Little Ninjas (4-6) - Juniors (7-10) - Adult Karate - Sport Karate

Karate at Karate Life Studios

At Karate Life Studios we use modern methodology to teach a traditional style of karate called 'Shitoryu'. We know that each of our students has different needs and we have structured our karate classes to best meet those needs. We have classes for children (4-6) called the 'Little Ninjas' that focus on basic life skills rather than actually kicking and punching. We have a juniors program for children (6-14) that focuses on basic karate and self defense along with basic life skills. Our adults program is a high energy, fun program that teaches basic and advanced karate and self defense. We also have a sport karate curriculum that everyone can participate in.

What is Shitoryu Karate?

The word 'karate' in Japanese is made of two characters. The first 'kara' meaning empty and the second 'te' meaning hand. The study of karate is the study of empty hand self defense. At Karate Life Studios we study one of the four major styles of karate, Shitoryu.

Shitoryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) who studied under two legendary karate teachers, Itosu and Higaonna. Itosu was famous for quick, cat-like movements while Higaonna was known for close fighting techniques, firm stances and strong breathing. Shitoryu combines both of these elements, bringing together the hard and soft in one style. In honor of his teachers, Kenwa Mabuni named his style, Shitoryu, taking the first character from each of his teachers names. 'Ito', also read as 'shi', and 'Higa', also read as 'to', and adding 'ryu', which means style creating 'Shitoryu', 'the style of Itosu and Higaonna'. Kenwa Mabuni was known for his emphasis on the development of character through karate. He devoted the first chapter of his book, An Introduction to Karatedo, to the importance of physical training and the development of character in the Japanese education system. More information about Shitoryu Karate is available at the Shitoryu Karate Do Cyber Academy.

Karate Life Studios is a member of the USA National Shitokai, which represents the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation(WSKF) in the USA. Our instructors are registered directly with the WSKF, which is recognized as the governing body for Shitoryu Karate by the Japanese Education Ministry. We study directly under the Pan-American head of the WSKF, Mr. Shoko Sato. Mr. Sato is known for his eagerness to train directly with his students and his humility. He often quotes his favorite poem about a rice plant (left). As a rice plant develops its fruit, the rice, the weight of the rice bends the stalk giving it the appearance of a bow. For Mr. Sato the meaning of the poem is that the more successful in life we become, the more humble we should be.

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