Martial arts training has proven to be an effective method of developing the individual in a whole and positive way. Through physical training, the student develops a deeper sense of self-confidence tempered by the virtue of humility. Emphasis is placed on a wide variety of physical skills, including endurance, strength, and flexibility. Martial arts training also develops agility, hand-eye coordination, balance, and timing. The result of all of these skills is what we term "mind-body oneness." Through training, the student begins to gain an intuitive mastery of the body through increased self-awareness.

Emphasis is placed on diligence which results in the development of discipline. Through self-discipline, there is improved concentration, which carries over into all aspects of life. Correct etiquette is taught, with the key concept being respect. The idea of mutual respect and regard for each individual is considered very important. It was, and continues to be, an essential part of traditional martial arts training. We feel that correct etiquette underscores the moral and philosophical underpinnings of traditional martial arts. The rei, or bow, is one example of martial arts etiquette which demonstrates mutual respect.

Through proper and protracted training, the student will develop self-defense skills. Self-defense is an integral aspect of all martial arts practice, but it is not considered to be, necessarily, the most valuable part. It is also not the only asset derived from training. Through practice, there comes a sense of accomplishment and growth. With development, confidence grows and leadership potential is born as the student begins to mature. The martial arts are also a microcosm of East Asian culture. With the study of the arts, one begins to learn and appreciate related aspects of the culture, such as language, history, and the philosophy of the Asian people.

In conclusion, we feel that the philosophy of the martial arts may be summed up best in this maxim of the late Professor Jigaro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo: Seiroku zenyo, Jitakue. "For one to develop correctly and become an asset to society, one must abide by the most efficient use of energy, along with mutual assistance, cooperation and welfare, in the hope of social harmony and peace."

All of the martial arts at Atlanta's Traditional Okinawan Karate-do Dojo are taught in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. The goal is to strengthen the individual in all aspects of development. In keeping with the traditional concepts of Budo, the practitioner is encouraged and assisted in developing all facets of his or her personality, including intellectual, moral, and physical aspects. The character for Budo (Wu-tao in Chinese) can be rendered not only as "the Way of the Warrior," but also as "to stop two swords from clashing."

Atlanta's Traditional Okinawan Karate-do Dojo realizes that one of the most misunderstood, and yet most essential elements, of the martial arts is the idea that conflict should be prevented, not promoted. This principle is followed both in training at the dojo ("training area") and beyond the walls of the dojo. A practitioner should use martial arts techniques only in self-defense and only as a last resort after all other means of avoiding a fight have been tried. Moreover, the extension of this principle is that one not only desires to stop conflict once it has started, but also seeks to promote harmony in all aspects of life.

Traditionally a form of self-defense, karate originated in the Ryukyu Islands, an island chain, between the southern-most Japanese island of Kyushu, to the north, and Taiwan, to the south. The largest of these islands is Okinawa. Karate's roots are believed to have originated in martial arts forms developed at the "Shaolin Temple" in China. Many centuries ago, these forms were transplanted from the Fukien Province of China to the Ryukyu Islands. The Ryukans modified and developed these techniques to suit their own needs.

The Chinese characters which mean "karate" originally meant "China Hand," but in 1933 a board of senior karate masters changed the name to "Empty Hand." The pronunciation remained the same. This concept of Empty Hand goes far beyond any simple meaning such as weaponless fighting. It emphasizes the Japanese concept of muga-mushin or "no-mind". This concept means that a person does not have any preconceived notions which hinder the person's ability to learn or react. This idea is extremely important in the application of techniques in a combat situation. In addition, as a vehicle for learning, it allows the student to absorb information more quickly and at a much deeper level. This concept is often associated with the Zen notion of "Beginner's Mind." The character do (which comes from the Chinese Tao) means the "way" or "path" which one follows through life. Therefore, Karate-do means "The Way of the Empty Hand."

Practice in Karate-do involves both defense and counter-attacking methods, with emphasis on striking and kicking techniques. Drills include exercises with partners, individual drills, and solo forms called kata. Our karate-do curriculum is structured in a set progression which allows the student to develop in an efficient and safe manner.

Shorin Ryu Karate-do is one of the two main styles of Okinawan Karate-do. It incorporates blocking, striking, kicking, locking, throwing, and moving techniques. Shorin is the Japanese pronunciation of characters for the word Shoalin, the ancient Chinese temple, and Ryu means "school" or style. Shorin Ryu Karate-do therefore means "The Shaolin System of the Way of the Empty Hand". 

The practice of karate was largely confined to secrecy by its practitioners until the appearance of a man named Yasatsune Itosu. Itosu set out to redesign basic techniques and to formulate basic exercises and forms so that the general public might be better oriented to learn from the practice of karate. Itosu has often been cited as the man who, around the turn of the century, brought karate out from secret training areas and into the public. 

Shobayashi-Ryu, the oldest and most orthodox school of Shorin Ryu, was founded by Chotoku Kyan, who had been a student of Itosu. Our teaching lineage traces back to Kyan, Itosu, and the founding masters of Okinawan Karate-do. Training includes conditioning and developmental exercises, movement drills, graduated two person exercises, Kata (formal exercies), and in more advanced training (adults only), instruction in classical weapons of our system. The Shorin Ryu practitioner executes rooted stances, quick stepping motions, and jackhammer-like punches and kicks.

Shudokan Karate-do was taken to Japan from Okinawa by master Kanken Toyama. Toyama was a well-known instructor who was awarded the status of "Karate Master" by the Japanese government. His school was called "The Institute for the Cultivation of the Way", and the name "Shodokan", became the name of his karate system. 

Shudokan is a composite system encompassing all the major Okinawan styles, certain Chinese systems, and Kobujutsu ("Ancient Arts"). There are also Kata unique to Shudokan, the practice of which is characterized by large, circular motions with an emphasis on covering motions. The power that is generated by these motions can be compared to the power of waves crashing on a beach. The practice of long extensions of motion also develops power and physique. Deep, narrow stances give the ability to change directions quickly. The Shudokan practitioner develops both internal and external power - a balance that leads to good health and overall development.