey!
We could not be prouder of his perseverance. You’ll spot Oliver featured throughout our website—can you recognize him in the photo at the top of the page?
