ABOUT OUR KARATE SCHOOL

The name of our dojo (training hall) is called the KEI SHIN KAN.  KEI means "striving to improve," SHIN means "with all ones heart and energy," and KAN means "in our place of training." 

The system of karate we practice is called "Okinawa Seito Ryu" or Okinawa Orthodox/Pure System/Style.

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Toyama Kanken, Dai Shihan, his the system Okinawa Seito Ryu and taught Takazawa O'Sensei the art of the “empty hand” as he himself had been taught by Grandmasters Itosu (Shuri-te), Higaonna (Naha-te), & Matsumora Kōsaku (Tomari-te).

Toyama O'Sensei gave the KEI SHIN KAN "school" to Takazawa O'Sensei when promoted to Hachidan (8th degree).

Having first received instruction from his father in the martial arts, at age 17, Takazawa was accepted for further training by Toyama Kanken. Toyama Sensei “opened  the doors” of such masters of the day such as Kyan Sensei, Kyoda Juhatsu Sensei, and Chibana Sensei for Takazawa Sensei to experience differing perspectives of techniques from Shuri-te, Tomari-te, Naha-te, Japan and China.

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Grandmaster Takazawa told me that he was privileged to assist Toyama O'Sensei in the development of kata.

Toyama is the person who developed the kata Juhachi, Juroku, Nanajushi, Juhachi, et. al.

Grandmaster Takazawa O'Sensei created Matsu and other small, but essential kata.

Takazawa O'Sensei was a science teacher for many years in Tokyo before returning to his place of birth in Okayashi, Nagano, Japan, where he continued to work in physiotherapy and acupuncture, assisted by his wife and two sons until his recent death.  If one learns to injure, should they not also learn to heal or treat those injured?” ... is a question that motivated Takazawa Sensei to attended first Boston University and then Harvard University to study another art…the art of medicine, the treatment of those in pain or suffering.

The move to the mountain area of Nagano also served to honor of his ancestors, who were samurai of Matsumoto Castle...where they lived the Code of the Samurai. Takazawa O'Sensei, the living "Kan" of KEI SHIN KAN settled the "Hombu" in the serenity of the mountains...far away from the busy material world of Tokyo. Although he maintained a large dojo were his mentor, Toyama Kanken, first gave Takazawa one of his two dojos...the KEI SHIN KAN of Tokyo.  Grandmaster Takazawa truly expresses the “Spirit of Budo” in his life.

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Jim Nelson (Sandan) and Bill Dye (Nidan) were the first to bring the training of Okinawa Seito Ryu from the KEI SHIN KAN in Japan to the United States.

Jim Nelson (Navy) was the first to win a full contact Black Belt Prefecture tournament in Japan against all systems. O'Sensei had promoted him from Ikkyu (brown belt) to Shodan (Black Belt) just for the day.  Then his certificate was torn up until he fully earned it.   I felt it an honor to have met Jim Nelson and enjoyed our conversations of training in Japan with Grandmaster Takazawa.

- 1960's -

Jim Nelson began training Robert Yarbrough and Charlie Mathews  into strong fighters and fine kata technicians in the Los Angeles area of Long Beach.  Robert Yarbrough (from Oshima Shotokan/Nagamine Shorin Ryu)
 

Sensei Robert Yarbrough (Hachidan) began training Rod Murray (from Kenkojuku Shotokan). Rod Murray competed in kata and kumite throughout California & Nevada and the Midwest placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

In 1993, Sensei Murray (47 yrs) competed Koshiki (hard contact) in Japan and placed 1st!

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- NEW STUDENTS BY INVITATION ONLY! -

Enrollment is being taken for a unique self defense program brought back from Japan in the 50's by Jim Arwood from Okano Sensei that combines 4 major martial arts (Karate, Judo, Aikido, & Taijitsu).

9 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

1. Bow upon entering or leaving the dojo and to your teacher, respect where you train and who teaches you.

2. NO TALKING unless permission is granted by raising your hand first.

3. NO alcoholic consumption before class, gum or snuff chewing during class and jewelry or other ornaments not allowed.

4. NO foul language, or abrasive comments.

5. NO Horseplay or fooling around any way, shape, or form!

6. Your Obi (belt) is a symbol of your achievements, and should be treated with respect. It should never fall to the floor, lie on the floor, or be washed.

7. Your Dogi (uniform) is a symbol of the way you feel about yourself and karate. It should always be kept clean, and in good condition.

8. The Sempai (senior student) calls “Ich-kit (attention on deck) when a black belt enters or leaves the training area in uniform ‑ the first time only.

9. Upon entering or leaving the training area remove shoes, bow, and line up according to rank quietly.

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A child can become confused and frustrated while trying to listen to both parent and instructor. There is only one disciplinarian/teacher during class.