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WAGENER, SC | Mike's Ryukyu Kempo Karate & Kobudo™ Dojo
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Must Be At Least 6 Years Old To Participate
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OUR RUDIMENTARY DISCIPLINES
KIHON | KATA | Kobudō
Our Kihon, Kata, and Kobudō disciplines are meticulously practiced Okinawan empty hand and secret weapon forms handed down from hundreds of years of study. The combination of these forms helps develop coordination, physical strength, endurance, and self-discipline. Systematically, working from the easiest to the hardest, we teach these forms using positive reinforcement, improving skills, and unlocking the best in our students.
KIHON | 基本
Kihon, which means “fundamentals” in Japanese, refers to the muscle memory exercises and basic training practices that form the foundation of our Ryukyu Kempo system.
Our Kihon exercises are derived from traditional teaching methods. They consist of basic defenses, punches, thrusts, kicks, and stances while incorporating correct body form, breathing, attitude, and a basic representation of Kata, the next tier within our disciplines.
As part of our curriculum, students practice Kihon exercises as a warm-up to maintain and master more complex techniques. These exercises focus on clean execution, minimal telegraphing, a low center of gravity, balance, and efficient energy transfer.
– Exercise One
KATA | 型
Kata, also known as empty-hand Kata, means “direction” or “form” in Japanese. It refers to a series of unarmed techniques taught and practiced in a specific order, emphasizing theorized combat applications using more developed Kihon practices.
In ancient days, a master would study a single Kata for ten years. Consistent practice is crucial for memorizing techniques and perfecting natural reactive movements. But more importantly, focus should be placed on the movements themselves, where hidden meanings were placed within Kata.
We study a variety of basic and advanced Okinawan empty-hand Kata. Some are believed to have been lost or among the oldest in Karate’s history. These Katas include Naihanchi Shodan, Naihanchi Nidan, Naihanchi Sandan, Tomari Seisan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan, Passai, Kusanku, and Niseishi. Our system emphasizes preserving the authenticity of Kata so that the true art of Karate can be revealed.
– TOMARI SEISAN
Kobudō | 古武道
Kobudō, which means “ancient weapons” or historically “old martial way,” involves the study of early Ryukyuan weaponry and is considered the forerunner to modern Karate.
The practice of Kobudō is very old. Several periods occurred where the ruling monarch of Okinawa banned swords and similar weapons to prevent potential uprisings. Only the monarch’s warriors were allowed such weapons. This contributed to the belief that Kobudō’s weaponry originated from traditional farming and fishing tools as well as the daily tools used by the typical Okinawan person as a way to defend their village against armed attackers.
Kobudō’s relativity in today’s world varies between martial art styles. In Ryukyu Kempo, Kobudō is used to preserve the “old martial ways” of Karate and systemized with many of the same principles that created Kata, resulting in better overall coordination, speed, flexibility, and strength with movements that add to the fluidity within our self-defense.
We study a large variety of Okinawan weapons. These include Bo, Jo, Kama, Tanbo, Nunchaku, Eku, Sai, Tonfa, Manji Sai, Nunte Bo, and Chizikun Bo. Most of our weapon Kata are over 200 years old and taught in their original form. And like our empty-hand Kata, weapon Kata also takes many years to master.
– KAMA KIHON
OUR APPLIED DISCIPLINES
BUNKAI KATA | Bōgu KUMITE | JITSU
Our Bunkai Kata, Bōgu Kumite, and Jitsu are unique breakdowns of our rudimentary disciplines, utilizing training partners and practicing “real-time” defensive skills while applying “real-feel” counters. These breakdowns come from a long line of hidden technique theories and profound striking principles. Because of the unique nature surrounding our applied disciplines, students learn karate is much more than just kicking and punching. Closely monitored and specially equipped for safety, our applied disciplines help develop students’ mental strength, self-confidence, physical fitness, and self-protection.
BUNKAI KATA | 分解型
Bunkai Kata, a phrase roughly meaning “analysis form,” is a comprehensive set of techniques involving a sequence of predetermined attacks and countermeasures, usually involving partners, and is practiced prior to learning the actual “Bunkai” or the meanings within Kata. Bunkai Kata is designed to help martial artists make versatile decisions regarding techniques, footwork, hand-eye coordination, and body positioning.
