What is Karate?
Karate, perviously called “karatedo” is known in the martial arts as “empty hand way”. This martial art uses powerful strikes with the hands, feet, knees and elbows to vital areas of the body in defending against attackers. The art began in Okinawa, during a period of time when the Japanese occupied the tiny country and weapons were banned. Karate became known in 1922 when Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan karate master, performed a demonstration for the emperor of Japan. Today, there are many different styles of karate, and it is practiced all over the world.
Benefits of Karate
Through drills and body strengthening exercises, students in our karate program will realize improved muscle tone, stamina, and coordination. Mental benefits include a higher level of self-confidence, developed through the constant practice of self-defense techniques.
Our Instructional Program
The particular style of karate taught at our school is Matsumura Shorin-ryu. It is an Okinawan style of karate that can be traced back to Sokon (Bushi) Matsumura, a famed bodyguard of the king of Okinawa. Trining includes performance of traditional Okinawan katas and the oyoi (applications), kote aite (body hardening), ashi barai waza (foot sweeping techniques), tameshiwara (board breaking) and jiyu kumite (free sparring). Heavy bags, focus mitts and kicking paddles are used to develop power and accuracy. Training with Okinawan weapons is taught at advanced levels. International rank certification is available to continuing students.
The Instructor
Ed Wojciechowski is a sixth degree black belt in karate and has black belt certifications from the United States Karate Association, Japan Karate-do Ryobu-kai, Seishin-kai Karate Union of Japan, Matsumura Kenpo Karatedo Kai and the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. Mr. Wojciechowski has extensive experience in a variety of martial arts and has also earned black belt status in tae kwon do and iaido. He has been providing karate instruction to students for twenty years.
