D-Dojo Karate's New Eight-Foot-Tall Mascot Prepares to Hit the Streets of New York City

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Dojo Karate studio, a school combining traditional and competitive Karate styles in Upper West Side Manhattan, will soon feature an eight-foot-tall karate mascot on the roof of its building in hopes of inviting new students to join classes.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141028/155000 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141028/155001

Superhero vs. Warm and Fuzzy

When Igor Dyachenko, owner of D-Dojo Karate Studio, and his wife Olga went to visit the workshop of master puppetmaker Randy Carfagno— who's worked with everyone from Bil Baird ("The Sound of Music") to Lou Reed—the concept he had in mind for his school's mascot was "superhero." She, however, was leaning toward "warm and fuzzy."

So soon an eight-foot-tall, warm and fuzzy superhero will be towering over the Elmos and Batmen in Times Square, and showing the executives at the Time-Warner Center a few choice Karate moves. In his blazing white gi, black belt tied around his waist, he promises to cut quite a figure.

Any Resemblance May Not Be Coincidental

The blond, buff mascot bears a certain resemblance to the Ukrainian-born international Karate champion himself (although Ms. Dyachenko thinks it should look even more like him).  Both husband and wife are adding touches to the clay mold "Dyachenko-san," as he'll be known as, to be cast from. "And having the best time doing it," comments Mr. Carfagno.

To call the job "labor-intensive" would be a major understatement. All told, it will take an estimated 300-400 hours of sculpting, molding, construction, and detail work to fabricate Dyachenko-san's head and body. "Nailing the character, so that it reads both close up and far away, is the hardest part of all," says Mr. Carfagno. "It only happens as an evolution that comes about because of everyone's input."

A Goal of Making Karate Accessible

The mascot's purpose, of course, is to get people to try one of D-Dojo Karate's introductory classes, by way of a friendly and accessible character. "We want everyone to know that D-Dojo Karate is a friendly and accessible place," Mr. Dyachenko says, "but still very serious about teaching Karate." He also hopes to clear up some misconceptions. "It's not just a style of fighting, but a philosophy, an art, and a way of life," he adds.

D-Dojo would have a few surprises even for those who know Karate. The school's eclectic style combines traditional and competition Karate styles, borrows from other sports disciplines, throws in a little yoga and even some Western dance concepts.  But because of his extensive background in classical Karate, Mr. Dyachenko makes sure that any new element falls in line with the form's fundamental teachings.  However unorthodox his method, his main goal is to expose the world to Karate—no matter their age or level of proficiency. The school's motto is "Because You Can."  

"Something An Artist Can Relate To"

The mutual respect in their collaboration is apparent. "I came to him because I knew he could make whatever I asked for a reality," says Mr. Dyachenko.  And for his part, Mr. Carfagno has this to say: "It's very rewarding to work with someone like Igor, who has so much passion for what he does, and a real vision for what he wants to accomplish. It's something an artist can really relate to."

D-Dojo Karate is located at 1841 Broadway, Suite 205. For further information, please visit the D-Dojo Karate web site, http://www.ddojokarate.com/, or contact Igor Dyachenko directly, at 212.537.6441, or Email.

Media Contact: 
Igor Dyachenko
1841 Broadway, Suite 205
NewYork, New York 10023
212.537.6441 
Email 
http://www.ddojokarate.com/

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SOURCE D-Dojo Karate

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