These Katas also teach practitioners how to enhance their techniques by adjusting their timing, distance, leverage, and power.
Bunkai Katas provide a deeper understanding of how to apply martial arts principles in real-life situations. As our students progress through these Katas, they develop an acute sense of awareness, allowing them to react quickly with more confidence, as well as help enhance their overall skills and general performance.
– THREE STEP BLOCKING
Bōgu KUMITE | 組手
Bōgu Kumite is a phrase meaning “sparring match using protective armor.” It’s an Okinawan sparring competition utilizing full-contact punches, kicks, and blocks. To ensure safety, modified kendo armor is worn as protective equipment, distinguishing Ryukyu Kempo from many other forms of karate. Generally, only strikes that would hinder an opponent had they not been wearing the protective equipment are scored.
Bōgu Kumite was introduced to Okinawa in the 1950s and was used in most of Okinawa’s open karate tournaments during the 1960s and mid-1970s. It was in response to Japan’s ban on full-contact, bare-knuckle fighting between karate opponents. Concerns arose that without the threat of injury, combat-proven techniques would be replaced with ineffective sparring practices. Thus, Bōgu gear was implemented in dojos to help practitioners train in proven techniques safely.
Bōgu Kumite sharpens timing, distancing, speed, and power, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness of a technique. More so, Bōgu Kumite develops a heightened fighting spirit and is perhaps the most powerful tool we offer to help students gain confidence in themselves.
– Bōgu GEAR
JITSU | 実
Jitsu, meaning “truth” in Japanese, is the breakdown of Kata “forms,” revealing their “Bunkai” or hidden meanings that Okinawans call the true art of Karate.
Okinawa’s “Bushi” warrior class used a secret art within Karate that was closely guarded. Many of the Bushi died without passing it on, while others would entrust their knowledge to only one student. For this reason, most of today’s Karate mainly focuses on the common art of kicking and punching.
Our Ryukyu Kempo Karate explores this secret art of using joint manipulation, vital area, and nerve-striking Jitsu techniques. This secret art concentrates on using technique, incorporating all our disciplines, and requiring a good understanding of how the body works.
Our joint manipulation Jitsu is an advanced grappling discipline of hyperextensions and joint damaging techniques, generally delivered in an upright position but can be implemented on the ground.
Our vital area and nerve-striking Jitsu techniques stun or incapacitate opponents by striking their nerves, muscles, blood vessels, or organs. It requires a focused, mature-minded martial artist with a good moral character and a precise aim. These techniques are sometimes used with our joint manipulation techniques and require many years of training.
– JOINT MANIPULATION JITSU
Explore the training behind our art.
Train in the historic weapon art of Kobudō. Study the famed empty hand forms and sparring disciplines of Kata and Bōgu Kumite. Learn legendary vital point striking and Karate’s hidden joint manipulations with our applied self-defense Jitsu disciplines.
This classical Okinawan martial art is now waiting to be passed down to YOU! Start your journey today at Mike’s Ryukyu Kempo Karate & Kobudo™.
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Explore the training behind our
art.
Youngest Participant's Age:
Must Be At Least 6 Years Old
-
Free Trial
Lesson -
Affordable
Rates -
One-On-One
Attention -
Traditional
Training
OUR RUDIMENTARY DISCIPLINES
KIHON | KATA | Kobudō
Kihon, which means "fundamentals" in Japanese, refers to the muscle memory exercises and basic training practices that form the foundation of our Ryukyu Kempo system.
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
As part of our curriculum, students practice Kihon exercises as a warm-up to maintain and master more complex techniques. These exercises focus on clean execution, minimal telegraphing, a low center of gravity, balance, and efficient energy transfer.
KIHON | 基本
Kata, also known as empty-hand Kata, means "direction" or "form" in Japanese. It refers to a series of unarmed techniques taught and practiced in a specific order, emphasizing theorized combat applications using more developed Kihon practices.
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
We study a variety of basic and advanced Okinawan empty-hand Kata. Some are believed to have been lost or among the oldest in Karate's history. These Katas include Naihanchi Shodan, Naihanchi Nidan, Naihanchi Sandan, Tomari Seisan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan, Passai, Kusanku, and Niseishi. Our system emphasizes preserving the authenticity of Kata so that the true art of Karate can be revealed.
