A: Shorin-Ryu Karate was invented on the tiny island of Okinawa, Japan. Developed through centuries of trial and error karate is known around the world as the most effective self-defense system ever created. Our karate is known for it's "hard" techniques. Hard techniques are strikes with the hands, feet, elbows and knees, usually delivered in an efficient straight, rather than circular, path to the target. These skills produce incredible destructive power, are fast and are undeniably effective. We spend an equal amount of time developing both kicks and hand strikes providing you with a well-rounded defense system.

At our dojo, we teach karate as it is done in Okinawa with an emphasis on discipline, structure and respect. Our greatest responsiblity is to instil in our students a sense of discipline and a code of ethics to inspire them to lead exemplary lives as leaders in the community.

Advancement in our school is done on a case by case basis and all students must meet the standards in Okinawa in order to move forward. You will NOT see any 8 year old black belts in our school. It takes a great deal of responsibility and maturity to become a black belt and our minimum age is 13-16, the same on Okinawa.

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Q: My child or I have a belt in another style of karate. Can I wear my belt?

A: No. All students start at the beginning level when joining our dojo. The only students that are allowed to keep their belt are those who have moved from another Shorin-Ryu Dojo within our association.

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Q: Why does my child or I have to start over if we already are ranked in another style.

A: First, this is a traditional dojo.We follow the outlines of the karate schools in Okinawa and Japan. Even though some styles are similar, they are not the same and require that you study them from the ground up. If you have had previous training, your rate of learning will most likely be faster than a beginner. For those who feel that they should be able to wear their belt from another style, this is probably not the best place for you to train.

Keep in mind they will always be the belt that they have earned in another school, we are not taking that away from them, but if their rank is from another style, then it does not apply to our school or style. If they are to be accepted at our dojo, they must start over at the beginning and learn our style of karate like any other student.

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Q: I practice Tae Kwon Do and am interested in learning Okinawan Weapons. I don't want to switch schools but want to take Kobudo class. Can I just sign up for weapons class without joining the karate school.

A: Absolutely. If you are currently enrolled in another martial arts school, you are more than welcome to train in weapons as long as you have a letter of permission from your instructor and purchase the equipment and uniform required for class.

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Q: Do all students have to participate in Kumite?

A: Yes. All students begin to learn kumite at yellow belt level. Kumite is taught in a very safe manner and students are carefully trained through drills first. Kumite training is important and builds reaction skills as well as physical stamina, focus and spirit.