Karate Studio Expands into Store Next Door

Oct. 8, 2016 Staff Report

Suzaku Karate, located at 47-08 39th Pl., has recently expanded into a vacated space next door that was formerly occupied by Majestik Mobility, a company which provided medical supplies and mobility devices for the physically handicapped. The expansion adds approximately 200 sq. ft. to the studio’s previous total of about 500 sq. ft.

Dwayne Salandy (far left) training an adult class

The Dojo, run by Queens native Dwayne Salandy and his wife Tiffany, first opened on April 1st, 2015. Shortly after celebrating their one year anniversary, Azure Realty agent Christina Cricenti – who helped the couple find their original space – brokered the deal that secured the storefront next door.

The opportunity is a dream come true for Sensei Salandy, who worked as an after school instructor for Sunnyside Community Services for 15 years, but wanted to teach martial arts full time.

“I love owning my own Dojo. I had previously been teaching Karate at a local Woodside / Sunnyside dance studio for almost 3 years,” Salandy said. “I gained a great following, both there and at Sunnyside Community Services, so I decided it was time to have my own Dojo.”

Suzaku Karate offers separate classes for different age groups, including adults. The youngest students, who are part of the “Little Phoenix Program,” are children between the ages of 3 and 5. Other classes serve students 6 to 8 years old, 9 to 17, as well as adults of all ages.

“With the younger age groups, we focus on teaching the basics of Karate with a lot of fun. In the older groups, we focus more on the art of Shotokan Karate,” Dwayne explained.

The school currently serves about 40 students, which includes evening classes and their after school and summer camp program.

“Our after school program enrolls kids from ages 3 to 12, and their activities include ninja training, kickboxing, but also homework help, Spanish lessons, and play time,” he continued.

With the newly acquired space, the owners are looking to double their current enrollment.

Hours of operation for their after school program are Monday to Friday from 2:30pm to 6:00pm. Their class schedule is as follows:

Ages 3 to 5: Sunday at 12:00 noon and Friday at 5:30pm (45 min classes)
Ages 6 to 8: Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Ages 9 to 17: Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Adults: Sunday at 11:00am, Monday and Wednesday at 7:00pm.

Suzaku Karate is currently offering 2 months of classes for $99, as well as an open invitation to their annual Halloween party for anyone ages 6 and up, to take place on Sunday, October 30th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Admission to the Halloween party is $10 per person, with Sensei Salandy looking forward to seeing kids and parents from all over the community to stop by and visit the newly expanded Dojo.

“Wear your costumes and get ready for lots of candy!”

[slideshow_deploy id=’39445′]

Please note: Suzaku Karate is an advertiser with the Sunnyside Post