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/