The Saint Brigid Dojo is a traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate School and is a member of the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Association, Seitoku Ishikawa President. Classes are taught in the same manner as they were and still are taught in Okinawa today by Sensei Daniel Simons and Sensei Will Adams. Shorin (Kobayashi) Ryu as it was taught by Choshin Chibana, can be best be described as a proactive martial art which is circular in its defensive techniques and straight forward in its offensive techniques.
Students start by learning the kihons, or basics, of the ryu. These include punches, kicks, blocks and most importantly the stances. Stances are of the utmost importance to Kobayashi Shorin Ryu, and all true martial arts. It is from these stances that all block and strikes are based. Without proper stances ones blocks and strikes are greatly diminished in power and effectiveness. There are several training methods utilized to teach students proper technique, which include a mixture of practicing the kihons, kata (forms), bunkai (practical application of the kata), and kumite (sparing). As the student shows progress in their application of techniques, body positioning and kata, they will be promoted through the ranks of the dojo.
The awarding of belts and rank are based upon individual merit. All students progress at their own pace and are not judged against another student. The instructors of the Saint Brigid Dojo DO NOT guarantee promotion to any rank and are very strict in the awarding of rank. We adhere to the traditional Okinawan Way and therefore no one under the age of 15 will be promoted to the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt).
| Class Schedule : | Classes are held each Monday and Wednesday of the week. |
| Fees: | Each class cost $5.00. There are no contracts or testing fees. |