Iha Karate		Schedule		Location		Student Guide
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About Iha Sensei's Dojo and Shido-kan Karate-do

For more than 25 years, the Original Okinawa Karate dojo (school) has offered instruction in the Shido-kan style of Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do under the leadership of Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan.

Karate-do — An Okinawan Historical Tradition

Karate-do ("empty hand way") is part of a more than 600-year-old cultural tradition - a gift to the world from the islands of Okinawa, Japan. Shorin-ryu is descended from Shuri-te which originated around Shuri, the ancient capitol of the Ryukyu kingdom. Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te are the three major historical branches of karate-do. The most recent recorded teaching lineage of the Shido-kan style includes master teachers (sensei) Sokon Matsumura (1809-99); Anko Itosu (1831-1915); Shinpan Gusukuma (1890-1954); Choshin Chibana (1886-1969); Katsuya Miyahira, Hanshi, 10th Dan. Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan became part of this great lineage through his early training with Sensei Gusukuma and ongoing training with Sensei Miyahira.

Major Characteristics

The distinctive physical characteristics of Shido-kan Shorin-ryu karate-do include:

• Relaxed, natural breathing with minimal facial expression.
• Controlled, circular movements with concentrated force flowing from inside to outside.
• Training of the toes, fingertips, fists, legs and arms to develop the strength necessary to stop an opponent with one move.

Philosophy

At the heart of traditional Okinawan karate-do are the principles of peace, harmony, and respect for others. Sensei Iha actively promotes the concepts of friendship, cooperation and learning among his students worldwide. One of the primary goals of training at Original Okinawa Karate is the perfection of character. Learning self-control is of the utmost importance in learning self-defense. Sensei Iha stresses that students must learn to work effectively with a variety of partners to advance in their studies. This requires a mutual attitude of cooperation and partnership. Participation in competitive events is not emphasized.

Benefits of Karate-do

Regular karate practice offers many healthful benefits including increased:

• Focus, mental concentration and energy
• Ability to handle stress
• Strength, balance, flexibility and coordination
• Patience and self-confidence

In Okinawa, Shorin-ryu karate-do has been historically known for promoting health. Many long-term practitioners have enjoyed great longevity, with Okinawan masters living over 80 years when the average life span was said to be 50 years.

What We Study

Shido-kan karate-do teaches self-defense through the practice of:

• Kata - individually performed sequences that combine a variety of kicking, punching and blocking techniques.
• Kumite - two-person exercises for practicing basic punching, kicking and blocking movement techniques as well as prearranged, controlled sparring drills that include a variety of throwing techniques.
• Bunkai -applications of the kata forms practiced in a group of four to five people.

Progressively more complex kata, kumite and bunkai are taught as a student advances through the belt levels. Each training session includes warm-ups, stretching and conditioning. 

Individualized Instruction

Learning is step-by-step and tailored to each individual's ability and needs. People of all ages and levels of physical conditioning can learn Shido-kan karate if they have a strong desire and are willing to practice regularly. (If you have concerns about any personal physical restrictions, you are welcome to discuss them with the instructors.) A student's progress through the belt ranks will depend on his or her attitude towards learning and the amount of practice time that is put in both in class and at home.

Student Responsibilities

Original Okinawa Karate is a traditional dojo where training under a master teacher is recognized as a privilege. Students of all ranks are expected to contribute to the maintenance of the school. Each student is responsible for keeping the training and changing areas clean. Students may also provide assistance with other dojo tasks, depending on individual skills. Dojo students are expected to maintain up-to-date payment of their membership if they wish to continue training and to participate in rank testing.