The Karate style we teach at West Coast is a traditional Okinawan Style of Karate, named Okinawan Shuri-ryu Karate-Do. It specializes in the methods of blocking, punching, kicking, striking, and breathing as forms of self-defense.
In addition to the punches, blocks, and kicks of Karate, Shuri-ryu also incorporates joint locks, take-downs, throws, and Kobudo.
Shuri Ryu Karate was developed by O’Sensei, Robert Trias (1923-1989), he was the first person to teach Karate in the United States, and opened the first dojo in Phoenix, Arizona in 1946.
The system consists of:
- 26 ippon kumite kata, which are performed to develop form and power
- 10 taezu naru waza, which are performed to develop speed and fluidity
- 30 kihons, which are performed to develop fighting technique
- 8 Sen-te motions, to develop endurance of flow
- 7 kogeki-ho to develop attacking and retreating
- Kata kumite, form sparring
- Kime dachi kumite, focus stance sparring
- Jiyu undo, free exercise
- 14 Kata, formal forms
- Tai Kyoku
- Wunsu
- Anaku
- Naihanchi Sho
- Empi Sho
- Sanchin
- Tsue Sho No Kon
- Bassai Dai
- Go Pei Sho
- Dan Enn Sho
- Naihanchi Ni
- Nan Dan sho
- Kanku Sho
- Ten Sho
The system is structured to build the body, mind, and spirit and is based off the 5 animal principles of the Tiger, Snake, Crane, Leopard, and Dragon.
Each of these animals offers a different mind-set, intent, and mobility. You will learn the system at your own pace, and will find value in the lessons that will transcend into many facets of your life.
HEAD INSTRUCTOR Shihan Steve Schwartz
Shihan Schwartz was born and raised in New York. At a very young age his parents recognized his high energy and decided to channel and focus it through the Martial Arts. He was 8 years old when first enrolled in Karate and then later joined Kung Fu, Boxing, and Kick Boxing. At the age of 15 his family relocated from New York to Sarasota, Florida where he started as a white belt again and enrolled at West Coast Martial Arts Academy and trained with the former Head Instructor Hanshi Steven Roensch for the next 20 years.