The School:
Roseberry's Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan Martial Arts Center opened its doors in 1973, and
since that time, has established itself as one of the finest martial arts
schools in the area. The dojo facility is over 7,000 square feet and includes an
Olympic Judo mat (for Judo, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Daitoryu and Yoga) and a large
wooden floor (for Karate, Kobudo and Tai Chi). Besides learning the physical techniques of judo, karate,
aikido, t'ai chi, and yoga students learn such mental attitudes as patience,
self-assurance, respect, and self-discipline. Students discover that they are
encouraged to grow spiritually as well as physically. Upon enrolling in a course
of instruction, beginning students soon realize that they have many teachers.
All of the students ahead of them are responsible for their instruction and
well-being. Beginning students are treated kindly and respectfully. In return
students are expected to practice diligently and to be respectful to other
students and teachers. Indeed, mutual respect is one of the basics of martial
arts training. Students are never asked to do anything beyond their capability
but are encouraged to put forth their best effort. "Do Your Best!" is
a familiar phrase heard in Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan practice sessions. The motto of the
Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan School is "respect and manners." All students of
Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan enjoy an atmosphere conducive to good training and personal
growth.
The Classes:
Karate: Modern karate first took seed 400 years ago on the island of
Okinawa. It was during the 15th century, when weapons were banned from the
island, that the Okinawan people had to find new ways to protect themselves from
bandits and invaders. They discovered that through intensive training their
hands and feet alone were capable of being as deadly as the deadliest weapons.
For several hundred years, the Okinawans perfected their techniques as a
peaceful art through the form of kata, a series of solo, dance-like exercises
using defensive blocking, punching, and kicking movements. The Okinawan Goju-Ryu
karate practiced at Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan developed through the combination of the
hard hand techniques of the Okinawan people and the soft circular movements of
Chinese Boxing. This style became known as Goju-Ryu Karate, or hard-soft way.
Practitioners learn how to combine soft blocking tactics with quick strong
counterattacks. Much emphasis is placed on speed so that blows are delivered in
rapid succession. Goju-ryu employees breathing exercises as well as dynamic
tension katas. It is Goju-Ryu Karate that is taught today in the schools of
Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan.
Judo: Ju-Jitsu, a dangerous form of unarmed combat, was practiced for a thousand years in feudal Japan by Samurai warriors. Judo, the "gentle way", was developed by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who adapted the best throwing and grappling techniques of ju-jitsu into the art and sport of judo in 1882. To promote and continue the study of judo, Dr. Kano founded the Kodokan Judo School in Tokyo. The Kodokan is recognized by all nations as the mother school of judo. There are many reasons for choosing the study of judo at Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan. For those who wish to compete, there are many opportunities locally, as well as the chance to compete in Nationals each year. Judo is recognized as an Olympic sport and is an event in the Summer Olympic Games. For non-competitors, judo is excellent conditioning and self-defense training. Children especially enjoy judo. Judo as taught at Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan emphasizes Dr. Kano's slogan, "Maximum efficiency with minimum effort, for the mutual welfare and benefit of all."
Aikido: Aikido is the newest of the Japanese martial arts. It has been described as the "old man's art" because of the gentleness and grace with which it is practiced. It does not require great physical strength or big muscles. However, spectators should not be deceived by the gentle, fluid movements, aikido is a very effective method of disabling an attacker with various wrist and arm locks. Development of one's ki, or life energy, is another aspect of aikido training. Perhaps the most important part of training in aikido is learning to calm the mind and to maintain one's wa or harmony. This is achieved through the development of concentration and relaxation skills which make Aikido an excellent tool of stress management.
Kobudo: The indigenous Okinawan art of weaponry. Okinawan's have a unique tradition of spohisticated fighting techniques associated with common household and agricultural objects. Though people have been hitting each other with something since time began, cultured kobudo really beings around 1507 with the weapons ban by King Sho Shin. Thereafter, in 1609 when the Japanese invasion of Okinawa enslaved the nation, making "makeshift" weapons a priority. The Okinawan kobudo practiced at Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan is Matayoshi Kobudo created by Master Matayoshi Shinko int he early 20th century and continued by his family in Naha, Okinawa. Since the 1920's, the Matayoshi system has had a strong relationship with the Goju-Ryu stystem, as both systems compliment each other. This system has a strong Chinese influence, which came about from Master Matayoshi's travels, formal weapons training and through his participation in actual combat. Overall, the momements in the Matayoshi system are more relaxed and flowing, with both linear and circular strikes forming a smooth, fluid application with stances designed for very quick and light movements. The system incorporated 13 different weapons with great emphasis placed on the bo (6' staff). The founding Masters' principles are based upon a thorough knowledge of the purpose and origin of each weapon, with a specific ordering of the learning of each weapon to facilitate growth and application. Kobudo fits very well with the empty-hand arts and can round out a student's martial training. One of the traditional Okinawan principles is that kobudo should be viewed not only as an art of self defense, but also serve as a means of obtaining and maintaining inner peace.
T'ai Chi: Sometimes refered to as moving meditation, T'ai Chi combines slow, dance-like movements with controlled breathing to prduce a relaxed sense of well-being. T'ai Chi is easily adaptable to anyone regardless of age or level of fitness. Its graceful movements build strength in leg and arm muscles, as well as increases flesibility without jeopardizing joints or old injuries. T'ai Chi is excellent for stress reduction and can be used as an accompaniment ot other martial arts as well. Beginners are welcome and can start at any time.
Yoga: Yoga is a practice which originated in India. It translates to mean the way of unification. The Hatha yoga practiced at Roseberry's Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan Martial Arts Center, involves physical postures and breathing to develop strength and focus. The training is physical and energetic, the goal of which is to bring the body into a perfect state of health so the mind and the spirit have a strong base from which to work. The practice ties well into the sanchin, (body, mind and spirit), practice of Karate, the blending and flow of Aikido, the balance of Judo and the grace and control of T'ai Chi. It has also proven to enhance cardio-vascular endurance and lean muscle mass while increasing stamina and reducing the negative effects of stress.
A+ POSITIVE KID POWER: Developed to meet the needs of children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 7, this class introduces students to the basics of karate practice, the importance of awareness and control, and self-defense techniques that can be used by smaller more vulnerable people. Students learn the blocks, punches, and kicks of the more traditional karate classes. Emphasis, though, is on being aware of surroundings and being prepared to respond quickly. Students practice "stillness" to calm their muscles and their minds to aid in awareness, along with focused planning and movement to extract themselves from uncomfortable situations.