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To this day, many Okinawan masters teach Karate to a limited group in their backyard. Similarly, we hold a small class in a private dojo located on our family farm in the Thousand Islands. https://kinnairdfarm.ca/ We are a traditional dojo advocating traditional values, customs and respect. Our limited class size is what permits us to provide individual attention to each of our students. Our role is to enable our students’ success – we will happily recommend another school if we think it will better fit your goals.

We are a traditional Karate dojo with an online presence. Our in-house training may be augmented with interactive distance learning for those who are unable to attend in person. Most of our students do not live locally; consequently, our training plans are arranged to facilitate their participation. Each programme is organized as a monthly seminar; members participate live at the dojo or virtually by webcast according to their availability. Many of our members mainly participate through our webcast. These online students also periodically travel to the dojo for live training and personal coaching.

We have been sharing the Karate way of life since 1998. The mission of Classic Karate is to enhance people’s lives through Okinawan Karate: we are dedicated to the highest standards of Karate training for adults. We honour martial arts traditions dating back centuries with a dynamic, progressive curriculum promoting an effective system of self-defence; physical fitness; and personal growth. We cultivate a positive and safe environment where people become strong, healthy, and confident in their abilities.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If you are seeking a place to train, we suggest that you look at the rest of this website and then contact us to arrange a personal consultation.

About Karate Training

Our concept of Karate training lets you decide how to participate. You choose the right mix of in-person classes and online training to suit your life style and circumstances.

Our concern is your health and helping you become a stronger person through self mastery. Consequently, we emphasize self-knowledge, self-improvement, and self-control. We will improve your level of fitness by gradual, consistent exercise; and, then demonstrate your progress with a monthly physical development  review. This success will motivate you to extend your personal boundaries.

You will begin by learning basic techniques such as stances, blocks, punches and kicks. Repetitive practice will allow you to master the basics and prepare you for more difficult and complex skills.

Want to know more? See https://classickarate.ca/programmes/

Want to book a free introductory face to face or online class? Go to https://classickarate.ca/contact-us/

Programmes

Okinawa Prefecture in Japan is the birthplace of Karate and we have travelled there to learn from the source. We practice and teach traditional Okinawan Karate. Okinawan Karate uses a balance of kihon (basics), kata (formal exercises), and kumite (sparring). The training is comprehensive and progressive allowing everybody to advance at their own pace. Karate is well known for improving strength and flexibility. Research also shows that practicing this martial art encourages a more balanced, integrated and peaceful way of life.

Our concept of Karate training lets you decide how to participate. All of our programmes are available as online training. You choose when to train in-person at the dojo or follow along  at home by videoconferencing.

小林流 Shorin-Ryu Karate

Our foundational style is Shorin-Ryu Karate which was developed by the bodyguards of the Okinawan kings. The kata of Shorin-Ryu are a set of formal solo exercises composed of prearranged movements of attack and defence against imaginary opponents. Kata serve as a dictionary of fighting techniques, which have been tested in combat. The applications of the Shorin- Ryu kata are based on both long range and close-in fighting techniques. The style is a complete martial art containing grappling, joint locking and throwing as well as kyusho jutsu (vital point striking) – not just punching and kicking.

Shorin-Ryu Karate is available as a twice weekly class or a monthly seminar.

白鶴 拳法 Hakutsuru Kenpo

Hakutsuru Kenpo or White Crane Fist is taught to students who have already attained a Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate or a similar martial art. It features close-in fighting; kyusho jutsu; circular movement; and tactics that rely upon speed and evasion. Hakutsuru Kenpo is a combat oriented art that uses kata as its primary training method. Why do Black Belts choose to learn a second kata based style? The answer is simple: kata is the essence of Karate containing its’ concepts; techniques; and philosophy. Hakutsuru Kenpo is a discipline that has proven self-defence applications and promotes health.

Hakutsuru Kenpo is conducted as a monthly seminar.

琉球古武道 Ryukyu Kobudo

Okinawa is the largest island in the Ryukyu archipelago. Kobudo, the ancient weapons way, primarily uses Asian agricultural tools due to historical bans on military weapons. The art employs the same stances and theory of movement as Karate. Like Karate, its’ techniques are contained within kata. Strength training is integral to the movements of the kata. The weapons serve as light weights and regular practice provides a high number of repetitions. Ryukyu Kobudo develops speed, strength, co-ordination, and the ability to improvise common items into tools for self-defence.

We place a strong emphasis upon basic techniques and focus on a different weapon each month. This method permits practitioners and instructors from other styles to come to us to learn any specific weapon that interests them while continuing to train in their own system.

Kobudo is conducted as a monthly seminar. Our annual Kobudo cycle is as follows:

January                     Nunchaku

February                    Kama

March                         Nitan Bo

April                            Banto

May                             Kuwa

June                           Bo

July                             Eku

August                     Nunti

September            Jo

October                   Cane

November              Tonfa

December              Sai

We are happy to answer any questions you might have. To learn more or book a free trial class, please Contact Us to make an appointment https://classickarate.ca/contact-us/

FAQ

I’ve never been athletic or good at sports. Can I do Karate?
Yes. We tailor our instructional methods to each student’s abilities and learning style. Anybody can benefit from studying Karate regardless of their age or current fitness level.

Can studying Karate improve my self-confidence and self-esteem?
Yes, we can help you to direct your energy as a constructive tool for positive self-development. Karate training combines physical fitness with mental strength: people who feel fit and strong also feel more confident.

Am I too old to begin Karate training? 
We’ve worked with students with varying levels of physical fitness ranging in age from 18 to over 65. All of our activities can be adapted to fit your personal situation and goals.

I don’t always feel safe. Will studying Karate help me feel better?
Yes. Karate builds physical strength and mental resilience which makes many people feel more confident about their ability to defend themselves. A study by Foster (1997) demonstrates that Karate students show a decrease in trait-anxiety.

I’ve often felt clumsy and un-athletic. Can Karate make me more graceful?
Yes. Karate builds cardiovascular and muscular strength while improving balance; co-ordination; flexibility; and, stamina. As your body awareness and other aspects of fitness increase, you will feel less clumsy.

Why are the classes so long?
To ensure that you get everything you need, every single time that you train. The class is divided into three periods: kihon (basics); kata (formal exercises); and kumite (sparring). We warm up before starting basics and stretch after sparring.

What if I can’t come twice every week?
You will still make progress since each class contains everything that you need. The class is divided into three periods: kihon (basics); kata (formal exercises); and kumite (sparring). Also, you can attend by videoconferencing when it isn’t possible to train in person.

I don’t live in the Thousand Islands. What can you do for me?
As long as you have an internet connection, you can train with us online. We can also design customized individual programmes for non-resident members. Please  contact us to discuss your personal situation and goals.

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