Kenkyukai of Kentucky

11/19/2023

Politics and emotions prevent so many opportunities and wonderful things from happening. Especially in the black community. We could accomplish so much more if…

11/18/2023

Finish him in 9 seconds or less pt1

11/18/2023

Good morning

09/22/2023

In this video you will see Goju Ryu katas: Sanchin, Gekki Sai Dai Ichi/Ni, Saifa, and Seiyunchin

09/22/2023

Sepai and Sesan kata

09/22/2023

Sanseiru Kata

09/22/2023

Shisochin kata

08/07/2023

The Kenkyukai of Kentucky, taught by Jefferson sensei, and guided by Hanshi Johnson is a traditional karate-do dojo that emphasizes the teachings of Miyagi Chojun sensei and his concepts of Okinawan Goju ryu.

Coupled with meditation before and after class along with heavy calisthenics and body conditioning the Kenkyukai of Ky has helped to develop astounding members of the Kentuckiana area. We invite you to come join us in keeping the Traditional Karate system of Goju ryu alive and prosperous.

Domo Arrigato!

502.408.8403
516 E. Lewis and Clark pkwy

06/24/2023

Sanchin Kata: The 3 conflicts. When doing this version of Sanchin accurately it should take about 90sec. The practitioner should be aware of their breath control while locking and unlocking the bones muscles and tendons in order to enhance oxygen flow as well as power to their body

06/04/2023

Tensho kata

05/16/2023

The Kenkyukai of Kentucky takes pride in keeping the spirit of karate and community alive and is looking for like minded individuals business owners and community leaders to help sponsor us on our mission to compete at the World Tournament in Scotland this year.

04/19/2023

Eric Jefferson, a native of Louisville, Kentucky and local business owner of Truth’s Tattoo’s LLC, is not just your average tattoo/martial arts enthusiast. He is someone that takes art to the next level in all aspects of his life. Since starting Shotokan karate at the age of 6, Jefferson sensei has trained in multiple martial arts styles including Chun Do Kwon TKD, Kupigani Ngumi (Afrocentric martial arts) , Komasi stick fighting, Wing Chun Kung fu, Tại Chi, Mugai Ryu, Kobudo, Okinawan Ueichi Ryu, Pangannoon, Okinawan Goju Ryu, Shorei Goju, Silat, and Yemani Ryu Kobudo. Why would one want to learn all this stuff you might ask? For Jefferson sensei, a bright and focused 6 year old, the answer was simple, to learn how to defend hisself and his mom from danger without being crippled by fear.

By age 15 at green belt level Jefferson sensei was teaching his own karate class at local church community center. By 19 Jefferson sensei maintained teaching karate classes at 3 church community centers in west Louisville as well as the Catholic Enrichment Center. In addition to these he was also hired by the Metro Parks and Recreation of Louisville to teach karate at various locations 3 summers in a row. Later Jefferson sensei would also teach his martial science over a 4 year period in the JCPS school system via an Urban League program named Street Academy.

Jefferson sensei was awarded his first black belt at the age of 17 and has since achieved black belt rank in several styles. By 2010 he was inducted into the USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME and was awarded “Master of the Year.” Jefferson sensei was also awarded his Professorship Degree in Asian Martial Arts and Sciences. Jefferson sensei has been the recipient of the Tatsujin, and awarded his 8th degree black belt in Goju Ryu. In 2022 Jefferson sensei was named Chief Instructor for the Kenkyukai of Kentucky and is in direct lineage with the founder of Goju Ryu, Chōjun Miyagi.

Presently Jefferson sensei spends his time competing for the US National Karate Team, and researching and studying Goju Ryu and many others in hopes of reigniting the energy of traditional martial arts and practice in his community.

Kenkyukai (research and study) dojo is a place that emphasizes the practice of Okinawan Goju Ryu.