Michael Sheffield
Each night, powerful bursts of “kiai” can be heard from the walls of a new dojo in New Cumberland.
Carrying on the legacy of the karate instructor who changed his life, Michael Sheffield leads his first ever dojo (school) with these four principles: discipline, generosity, appreciation and camaraderie.
Sheffield has found his ikigai—his reason for being—through karate. He feels it is his duty not only to share his instructor’s teachings with others, but to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding martial arts.
With the official opening of Kazoku Isan Dojo in May 2023, Sheffield honors his instructor’s name by sharing his knowledge with those who are willing to learn, reminding them that karate is more than throwing punches.
In the early 1960s, Ralph Lindquist started one of Pennsylvania’s first dojos in New Cumberland. In 2007, at 17 years old, Sheffield and his younger brother attended their first karate class at the Isshinryu Karate Association of Harrisburg. In 2009, Sheffield began learning directly under Lindquist, up until the instructor’s passing in 2015.
What was meant to be only a bonding activity between two brothers ended up making a monumental shift in Sheffield’s life.
Last year, Sheffield opened his first dojo, an experience he has since described as “freeing.” In what he felt was the right thing to do, he dedicated the dojo’s teachings and principles to that of Lindquist, as a way to honor and share the gift he had been given. The name, Kazoku Isan Dojo, translates literally to “Family Heritage Dojo” as a reflection of its founding purpose.
“As my sensei always said during classes, ‘It’s the doing and the sharing of the doing that’s the essence of true value,’” Sheffield said, recalling the words he still lives by.
Something Back
Sheffield’s teachings are grounded in the art of Isshin-ryu, a style of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan, that means “one heart method.” Harmonizing the mind, body and spirit, this form of karate combats the stereotype that the sport is only about beating someone in a fight or the color of your belt.
“It’s a battle against your own ego,” Sheffield said.
The style contains lessons that help guide one’s understanding of their physical and mental being, simultaneously improving their form as well as their way of life.
Offering 21 classes every week, Sheffield teaches all ages and adapts his lessons according to different age groups. From “Little Bonsai” to the adult evening classes, Sheffield ensures that karate welcomes anyone and everyone.
Samantha Haenitsch, one of the dojo’s instructors, respects Kazoku Isan Dojo the most out of all the schools she has tried for truly embodying the spirit of family. Haenitsch feels that Sheffield’s unorthodox approach to Isshin-ryu transformed her perceptions of karate forever.
“I’ve never been anywhere that feels so much like a family and bases its teachings off of the heritage of his greatest teacher,” she said.
For Haenitsch, the lessons she has learned have transcended the dojo and have made deep impressions on her and her family’s lives.
Outside of the dojo, Sheffield continues to pay tribute to his late instructor. As a way to give back, he is working on a carefully curated memoir honoring Lindquist’s life, achievements and impact on others. Hearing from 90 different voices so far, he is eager to see where this journey takes him.
Sheffield wants to further his involvement in the martial arts community, such as the free classes he occasionally hosts. This past summer, Kazoku Isan Dojo held its first annual Open Traditional Martial Arts Tournament, a tradition previously held by Lindquist. With over 100 participants from five different states, the tournament contained events with forms, weapons and sparring.
The dojo also will host its second annual 100 Kata Challenge Fundraiser on April 19 to help students cover tournament fees. In this outdoor event, students receive certificates based on how many kata (forms) they perform.
Without holding any knowledge, techniques or understandings back, Sheffield is steadfast in offering everyone the same opportunities to learn the art of Isshin-ryu—the only limit is whether you’re willing to take it.
“I wish people could get even half of what I got from karate,” Sheffield said. “I feel it is my responsibility when you are given something to give it back.”
Kazoku Isan Dojo is located at 210 Locust Alley, New Cumberland. For more information, visit www.isandojo.com.
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