SHORIN RYU KARATE

The Dojo Head Instructor/Organization Head must receive training so that he/she can teach his students. Next, the senior Black Belt students need to learn so that they can assist in teaching. This instruction can be obtained via seminars, videos, or training offered by one of the State or Regional representatives. We suggest that your existing kata be maintained as you begin to introduce the "new" Okinawa Shorin Ryu to your students. The new kata can be introduced to all of the students in the Dojo at the same time.

Newly registered students would only learn the Okinawa Shorin Ryu kata. Older students could start to augment their kata with Shorin Ryu kata and eventually everyone in the dojo will be doing Shorin Ryu. Head Instructors may retain some of their older kata for competition or other reasons.

Remember, the required Shorin Ryu kata establishes the minimum requirements for promotion. The Head instructor/Organization Head can always chose to have additional promotion requirements but not fewer than the required list of kata found on Rank Requirements.

It is also recommended to begin introducing basic techniques and basic drills, and self defense into the training program at the appropriate Kyu/Dan levels. For example; white belt blocks are needed to establish the foundation for 9th Kyu blocks, green belt blocks, brown belt blocks, etc. Learning these basic techniques in sequence will enhance training and performance and ease the transition for all students. Following these recommendations will allow the dojo to operate as smooth as possible during initial transition.

KOBUDO

The transition process is easy and enjoyable, especially for those schools that have never had a kobudo program.

The initial stage is the beginning of the introduction of weapons basics and introductory katas for the Bo, Sai, and Tonfa. The Dojo's Black and Brown Belts should learn the kata first. The senior students and Head Instructor can then teach the Kobudo program to the intermediate level students (green belts). The kobudo program requires much less to integrate and learn then the Shorin Ryu Karate program.

Advanced kobudo katas, techniques, weapons kumite, and bunkai (practical application) should be introduced after the senior students have passed their Shodan examination in kobudo.

TESTING

After the successful introduction of the Shorin Ryu Karate or Kobudo program, all black belts should be tested and certified in Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate or Kobudo via the UMAA. Remember that the Head Instructor must always stay "ahead" of the students in his/her training. Testing is a great time to host a UMAA Seminar with one of our State or National Directors. All initial testing of new instructors must be conducted by a UMAA National or State Director or at at UMAA sanctioned event by a UMAA certified instructor.

• UMAA "Life Members" may now request to have their rank certified in Okinawa By Hanshi Seifuku Nitta, 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate.

• Discounted promotion/certification fees for all Life Members, National, State, and Regional Directors.

• Beautiful Okinawan Menkyo in Japanese and personally written and signed by Hanshi Nitta.

• Contact us today and see how you can become a Life Member.

If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact us by mail, phone, or email address.