OKINAWAN TODE KAN

The purpose and mission of Okinawan Tode Kan is to preserve and to maintain the classical system of Okinawan karate as passed down in the old ways. The karate system provided is known as Ryukyu Kempo as devised by Seiyu Oyata based on the fight methods and kata of Shigeru Nakamura (Okinawa Kenpo), tuite jitsu influenced by Sekeichi Uehara (Motobu Ryu), kobudo and kyusho jitsu influenced by Ughushuku No Tan Mei and Wakinaguri No Tan Mei (old warrior class on Okinawa). 

Instruction is provided in a small group setting (6 maximum) or in private one-on-one instruction of individuals 16 years or older. Students in the classes are given personal attention throughout the entire process.

Students are also given a choice, a personalized program which will cater to what they want as far as a martial arts experience or complete the karate program curriculum.

The karate program is specifically developed to create an all encompassing martial arts experience and journey geared around life protection. As such, the student will be required to learn not only kata but how to decipher kata, self defense principles and techniques, kyusho jitsu (vital point striking), Atemi jitsu (distracting blows which weaken the body), Tuite jitsu (hand grappling techniques), as well as a wide variety of kobudo (Okinawan weaponry) to choose from. To reach Shodan (black belt) in the program takes approximately 5 years.

Life protection skills aren’t complete unless the student has an ability to apply the principles and techniques in a full contact environment. Applying techniques to a compliant and non-resistant opponent only inflates ego and gives a false sense of security. In the karate curriculum developed the student will be required to engage in Bogu Kumite skills, drills and matches in order to further their skills and understanding of true violence in a controlled setting. This was the vision of Shigeru Nakamura, the vision of Seiyu Oyata, the vision of Hanshi Albert Geraldi and the vision of this Dojo as well.