Shorin Ryu karate is of Okinawan origin, coming to this country in the early 1960’s. Shorin Ryu karate is a centuries old merger of Chinese kung-fu and the Okinawan punching art, Te, meaning fist. Students are instructed according to traditional Okinawan technique involving the use of hands, feet and elbow. A number of appropriate conditioning exercises are an integral part of the training. This s
tyle of karate emphasizes kata (traditional forms) in which the students learn to combine blocking and offensive techniques, as well as kumite (sparring). Additional training involves line and floor exercises as well as self-defense tactics. Whether you are a person seeking a new way to increase your fitness level, or a skilled athlete looking for a new challenge, men and women from all backgrounds are invited to accept the rigorous training of Shorin Ryu Matsubayashi Karate. This martial arts style isn’t for everyone, but if you persevere in this class, you will be better equipped to handle yourself on the street. We will teach you to punch, block and kick with focus and power, while you learn to make correct decisions under duress. Rank is awarded based on ability, in the true tradition of the martial arts with only white, green, brown and blackbelt ranking. Rank tests are given quarterly and they are given free of charge. There are no contracts and no guarantees of rank. This is a cardiovascular class, which will provide a challenge as you learn to fight. For serious students who wish to train year round in a respectful, safe, yet intense manner. History:
Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine is the founder of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu (Matsubayashi-Ryu) karate. Shoshin Nagamine founded Matsubayashi-Ryu karate, however its beginnings had existed for hundreds of years before. Matsubayashi-Ryu karate can trace it's lineage from Chinese Gung-Fu to the original Okinawan karate; Koryu Uchinadi-Ryu karate & Yamaneryu Kobudo. This "original" Okinawan karate then developed and divided into Naha-Te, Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te. These were all referred to generically as Shorin-Ryu, which then divided into Kobayashi-Ryu (Chosin Chibana), Matsubayashi-Ryu (Shoshin Nagamine), Shobayashi-Ryu (Chotoku Kyan) and Matsumura orthodox (Hohan Soken). The term "karate" means "open-hand" and it is used to reflect the art's unique Okinawan development. Matsubayashi is the Okinawan pronunciation of the characters for "Pine Forest." "Matsu" means "pine" and "Hayashi" means "forest." When the two are placed together, the "H" of Hayashi is pronounced as "B," making it Matsubayashi. "Shorin" is the Chinese pronunciation of the same characters. The origin of the name "Shorin-Ryu" is the Shaolin Buddhist Temple in China. "Ryu", roughly translated, means style or system. More literally, it can mean "river," which Shoshin Nagamine said reflected his thoughts that the art of karate, and specifically Matsubayashi-Ryu, is a living, flowing thing. Walt Sapronov – Sensei
Sensei Sapronov studied Shorin-Ryu while attending Ohio State University. He began training in 1966 under one of the first Americans to train in Okinawa directly under Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine. In 1970, Sensei Sapronov moved to Iowa City, Iowa to attend the University of Iowa. He established the Iowa City, Shorin-Ryu dojo in 1970. The dojo was affiliated with the college's recreation department. Sensei Sapronov was an intense fighter capable of developing great power and speed which are the corner stone's of Shorin-Ryu, as practiced by the ASF. Although Sensei Sapronov is still active in martial arts he is no longer affiliated with Matsubayashi-Ryu karate
Denis Oliver – Sensei
Sensei Oliver began training in January of 1971 at the Iowa City dojo under the direction of Sensei Sapronov. Sensei Oliver quickly became one of Sensei Sapronov's best students and in 1974 he rose to become the focal point of Shorin-Ryu karate in Iowa City. Under Sensei Oliver's leadership the Iowa City dojo experienced tremendous success and growth. Sensei Oliver's discipline in training and dedication to the art inspired all who trained in his Dojo. His leadership and skill in teaching developed many Black Belts who have gone on to create dojos throughout the United States. Our expansion would not have occurred without Sensei Oliver's guidance and support. It is with the highest honor that we consider him to be the First Teacher of the American Shorin Ryu Federation. Doug Van Cleave – Shichidan, 7th Dan
Sensei Van Cleave began training in September of 1972 at the Iowa City dojo under Sensei Oliver. In August of 1973, Sensei Van Cleave established the Newton, Iowa dojo and continued to commute to the Iowa City dojo to train with Sensei Oliver. Sensei Van Cleave also established dojos in Minnesota and Florida. He is currently teaching in the Apopka, Florida dojo. Reza Pouraghabager – Shichidan, 7th Dan
Sensei Pouraghabagher began training in January 1974 at the Iowa City dojo under Sensei Oliver. In September 1979, he moved to San Luis Obispo, California and established his first dojo at Cal Poly University. Since then, he and his senior Black Belts have expanded the art of Shorin-Ryu karate to five dojos in California. Bruce Bartels - Shichidan, 7th Dan
In September 1973 Sensei Bartels started training under Sensei Oliver in Iowa City, Iowa. After several years there he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he trained and taught. In late 1995 he moved to Lafayette, Louisiana where he continued to train, while commuting periodically to train with Sensei Van Cleave in Florida. He later opened the Lafayette Dojo where he trains and teaches today.
