Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Pastrick.
Hi Ted, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2006 I started as a sub-let to a fitness group. I took over the lease when that group dissolved in 2007 and put up signage for my dojo. This was a big step, as it created drive-by visibility for my business. The early years were about growing the children’s program while maintaining an already healthy adult program. The neighborhood near the dojo was and is a prosperous, family-oriented area. This helped the business tremendously and I rarely had to advertise, as word-of-mouth was enough to keep things going. This remains true today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been relatively smooth, though the lock-down in 2020 created enormous stress. I was fortunate at that time to have an extremely loyal membership. They continued to take classes on Zoom while maintaining monthly membership dues. This allowed me to continue paying rent (at a slightly reduced rate) on my space and keep the business afloat. When the lock-down ended I worked with Culver City recreation and parks to use a nearby park for group instruction until indoor groups were allowed to form. As Culver City has evolved from a somewhat sleepy community to a more high-density neighborhood I’ve been able to maintain a family focused studio which relies on word-of-mouth referrals and many long-standing members.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I teach traditional-updated karate to children and adults. I specialize in blending my professional background as a physical therapist with over 40 years of practice as a martial artist. I’m known for being an effective communicator with good people skills and an inventive approach to teaching traditional combative arts. I’m most proud of the durable membership that stays with me and my school over decades. I have students who’ve started at age 5 who continue to train into their high school years. I have adult students who continued to train with me for the long term as well. What sets me apart is my focus on life long learning and the overall health of each member.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I had a cerebellar stroke in 2022 and spent 19 days in the hospital before discharge and several months in out-patient rehab recovering my balance and coordination afterwards. During that time the members (parents and adult students) again kept the dojo running until, against all odds, I was able to return to instructing. Some people knew about this but not everyone currently with me does. I was extremely fortunate that the stroke was ischemic and that my neurovascular system was able to adapt.
Pricing:
- $100/month for unlimited classes, no contracts
- $45 for the karate gi
- $20 annual membership fee
- $40 test fee to advance to the next level
- $20 Seido Dojo tee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.culvercitykarate.com
Image Credits
Ted Pastrick
