Go No Sen Karate Celebrates 30 Years By Expanding To Yorktown

PEEKSKILL, NY — Go No Sen Karate has opened a second location in the BJ's shopping center in Yorktown.

"We are excited to bring our unique approach to Yorktown and continue our mission of building better bodies and stronger minds," said Kyoshi Adam McCauley, founder and head instructor. "Our programs not only focus on physical self-protection and fitness but also emphasize character development through personal growth and leadership."

The martial arts school has been dedicated to transforming children's lives for 30 years, said McCauley, who talked to Patch about being in business in northern Westchester for three decades.

Patch: Why did you decide to open 30 years ago?

McCauley: My life mimics that of Daniel in "The Karate Kid". I was picked on and made fun of growing up so much that I used my lunch money to take taxis home from school and never did after school sports. I would cut school so much out of fear that I barely got through with D's and summer school. It wasn't a fun growing up. When I met my "Mr. Miyagi" that all changed. My Sensei gave me the skills and drills to not only defend myself, but live a life with confidence.

In return, my purpose was and is to give children the abilities to stand tall in life and smile confidently strong mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. Working with 3 friends in my living room, to sub renting space for them to train, to working full time jobs during the day, to full time running a martial arts school, it's been a blessing for the last 30 years.

Patch: Why expand now?

McCauley: Working with children for so long, I've seen such growth and life skills developed within people. And having competent instructors who have been a part of Go No Sen for 25 plus years of their life gives us the ability to serve many others with additional locations. It's important for the martial arts to have a legacy of teachings being passed on, but equally important to continue passing on the legacy of Go No Sen Karate with future generations.

Patch: Why choose that name?

McCauley: My first thought was "McCauley's Karate" was too Irish and sounded funny. But seriously, I wanted to have depth to the name like there is so much more to karate then kicking and punching. Go No Sen in Japanese means to "Create an opening" I guess it could mean "Grand Opening" of the school, but really means, there is no first attack. Instead, find the weakness and go with that. Kind of like if a door opens, walk through it. Don't break it. And by understanding how human nature is, once you can control yourself, you can control another person trying to do you harm.

Patch: What's been the hardest thing running a small business?

McCauley: Being in business for so long, I remember times like 911, the housing crisis of 2008 and recently the global pandemic. All of those were times of adversity in a big sense for a small business. And we conquered each of those times. It wasn't easy, but we "Created an opening" and didn't give up. However, as a small business, the day to day challenges of staff, teamwork, customer attention, student journey, payroll, overhead expenses and weather challenges all take attention and focus to work on and work through.

Patch: What's been most rewarding?

McCauley: I feel if you really enjoy what you do and the people you do it with, you'll never work a day in your life. Most people wish they liked the people they work with. I get to love the people I work with as I consider them all family. And when I see that shy, timid boy gain the confidence to raise their hand in school or the young girl with no self worth become one of the best instructors ever, there is no other joy you can get but to see and feel through their lives, what I so missed from mine when I was that age.

Patch: How do you give back to the community?

McCauley: Being in this area for over 30 years now, I feel the most important thing I contribute is having a place where learning the physical martial arts drills and the mental life skills of honor, confidence, passion, discipline, communication and commitment we help people feel they belong, believe and achieve greatness in life. PERIOD!

To learn more about Go No Sen Karate or inquire about enrollment opportunities for your child, please visit their website, call 914-737-5425 or email gonosen.brian@gmail.com.