About Us
Tora Dojo was established in New York City in 1967 by Grand Master Prof. Harvey.
(Chaim) Sober of Yeshiva University. Tora Dojo has been taught in Israel since 1982,
with classes in karate, tai-chi, and self-defense available throughout
the country. Tora Dojo is an eclectic system in which the student studying karate begins
his training with Japanese karate techniques. Elements from Okinawan and Korean
systems are also introduced before the black belt level. After the black belt, the system
becomes a Chinese system. Tai chi. Pa Kwa, white crane, hunger, and other Chinese
systems are learned. Tora Dojo is a classical martial arts system emphasizing
breathing and meditation in addition to physical training.
“Tora” is the Japanese word for “tiger,” and “Dojo” means “school of martial arts” or “gates of learning.” The name indicates the system’s Jewish orientation (as in Torah). Tora Dojo was founded at Yeshiva University in New York as a Jewish self-defense organization. Prof. Sober incorporates Jewish philosophical concepts within the system, comparing Jewish principles of meditation with those found in Taoism and Buddhism.
Benefits of Studying Martial Arts:
Studying Tora Dojo martial arts has many benefits, which will
Extend into one’s everyday life. These include:
Karate
- Fitness, strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Confidence and assertiveness, Self-discipline
- Concentration and self-control
- Sense of well-being
- Honesty, integrity, and humility
- Stress reduction
- Sociability and courtesy
- Enhances the ability to maintain an inner calm
- Enhances motivation and performance in work, social, and home life
- Increases physical flexibility
- Increases quality of life through the “inner calmness” approach to complex situations
- Works towards a healthy mind and body, which can slow down the
- aging process
- Reduces stress and tension
- Develops deep concentration and mental focus
Self-Defense
- Awareness to avoid situations of conflict
- Confidence and assertiveness
- If attacked: Simple, effective techniques combined with the element of
- surprise
English 
עִבְרִית