Shito Ryu Karate Do

The art of Karate can trace its roots back to the early 1700s and was originally developed on the island of Okinawa. The style was developed on the small island whose residents frequently traded with China. Martial arts masters from China came to the small island and brought their martial arts with them. It is no coincidence that the word “Te” can be literally translated as “Chinese Fist.” In the early 1900s karate masters from Okinawa began to bring their art to Japan, many of them teaching in public schools. The system of Shito Ryu was established in 1931 by Kenwa Mabuni after moving from his home from the Shuri area of Okinawa to Osaka Japan. Mabuni decided to name his system SHI TO in order to honor his two primary instructors, Anko I(To)su and Kanryo Higa(SHI)onna. Shito Ryu is a collection of arts that come together to form a complete system. These arts include Karate Do (hand and feet), Goshin Do (locks) , Kobu Do (weapons) and Iai Do (sword). There are many different styles of Shito Ryu in the world today; but we study the style that was passed to our instructor by Shogo Kuniba. The type of Karate that we study is called “Motobu Ha Kuniba Ha Shito Ryu Karate Do.”

Shogo Kuniba learned the style from his father who had learned the style from Motobu Choki.

Martial Arts Connections offers classes in Shito-Ryu Karate for people of various ages.

Adult Karate

Adult Karate Class: Adult class is for students ages 13 and up. Adults work on learning the different kicks, punches and blocks that or found in the art of Karate along with self defense, sparring and so much more!

Youth Karate

This class is for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Students in this class learn various kicks, punches, blocks and how to safely use them. They also learn different self defense moves and how to be assertive. They get to practice these skills on a weekly basis with their fellow students through various exercising drills and sparring. Respect, discipline, and goal setting is taught from the very first class to help the children become confident adults.

Little Dragons

Little Dragons is for children ages 3 1/2 to 6 years old. In this class we focus and developing children’s listening skills, coordination, how to safely do kicks, punches and blocks.