JEFFREY M. BROOKS
BIOGRAPHY AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Karate
Jeffrey M. Brooks, founder of the Northampton Karate Dojo more than 20 years ago and Director until 2009, began martial arts training in 1978. After studying several styles he chose Shorin Ryu for its practical application in law enforcement and civilian life and the commitment of founder Shoshin Nagamine to the practice of karate and Zen as one. In 1988 Jeffrey Brooks opened Northampton Karate Dojo. He traveled several times to Okinawa to study, training with Shoshin Nagamine, and with senior people associated with him including the Kishaba brothers. He holds the 7th degree Black Belt rank.

Zen
Jeffrey Brooks was introduced to Zen practice by Shoshin Nagamine at his dojo in Naha, Okinawa. He also trained with Shoshin Nagamine's Zen teacher and fellow karate practitioner Sakiyama Sogen, Roshi, of Kozenji Zen Temple in Shuri, Okinawa. In 1994 he formed Northampton Zendo, offering ongoing Zen practice and study. He studied classical Indian Buddhism through the Gelug lineage of Tibet.

Writing
Jeffrey Brooks attended NYU Film School, receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree. He had a 20 year career as a communications consultant, writing speeches and presentations for numerous public figures and cultural leaders. His column's and articles appear regularly on many print and online martial arts publications, and are collected on this website under the "Articles" tab.

Law Enforcement
Jeffrey Brooks' long and varied career in law enforcement began in patrol, continued as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor, culminating in assignment to an elite investigative unit.

Northampton Dojo Statement of Purpose
Practice goes straight ahead, although conditions and circumstances change. I hope that people will see the benefit of leading a life of practice, and so will begin. Each of us has to lead our own life. We need strong practice to accomplish our goals. Adults and children alike need a daily practice that asks them to try hard, focus deeply, become healthy and recognize the true correspondence between strength and kindness. A practice that rewards them, inwardly and outwardly, with the natural result of their efforts: health, inner stability, good relationships with others, a sense of responsibility for one's own life and of shared responsibility for the world around us. That is the mission and the intended effect of our programs.