Japanese Arts
Seibukan Karate Do
Aikido
Iaido
Uechi-Ryū Karate-Do
Little Warriors Karate
Mixed Padded Weapons
Seibukan Karate Do (Shorin-Ryu)
The Seibukan School was founded in 1963, by Sensei Zenryo Shimabukuro, in Chatan Cho Okinawa where it is still in operation today. Sensei Shimabukuro was the senior most student of famed Okinawan Master Chotoku Kyan having trained under him, and only him, for 10 years. The classes and style have carefully preserved the original teachings of the art, as taught to Sensei Shimabukuro. With a focus on both speed and agility, Seibukan teaches a mix of defense and attack. Shorin Ryu is one of the four original Okinawan styles of karate. Shorin Ryu makes use of hand techniques more than foot techniques and uses predominately high stances. Traditional weapons are also practiced in this martial art. We are neither classified as a “hard” or “soft” style of Karate. We utilize both in our defensive techniques stressing perfection of technique, speed, and avoidance with our defensive philosophy of “Block and Counter” simultaneously called “Uke Kogeki”. This beautiful yet effective style is brought to us through direct lineage to these great teachers.
Aikido
Aikido teaches the peaceful, non-violent resolution of conflict by combining various self-defense techniques based on the traditional Japanese sword, spear, daito-ryu aiki-jujitsu and other martial arts. From the first moment of practice, the emphasis is on the integration of mind, body and spirit. Since strength is not an essential element of Aikido, muscles and bodybuilding are not necessary. It is an ideal martial art for men, women and children of all ages and physical abilities.
Iaido
Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting with a Japanese sword, or katana. The origins of this martial art may be traced to mid-fourteenth century Japan. There is no direct English translation for the term Iaido. The Japanese words IRU, or being, AI, harmony, and DO, or path, form the foundation of the expression. Put together, Iaido can be translated as meaning the way of harmonious living, or the way of being here and now. Iaido uses waza (forms) which demonstrate the proper techniques to anticipate or deflect an opponent's attack, and then dispatch them. Although Iaido is practiced with a sword, it is not a combative martial art, or performed as a sport, such as Kendo. Rather, the Iaidoka (student of Iaido) practices against an imaginary opponent, or in some cases, multiple opponents. Since there is no physical opponent, strength is not necessary to perform the kata correctly. Instead, precise, crisp movements are combined with the mental focus needed to visualize your opponent. Done properly, Iaido practitioners develop physical agility, enhanced concentration, and the ability to find the balance between knowing when to think, and when to act.Uechi-ryū Karate-do
Uechi-Ryū (pronounced “way-chee-roo”) Karate-do is an Okinawan-style of karate. The main focuses are perfecting simple and effective strikes and conditioning, or hardening, the body for defense. More a self-preservation style than a sport style, Uechi-Ryū avoids showy aerial kicking techniques. Its practitioners instead learn to target attackers’ vital areas (kicks to the knees and legs) and withstand unblocked attacks (if necessary). Traditional, disciplined Uechi-Ryū training improves the body, mind, and fighting spirit of it practitioners.Little Warriors (Karate for Ages 4-7)
During the instruction, your child is introduced to basic, yet simple, Karate techniques. This is done through various games and exercises that hold their attention while encouraging and challenging them as they develop skills in balance, hand-eye coordination, self-control and teamwork. Respect for others is emphasized and a belt ranking system is used that promotes positive behavior and encourages self-achievement through attainable goals. Two instructors run each class. Class size is also kept small to insure a more individualized instruction.Mixed Padded Weapons
Padded Weapons classes are a fast-paced class that utilizes padded-weapons in a safe-platform to instruct weaponry and sword training. Swords, Escrima Sticks, Nunchaku and Staffs are among the padded weapons that are used in this Martial Arts training. Students may choose their weapon and challenge a fellow student to a fast pace 2 minute “point sparring” match. As with any sport, safety is our first priory. All students are required to wear safety gear. There is no exception to this rule. These padded weapons are designed to allow users to spar easily and train at 100 percent of their strength and speed, without fear of injury, while capturing all rigors of the full-contact sparring.No previous Martial Arts training is necessary to take part in this class. The training during class is easily picked up as class proceeds and it is great fun and exercise.