At Dadojo.co, every coach has a unique journey that inspires their passion for helping others grow. For Coach Lori, that journey is one of perseverance, personal growth, and an unwavering love for martial arts. Here’s an inside look at what makes her story so inspiring and why she’s a cornerstone of the Dadojo.co family.
Years before Coach Lori became a guiding force at Dadojo.co, she was a student stepping into the world of combat sports with zero experience. "It was all so new, and hard, and I felt embarrassed about my skill level,” Lori recalls. But she kept showing up. Day after day, she wrote things down, practiced, asked questions, failed, and tried again. Over time, her movements became smoother, her memory sharper, and her confidence soared. "From day one, I’ve been coached by the BEST of the BEST,” Lori shares. Sensei Bobby played a crucial role in her journey, showing her the power of passion and precision in coaching. When he asked Lori to join the coaching team, she embraced the opportunity to share her love for martial arts. For Lori, the most rewarding moments come when students achieve breakthroughs—when something clicks or when a hesitant beginner finds the courage to join a class and leaves with newfound confidence.
Coach Lori’s philosophy centers on meeting students where they are and helping them grow from there. She believes, “Everyone is at very different levels, and that’s okay. We can all learn and grow, no matter where we are. "Her number one piece of advice? Keep showing up. "It can all feel overwhelming at first, but day by day, it starts to make sense. Movements that once felt impossible become natural. But you have to be willing to put in the work,” she emphasizes. Lori’s commitment to growth extends to herself as well. “I will forever be a student first,” she says. Her drive to continuously learn ensures she’s always offering the best to her students. At Dadojo.co, the experience is more than just training. “It’s not just a dojo; it’s our Ohana,” Lori says. She works hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Navigating a male-dominated sport has been one of Lori’s biggest challenges. But it’s also been her greatest strength. "I’ve learned the importance of feeling fear but doing it anyway,” she says. This mindset has fueled her growth and helps her inspire her students to face their own challenges head-on. Over the years, Lori has received countless messages from students who credit their personal growth and newfound strength to her coaching. These moments remind her of the life-changing impact of showing up, putting in the work, and embracing the journey.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll likely find Lori outdoors. “I’m a sunshine girl. It fuels my soul,” she says. Whether paddleboarding, hiking, fly fishing in the mountains, skateboarding, or biking, she’s happiest surrounded by nature. Lori’s favorite mantra is a simple yet profound one: OSU. For her, it’s more than a word; it’s a feeling that resonates deeply in her soul.
What excites Lori most about working at Dadojo.co is the people. "I’m inspired daily by those who show up no matter what. We work hard, but we also know how to have fun,” she says. Lori credits Sensei Bobby as a master teacher and role model whose spoken and unspoken lessons have shaped her coaching style. Looking to the future, Lori is excited about how coaching continues to evolve and the legacy she hopes to leave as a coach. She strives to be a constant source of support, growth, and inspiration for her students and her Ohana at Dadojo.co.
Coach Lori’s journey from student to coach at Dadojo.co is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of martial arts. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned athlete, her story and coaching approach are sure to inspire and motivate you to keep showing up and chasing your goals. Join Coach Lori and the Ohana at Dadojo.co today and experience the difference! OSU Ninjas
