
In a season marked by dedication and discipline, Milton Bushido-Ryu Karate — led by Sensei Sam Milton and his wife Christine — have much to celebrate. The dojo recently wrapped up its tournament season with impressive performances and memorable moments, highlighting its students’ skills and character.
“This past year, our students performed exceptionally well,” says Sam Milton. “For many, it was their first season, and they embraced the experience wholeheartedly.” The dojo’s emphasis on preparation and heart was evident in every competition, with students showing remarkable dedication and sportsmanship.
One standout moment came early in the season when two different instructors from other schools approached Milton to commend his students not just for their skill but for their exemplary behavior and respect towards others. “Hearing that our students are recognized for their honor and kindness was one of my proudest moments,” he shares.
Among many achievements, Izen Fonger’s performance was particularly noteworthy. He clinched the Grand Champion title in his division at a late spring competition, a testament to his hard work and the dojo’s effective training methods.
The dojo’s focus this year has been on mastering both the art and the practicality of karate. “We concentrated a lot on being aware of our surroundings through ‘Kata,’ which helps students perfect hand and foot movements while adapting to various distractions,” explains Milton. This approach not only hones their technical skills but also teaches them to be mindful of their environment.

Practical self-defense applications were another key focus. “We emphasize the real-world use of our basics, ensuring students can handle situations beyond the safety of the dojo,” Milton says. The dojo’s comprehensive training includes 15 fundamental techniques learned by the time a student reaches Orange Belt, laying a solid foundation for both competition and self-defense.
Milton Bushido-Ryu Karate meets in a small unit in the shopping center near Speedway on W. Main Street. Despite space limitations being a significant challenge, the dojo has maintained a supportive and motivating environment. “Affordable and appropriately sized locations are hard to find, but we’ve managed to keep our turnover rate low and retain many long-term students,” Milton notes. This stability has allowed for a tight-knit community where students can grow together.
A welcoming atmosphere is cultivated through various means, including interactive warm-ups and a goals board where students can set and achieve personal milestones. The dojo also accommodates students with special needs, ensuring everyone feels included and supported.
Mari Schultheis, a parent, shares her appreciation: “The senseis are amazing with the kids. I am really impressed with their patience. They are very flexible and have worked with our schedule to make sure our kids get the most from their teachings.”
The dojo’s curriculum is deeply rooted in the Bushido Code, which includes principles such as integrity, compassion, respect, honor, honesty and sincerity, duty and loyalty, and heroic courage. “Students learn these values early on and incorporate them into their daily lives,” Milton says. Each class ends with a review of these principles, encouraging students to reflect on their meaning and application.
Milton’s journey to teaching karate is as inspiring as his students’ achievements. “Back in 2022, I decided to make my dream a reality, driven by a desire to help kids like my granddaughter who were being bullied,” he recalls. With over four decades of martial arts experience and multiple black belts, Milton’s expertise and passion have shaped the dojo into a place of learning and growth.
Christine Milton is also a first-degree Black Belt and an instructor at the dojo. She leads classes, helps train students, competes with the competition team, and instructs in self-defense courses. “She helps me with everything we do,” Milton says. “She is a driving force in the dojo. We work as a team and both of us pour everything we have into our teachings. She is a huge part of the dojo, and it would not run without her.”
As a recent year-end celebration, the students and parents of the dojo shared their experiences and the impact karate has had on their lives:
- Izen Fonger, 10, Grand Champion: “The best part was helping other people learn new skills. I like to teach others.”
- Mickella Amelia: “It’s all about fun and learning. I think I did pretty good,” she said, smiling as she looked down at her tournament medals.
- Eliana Schultheis, 7, youngest tournament participant: “I just loved the tournaments.”
- Teelan Fonger: “My favorite part is sparring.”
- Dean Faurot: “There are no favorite parts. It’s all really good. There are quite a lot of things to learn.”
- Kayson Palmer, in his second year: “The teachers are the best part.”
- Evan Hutchinson, the dojo’s first student, started at age 12: When asked how he got started, he said, “My grandma saw it online and thought I would be interested, so she signed me up.” His advice to others: “It will start slow, but it gets better. Hard work now will pay off later.”
- Joe Jones, adult participant: “I became interested in karate when I was watching Cobra Kai, so I googled it, and here I am over a year later.”
- John Henderson, adult participant: “I started when I was 16 but left it behind for a few years. I recently picked it back up and am enjoying the challenge of the tournaments and sparring with the kids.”
The dojo offers a variety of classes, including Little Ninjas for young children, regular karate classes for ages 7 and up, and women’s self-defense courses. “Our women’s self-defense classes have been very popular, and we’re looking to expand with a level two course,” Milton shares. There are also plans for co-ed self-defense classes and introductory karate courses, providing opportunities for new students to explore martial arts.
As Milton Bushido-Ryu Karate marked its second anniversary on July 11th, Milton is optimistic about the future. “We aim to grow our beginner classes and continue expanding our self-defense programs,” he says. With a strong foundation of values, community, and skill, the dojo is well-equipped to inspire and empower its students for years to come.
Through dedication, respect, and a commitment to excellence, the Miltons and their students have created a dojo that not only teaches karate but also builds character and community. As they celebrate this season of success, they look forward to many more achievements and the continued growth of their martial arts family.
To learn more about Milton Bushido-Ryu Karate, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Great article about something positive in Lowell!