Yamashita Karate uses and teaches the principals and standards set forth by the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate Association and the Director of Yamashita International Budo Suibukan Association, Master Tadashi Yamashita, Dan 9th Rank.

  Karate is both an art form and physical fitness activity that blends together all of the parts of the human psyche. Karate develops individuals physically, mentally and emotionally. No other physical activity provides the combination of these benefits like Karate does -- to individuals of all ages.

Once viewed strictly as a means of self-defense, Karate is now recognized as a physical fitness activity that is both challenging and stimulating. Karate training helps develop increased muscle tone and definition; along with a higher degree of flexibility and cardiovascular capacity.

   In addition to these physical benefits are the psychological benefits Karate offers. Karate provides a basis for self-discipline that can be used throughout life. It develops mental alertness, concentration, and the ability to think and act effectively in all situations. When strategies in hand-to-hand combat training are used, it often parallels situations found in everyday life.

   Students of Karate begin training for various reasons: physical fitness, self-defense, better health, self-confidence, personal growth, as an art form, or simply as a novelty. Karate offers all of these. And, Yamashita Karate Studios wants you to experience the depth of Karate. The rewards will be seen and felt by everyone around you.

   We are a BLACK BELT School. We have organized and planned curriculum for developing Black Belts in the Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate, Sui-Kendo Self Defense and Okinawan Zen Kobudo (Traditional Okinawan). Our Black Belt programs place emphasis on tradition, loyalty, self-discipline, integrity, respect, self-confidence and self-defense. We have set forth standards to strive for those expectations. Becoming a Black Belt is a process that takes commitment and hard work. We are always available to support and assist our student throughout the process.

   We believe in and practice a "positive re-enforcement" teaching atmosphere with consequences for negative behavior. For example, we use motivation and reward, never with the threat of punishment. However, negative behavior will be addressed and consequences issued where and when appropriate.

Our Style and Lineage:
   Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karatedo is a traditional Okinawan martial art form. "Karate" meaning "empty hand." Our lineage can be traced back to the 1700's and has been handed down through only 5 Masters throughout all of the International Shorin-Ryu Association. The current reining head of Shorin-Ryu (Kobayashi) is Master Shuguro Nakazato. One of Sensei Nakazato's most senior students is Tadashi Yamashita. Tadashi Yamashita is currently the United States Head of the Shorin-Ryu Suibukan Association as well as the head of the Zen Okinawan Kobudo in the United States. In our school we respectfully refer to Sensei Yamashita as "Hanshi", meaning 9th/10th Degree.

   Okianwan Kobudo (weapons) Training. Weapons training is available to our Black Belt Club (BBC) members. All BBC participants are able to begin weapons training starting at their 8th Kyu Orange belt level. If Kobudo classes are attended regularly and curriculum is achieved, our students are eligible to test for their Black Belt in Kobudo (weapons).

   At Yamashita Karate Studios, Inc. our mission is: To enhance our community and its residents through positive growth and development of our students. To provide a safe environment with positive energy and support for our students' mental, physical and spiritual growth. To provide guidance, support and inspiration through personal examples of Black Belt behaviour both in and out of the dojo. To ensure longevity and growth of our school and staff by continuing the training of all of our Instructors and Staff.

   Our Black Belt Instructors bring over 75 years of teaching experience to our school. All of our Instructors continue their training and personal development on a daily basis.

General Information:
Visitors - We not only welcome but also encourage students to bring visitors to their classes. It encourages the student training and also lends to the growth of our school. We are very proud of the quality of training that we provide at our school. And we appreciate sharing our experiences in training with family and friends.