FAQ
A: Karate is a traditional Okinawan martial art that is translated into English as, "Empty Hand".
A: Shorin-Ryu is a style of Karate developed from the Shuri-te lineage of Okinawan Karate. Shorin-Ryu is characterized by natural breathing, natural stances and quick strikes.
The word "Shorin" is the Japanese pronouncation of "Shaolin", the namesake of the famous Buddhist monks and Kung-fu from China.
A: Okinawan Karate is true Karate. Okinawan Karate was developed as a military fighting art with roots dating back to Okinawa's trade route with China in the 1300's. Japanese Karate was developed in the early 1900's by a group of Okinawan Karate Instructors who were sent to introduce Karate to the Japanese civilians and school children.
The most famous of these Okinawan instructors is Ginchin Funakoshi, the founder of Japanese Shotokan Karate.
A: FALSE. The blocks, punches, kicks, throws, pressure points and joint locking techniques of karate have been developed and passed down over centuries.
These techniques are just as effective in modern hand-to-hand combat of the 21st century as they were on the battlefields of Okinawa in the 1600's.
A: You are never too old / young to start karate. Our Grandmaster, Shugoro Nakazato, turns 90 in 2009! He still practices and teaches karate 7 days a week! At Ray Owles' Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo, we accept students of all ages from 7 y/o - 97 y/o*
*If you are older than 97 years old, we recommend that you consult with a physician before beginning any exercise routine or martial arts program :-)
A: We are located at 17730 County Road 143 (Veterans Rd.) Suite C. Our dojo is approximately 1 mile south of the intersection of Veterans Rd. & Bailey Rd. just before the corner of CR-143 and CR-100. We are located in a 2 story warehouse facility with banner that says Mixed Martial Arts.