get my black belt in karate

Since my last post, I have relocated from Birmingham to Denver and am now in the process of trying to find a new dojo in which to train. I’ve located one that I feel would make for a smooth transition, as they teach Wado-ryu, a style that is similar to Heiwa-do in many respects. Actually, Soke Hirano, founder of the Heiwa-do style of karate, was a student of Wado-ryu before creating his own style. And, it turns out that Shihan Kurobane (of the Wado dojo) and Soke Hirano were college roommates and remain close friends to this day!

I just returned to town, having been visiting family for the holidays…and it appears that my Dojo has moved to a bigger facility. I can’t wait to get in there tomorrow and get back in the groove of things!

I signed up for Karate classes this week, which I’ll be taking on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I’ve already been to two classes and although I am sore, I don’t think it will take long for me to get back into the swing of things.

I’ve been fascinated with the martial arts ever since my dad got my brother and I karate classes when I was about six. The lessons only lasted a couple of weeks but the interest has stayed with me all this time.

I’d love be able to study the old Japanese arts. As a matter of fact I’m looking into several opportunities to do so:

There are two Karate dojos in town. One is World Oyama Karate, which I understand to be an organization that branched off from Kyokushin and remains similar. Also offered at this dojo is training through the International Shinkendo Federation (or the art of the Japenese sword).

The other is International Japan Karate Federation, which trains in the Heiwa-do style, a synthesis of the best parts of the four major styles of Japanese Karate-do, with additional influences from Soke Hirano’s experience in Aikido, Iaido, Judo, and Ki.

Finally, there is a group that trains in Bujinkan or Budo Taijutsu, the art handed down to Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of nine ancient martial arts traditions of feudal Japan. They are: Gyokko Ryu Koshijustsu, Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu, Shindenfudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu, Togakure Ryu Ninpo, Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokushin Ruy Ninpo, and Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo.

What does everyone think about these options? Especially if one has knowledge the various styles of Karate or of Budo Taijutsu, I’d love to hear what you think. Thanks.