Shorin Ryu Karate
A word on
Foster's Shorin Ryu Karate
At Foster's Shorin Ryu Karate we like to encourage a fun, exciting atmosphere in which to learn the art of Karate. We believe Karate is an art which is intended to help preserve ones life.
It should be practiced with intent, focus and determination.
We believe that along with practice comes many benefits, such as better health through exercise, strength, confidence and we hope compassion and understanding. The list of things in my own life that have been improved through Karate is endless, and I thank God for them all.
It is our hope that we may share these benefits with others. I encourage all students to keep an open mind (beginner mindset), and to pursue their martial arts goals with humility, perseverance, and internal ferocity.
May God bless you on your martial arts journey. We hope to be a part of it.
Sensei
Foster
Sensei Foster 'Seth' began studying in Karate (Shorin-Ryn Shorin Kan) in 1986 and continues learning to this day. He received his first black belt in Okinawa Japan from Grand Master Shugoro Nakazato in 1993. Seth currently has attained 4th degree black belt (Shorin-Ryn Shorin Kan).
Seth has focused on training with individuals of other martial art styles (Aikido, Judo, JiuJitsu, Kenpo, Kunk Fu, Tai-Chi) to share martial arts knowledge. Seth continues to study under his original instructor Kyoshi Pat Harley, continuing to train yearly with high level instructors who are among the top in the world.
Seth believes that with continued learning, one always keeps the attitude of being a student.
Tell me about
Shorin-Ryu Shorin Kan
Our style of Karate the Shorin-Ryu Shorin Kan is one of the oldest most prestigious styles of martial arts in the world. It is important to realize that there are currently four major branches of Shorinryu Karate practiced in the world today, Kobayashi-Ryu, Shobyashi-Ryu, Matsubyashi Ryu and Matsumura Seito. In the Shorinkan we practice Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu. The Shorinkan is headed by Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato Sensei, a man who is literally considered an intangible cultural asset of Karate by the Japanese government. Our Karate rank comes directly from Okinawa Japan and is internationally recognized by Karate practitioners. This means that getting a black belt from Foster's Fitness will allow a person to train and be recognized as a black belt worldwide.
Shugoro Nakazato Sensei’s patch is worn on the left chest of thousands of Shorin-Ryu practitioners world wide.
The Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan has Hundreds of Karate schools worldwide and hosts International camps and seminars to help spread karate throughout the world. The patch itself is circular, just like most traditional karate patches, to represent the full circle of martial arts training from student to teacher and back to student again, everything in Karate from techniques to principles, always moves in a circle. The Japanese writing on the patch is called Kanji, the small writing on the bottom reads “Shorin-Ryu” which means “Small Pine Style” and the larger writing above it reads “Shorinkan” which means “Small Pine House.”
Karate had its influences from Chinese Kung Fu, Japanese Jujitsu and the original Okinawa art of Te. “Shorin” in Japanese means the same thing as “Shaolin” in Chinese and therefore it is possible that Shorin-Ryu Karate may have been influenced by Shaolin Kung Fu and Feeding Crane Kung Fu.
Inside the red and white Shuri gate or “Shureimon” is some smaller Kanji that read “Shu Rei No Kuni” which literally mean “Land of Propriety.” The gate on the patch represents the main gate leading to the Shuri castle or on Okinawa. The Shureimon was a gift to Okinawa from China.
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Karate FAQ
How do you get your next belt?
You progress by learning new forms and showing personal improvement in all the areas of your training.
Is karate just punching and kicking?
Karate includes punching and kicking, but traditional karate also includes grappling (grabbing, throwing, falling) and also joint lock techniques (more reserved for advanced students who show sufficient levels of control).
When do you start?
Our classes are ongoing and we accept new students on a regular basis, at most any time. Karate is a life long pursuit, so training is an ongoing process for each individual.