SHOREI-KAN OKINAWAN BUDO KAISAI-DO
Shorei-Kan Okinawan Budo Kaisai-do is different from other martial arts. It is a budo, which literally means the way to stop fighting in Japanese. Budo is an art, a way of life to train one’s mind and body and bring one to self-understanding and eventually enlightenment through practicing fighting techniques.
Shorei-Kan Okinawan Budo Kaisai-do is for people who wish to learn self-defense techniques and to improve physical and mental conditions. Because Master Tamano wished to distinguish it from ordinary karate, he changed the name from Shorei-Kan karate to Shorei-Kan Okinawa Budo Kaisai-do.
The Shorei-Kan school was established by Master Seikichi Toguchi, senior student of Master Chojun Miyagi. It was created to provide a system in which the student could make systematic progress in learning the very sophisticated art of Goju-Ryu, the hard and soft style. Step by step, the student advances, from learning how to walk to learning how to slide, from defending against a punch to defending against weapons. Before learning the complex classical Goju-Ryu forms, the student practices a series of kata and two-person forms unique to Shorei-Kan, designed to help him or her build a thorough and solidly founded knowledge of the art. At each level of instruction, from white belt to black belt and beyond, the student learns new kata, bunkai, and kiso kumite, each a building block for the next.
You can trace the full lineage from Kanryo Higaonna through Chojun Miyagi, Seikichi Toguchi, and Toshio Tamano on our Tradition page.
Shorei-Kan invites participation from beginners through advanced martial artists. It is for people of all ages and walks of life. The curriculum allows children to practice slowly, as in a game of sport; allows young people to practice hard to build physical strength and mental patience; and allows older people to pursue physical conditioning and the mastering of techniques. The close supervision of Shihan Lenzi and the black belt instructors supports the effectiveness of the Shorei-Kan system. See how this works across our Junior, Adult, and Kobudo programs.
Shorei-Kan Dojo Kun
One – Always be courteous and humble
One – Cultivate a peaceful spirit
One – Learn to be patient
One – Strive to be a better person
One – Develop the spirit and techniques equally
One – Apply the principles of Shorei-kan to your daily life
Your Instructor: Shihan Scott Lenzi
Classes at our Cortlandt Manor headquarters are led by Shihan Scott Lenzi, chief instructor and the USA and Central America representative for Shorei-Kan. He began training under Shihan Toshio Tamano in 1972 and received his Shodan rank in 1974. He holds the rank of 8th Dan in Budo Kaisai-do and 7th Dan in Okinawan Kobudo, and he continues to study as Shihan Tamano’s most senior student.
This direct connection to the Shorei-Kan lineage is what allows the dojo to teach an authentic, traditional system rather than a generic or modern sport adaptation. Read more about Shihan Lenzi’s background and the masters before him.
What is
SHIAI KUMITE
Shiai Kumite was created by Master Tamano to allow the safe practice of full-force fighting techniques. Specially designed protective gear, combined with specific rules and striking points, makes this component of Shorei-Kan training distinctive. The practice of Shiai Kumite develops strong and useful techniques. It is practiced in both the empty-hand and Kobudo classes.
What is
SHOREI-KAI KOBUDO
Okinawan Kobudo is the study of ancient Okinawan weapons. The curriculum includes weapons such as the Bo, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, and Kai. The Shorei-Kai system, created by Master Toshio Tamano, allows students from novice to advanced to practice the art of Kobudo. Learn how weapons training fits into the full program.
Visit the Dojo in Cortlandt Manor
The best way to understand Shorei-Kan is to see a class in person. Our headquarters is at 1062 Oregon Road in Cortlandt Manor, New York. To ask which program fits you or your child, confirm current class times, or arrange a visit, call 914-739-7804 or use our contact page. If you are weighing your options, our guide on how to choose a martial arts school in Cortlandt Manor can help.
New students can also review current introductory options on our Special Offers page.