Karate for Adults
Traditions
Since our inception, the adult karate program has been the heart of the OKCD. Our core curriculum was passed down to us directly by the late Eizo Shimabukuro Sensei (10th dan Shorin Ryu Karate) and the late Walter Todd Sensei (8th dan Shudokan Karate) via our club’s founder Ilene Smoger Sensei (7th dan Shorin Ryu, 7th dan Shudokan).
We are extremely grateful that both Shimabukuro and Todd Sensei actively supported us by traveling here to teach directly. Many of our senior instructors earned rank under both of these wonderful teachers. Our club’s responsibility is to pass on what they taught to a new generation of students.
curriculum
- Striking (fist and open hand, kicking, elbow strikes, etc.)
- Grappling (basic releases, throws, and joint-locking)
- Self-defense (against striking, grabs, and weapons)
- Kata (traditional empty hand and weapons forms)
- Kata Bunkai (analysis and application)
- Kobudo (Okinawan weapons taught beginning at advanced levels)
- Sparring (prearranged drills and free sparring)
Class Structure
Open adult classes are available 6 days a week with advanced classes opening as students progress. The adult program is available to members 16 and up.
Karate Adult Schedule
Shorin ryu & shudokan
Traditional okinawan karate
Okinawan Shorin Ryu
Represents a mixture of the striking, grappling, and weaponry taught by the founders and innovators of karate from its cultural hearth. Shimabukuro Sensei was both a preserver and an innovator himself, seeking to pass down the civil defense traditions he had learned while also being one of the first Okinawan karateka to teach United States’ servicemen at Kadena Air Force Base and his home dojo at Kin-cho.
Okinawan Shudokan
Named for the dojo founded by Kanken Toyama Sensei, a highly respected Okinawan teacher who immigrated to mainland Japan in 1930. Walter Todd Sensei was a United States Marine during WW2 who would go on to play a significant role in introducing Japanese martial arts to the United States. Besides acting as Toyama Sensei’s Shibucho (regional director) for karate in the U.S., Todd Sensei held an 8th dan in karate, an 8th dan in Kodokan judo, and an 8th dan in aikido.
Adult Karate Instructors
FAQ Adult karate Program
Our adult program is for members 16 and up.
Monthly club dues are $75. There are no testing fees.
No. Members are not locked in by any contracts; membership is month to month. Students or legal guardians sign a standard liability waiver before trying their first class.
Students may attend all open classes for their program.
No. While many of our members do have some previous martial arts experience, many do not. We are all working on the same curriculum together.
Under normal circumstances (pre-covid), the intermediate ranks do participate in sparring. Sparring takes place under black belt supervision and with protective equipment.
This is a hard one to answer as it varies from person to person. Generally a shodan (first degree black belt) in a competent dojo takes several years of consistent effort. There are 7 kyu examinations prior to the shodan exam.
It’s understandable to want to wear previous rank you’ve worked hard for, however, this can lead to issues. Many of our members, including our head instructor, entered the club with black belt ranks in other martial arts and put on a white belt again, so you will be in good company. The color of our obi is primarily to show instructors what material we are currently focusing on.
Students will be charged a one-time uniform/belt fee of $15 charged with the first month of dues.
Yes, we encourage anyone who is interested to try a free class before deciding whether or not to join. Please feel free to ask any questions!