KATA | 型
Kobudō, which means "ancient weapons" or historically "old martial way," involves the study of early Ryukyuan weaponry and is considered the forerunner to modern karate.
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
Kobudō's relativity in today's world varies between martial art styles. In Ryukyu Kempo, Kobudō is used to preserve the "old martial ways" of Karate and systemized with many of the same principles that created Kata, resulting in better overall coordination, speed, flexibility, and strength with movements that add to the fluidity within our self-defense.
We study a large variety of Okinawan weapons. These include Bo, Jo, Kama, Tanbo, Nunchaku, Eku, Sai, Tonfa, Manji Sai, Nunte Bo, and Chizikun Bo. Most of our weapon Kata are over 200 years old and taught in their original form. And like our empty-hand Kata, weapon Kata also takes many years to master.
Kobudō | 古武道
OUR APPLIED DISCIPLINES
BUNKAI KATA | Bōgu KUMITE | JITSU
Our Bunkai Kata, Bōgu Kumite, and Jitsu are unique breakdowns of our rudimentary disciplines, utilizing training partners and practicing “real-time” defensive skills while applying “real-feel” counters. These breakdowns come from a long line of hidden technique theories and profound striking principles. Because of the unique nature surrounding our applied disciplines, students learn karate is much more than just kicking and punching. Closely monitored and specially equipped for safety, our applied disciplines help develop students’ mental strength, self-confidence, physical fitness, and self-protection.
Bunkai Kata, a phrase roughly meaning "analysis form," is a comprehensive set of techniques involving a sequence of predetermined attacks and countermeasures, usually involving partners, and is practiced prior to learning the actual "Bunkai" or the meanings within Kata.
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
These Katas also teach practitioners how to enhance their techniques by adjusting their timing, distance, leverage, and power.
Bunkai Katas provide a deeper understanding of how to apply martial arts principles in real-life situations. As our students progress through these Katas, they develop an acute sense of awareness, allowing them to react quickly with more confidence, as well as help enhance their overall skills and general performance.
BUNKAI KATA | 分解型
Bōgu Kumite is a phrase meaning "sparring match using protective armor."
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
Bōgu Kumite was introduced to Okinawa in the 1950s and was used in most of Okinawa's open karate tournaments during the 1960s and mid-1970s. It was in response to Japan's ban on full-contact, bare-knuckle fighting between karate opponents. Concerns arose that without the threat of injury, combat-proven techniques would be replaced with ineffective sparring practices. Thus, Bōgu gear was implemented in dojos to help practitioners train in proven techniques safely.
Bōgu Kumite sharpens timing, distancing, speed, and power, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness of a technique. More so, Bōgu Kumite develops a heightened fighting spirit and is perhaps the most powerful tool we offer to help students gain confidence in themselves.
Bōgu KUMITE | 組手
Jitsu, meaning "truth" in Japanese, is the breakdown of Kata "forms," revealing their "Bunkai" or hidden meanings that Okinawans call the true art of Karate.
TAP TO LEARN MORE...
Our Ryukyu Kempo Karate explores this secret art of using joint manipulation, vital area, and nerve-striking Jitsu techniques. This secret art concentrates on using technique, incorporating all our disciplines, and requiring a good understanding of how the body works.
Our joint manipulation Jitsu is an advanced grappling discipline of hyperextensions and joint damaging techniques, generally delivered in an upright position but can be implemented on the ground.
Our vital area and nerve-striking Jitsu techniques stun or incapacitate opponents by striking their nerves, muscles, blood vessels, or organs. It requires a focused, mature-minded martial artist with a good moral character and a precise aim. These techniques are sometimes used with our joint manipulation techniques and require many years of training.
JITSU | 実
Explore the training behind our art.
Obtained from ancient Ryukyuan and Chinese combat techniques, Ryukyu Kempo Karate Kobudo Kumite is a martial art that exemplifies the techniques and philosophies of the Okinawan Bushi warrior.
Train in the historic weapon art of Kobudō. Study the famed empty hand forms and sparring disciplines of Kata and Bōgu Kumite. Learn legendary vital point striking and Karate’s hidden joint manipulations with our applied self-defense Jitsu disciplines.
This classical Okinawan martial art is now waiting to be passed down to YOU! Start your journey today at Mike’s Ryukyu Kempo Karate & Kobudo™.
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