okadojo News

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Top Quality Instruction in Traditional Martial Arts

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The Style

The primary style practiced at Okinawan Karate Academy is called Shorin-Ryu, a classical Asian martial art with direct lineage to the ancient masters of Okinawa, China, and Japan. Our programs are geared toward improved fitness, health, vitality, personal development, and self-defense. Traditional principles of courtesy, humility, and respect are emphasized.

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The Head Instructor

Kenneth R. Bladyka

Seventh Degree Black Belt, Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do

Licensed Master Instructor (Kyoshi)

Second Degree Black Belt, Kobujutsu (Weapons Art)

1997 AAU National Champion

1998 WKO World Cup Silver Medalist

1999 AAU National Champion

AAU/USA Junior Karate Team Coach (1998 & 2000)

Chairman, New England AAU Karate Association

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Suggested Age Groups

Little Tigers (Pre-School) - Ages 3 - 4
Juniors - Boys and Girls, Ages 5 - 7
Super Juniors - Boys and Girls, Ages 7 - 14
Teen & Adults - Ages 13 - Up
(Age groups are flexible to provide optimum training experience for all.)

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Classes Include

Warm-Up Exercises (Junbi Undo) - Derived from yoga and Chinese calisthenics, these exercises develop flexibility, balance, and strength.
Basic Techniques (Kihon) - Fundamental movements of Karate-Do, including stances, blocks, punches, strikes, and kicks.
Formal Exercises (Kata) - Classical exercises that form the foundation of traditional Karate-Do . Over time, dedicated practice of kata helps develop a high level of fitness, a confident and relaxed state of mind, and an understanding of effective self-defense strategies and tactics.
Sparring (Kumite) - One-step sparring drills teach the beginner to apply basic self-defense strategies and techniques with a partner acting as the attacker. Free sparring develops skills in a safely controlled environment.
Ancient Weapons (Kobudo) - OKA's curriculum includes classical Okinawan methods of employing the staff (bo), truncheon (sai), and many other traditional martial arts weapons.
AAU Sport Karate - OKA offers local, regional, and national level competition with others of similar ranks and ages in kata, kumite, and kobudo.

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How to Get Started

Make an appointment today to come in for a visit. Our class hours are:

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- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:30 AM - 1:45 PM
- Monday through Thursday 3:00 - 9:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon

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Classes run continuously, year-round. We accept new students whenever enrollment levels allow. For more information or to schedule an introductory visit, please call the Okinawan Karate Academy at 603 448-2662.

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