About

Karate had its early beginnings on the island of Okinawa, Japan. Arising out of the fundamental human instinct of self-preservation, it was originally developed as a means of self-defense. Throughout its long history, Karate has evolved from a purely defensive art into an art that aims at building a well-balanced person of sound body and mind. Through continuous practice, Karate becomes a way of life.

Karate has something to offer everyone. The reasons for studying Karate are as unique as the individuals who study the art. The many aspects of martial arts training, self-defense, self-discipline, physical conditioning and numerous others, can all be tailored to the needs of the individual student. Anyone, regardless of age, sex, occupation or physical ability can study Karate! The only limitation are those which are self-imposed by the student.

Shorin-Ryu is the most popular Okinawan style of Karate. The style is generally considered to fall between the extremes of the Japanese and Chinese styles. Because of this, Shorin-Ryu tends to be much more flexible in its applications. Where a Japanese stylist tends to exert a continuous forward pressure, and a Chinese stylist a more indirect counter-technique, on Okinawan stylist will maintain enough flexibility to incorporate both approaches. Okinawan style kicks are usually low line and the hand techniques are typically fast and penetrating.

Throughout the history of Okinawa, the country has been under numerous military occupations where weapons were outlawed. As a matter of survival, the Okinawans learned to use everyday articles to combat the more heavily armed samurai warriors. The art involves the use of, what appears to be, everyday articles for self-defense. The study of Kobudo goes hand in hand with the study of Karate. The Okinawa Kodudo Kokusai Rengokai was founded by Hanshi 10^th degree Shugoro Nakazato and includes the use of the Bo, Sai, Kama, Nunchaku, Eaku (Kai), and Tonfa.