HISTORY

Karate translated means Art of the Empty Hand or Empty Hand Fighting. Karate was developed over 500 years ago as a means of self-defense and consists of blocking, kicking, and punching in a series of combinations and drills. The guiding principle of Karate is that the practitioner shall make no attacks except when his/her safety is compromised by a dangerous situation.

The discipline of Karate is designed to teach the student nonviolence and to inspire self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-control. A sense of well-being and life is made more meaningful as a result of studying and practicing Karate. The individual who studies the art comes to understand his/her-self as silent fearless.

THE STYLE OF KARATE

We teach Okinawan Shorin Ryu of the Kobayashi system. Shorin Ryu is a style of karate that uses the movement and flow of the natural body. Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate is adaptable, such that it will handle boxer and street fighter techniques and can be used for tournament competition.

In addition to the traditional classic forms of Okinawan Shorin Ryu, Welch’s Okinawan Karate-Do teaches Yakusoku Kumite (Pre-Arranged fighting), Ippon Kumite (Self Defense), Yotsu-Kado No Renshu (4-Corner Drills) and training with Bo, Nunchaku, Kama, Tonfa, Sai and Eku, which are all traditional Okinawan Weaponry. We place heavy emphasis in conditioning and stretching for all Karate activities.

TEACHING METHODS

The primary method of instruction is by utilization and demonstration of movements. Training aids such as focus mitts, heavy bags, kicking shields, makiwara stands and striking pads/bags are used to develop power, focus, speed, and control of the technique demonstrated.

The etiquette of bowing at the beginning and the end of class and in certain exercises is a Japanese custom that is retained as a valuable cultural aspect of Karate, that reinforces the Karate concept of harmonious unity, respect and discipline. The purpose of “Karate-Do” is to integrate the mind, body and spirit in unity that allows the individual to reach his/her fullest growth.

Although the origins of Martial Arts have a long association with Buddhism, karate as it is practiced today has “NO” religious connotations. It does, however, set very high standards for moral attributes as the chief aim of the practitioner (etiquette, effort, character, self-control and sincerity). Many people of different religions CAN and DO practice Karate without any fear that it will damage and/or compromise their religious practices. As we mentioned earlier, the bow must not be confused with bowing in church, temple, etc. Bowing in Karate is for “respect” not “worship”.

3410 Hamilton St.

West Hyattsville, MD 20782

301-559-3400 / 301-699-0038 (fax)

Email: renshiunlimited@verizon.net