Okinawan Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo:

Uchinadi, more commonly known as Karate has spanned over four thousand years of systematic development. Virtually all Asian and Pacific island cultures have contributed to the development of what we now call modern Karate. However, Karate’s finishing touches were completed on the Ryukyu Islands on the main island of Okinawa by the Okinawan warrior class or Bushi. The Okinawans combined their own native fighting arts with the Chinese arts to form Ti what is now Karate. The Karate designed and practiced by the Okinawan Bushi relied upon simple straightforward techniques which were tested on the early battlefields during centuries of clan warfare.

 

There are many Ryu or styles of Okinawan Karate. The style which we practice is known as Matsubayashi-Shorin-Ryu or Pine Forest Style. Shorin-Ryu relies primarily upon hard blocking techniques designed to inflict injury to the attacker’s arms or legs followed by devastating counter attacks. We emphasize avoiding physical conflict but, if attacked, response must be effective and swift.

 

Benefits:

Unlike more common athletic activities which normally emphasize the over development of specific areas of the body, Karate training develops the entire body equally. Muscles, joints, bone, tendon, and mind are all developed and strengthened. Additionally, there is evidence that the movements found in the Asian martial arts promote healthy internal organs. For whatever reason you choose to practice Karate, you are about to embark on a journey of self discovery where you will go beyond your preconceived limitations.

 

 

Sensei Steve Barth began his Karate training in Matsubayashi-Ryu in 1969 at the age of 14 under the the guidance of Sensei Chuck Carlos. In 1974 He enlisted in the United States Army and served three years. While in the Army, Steve continued his Karate studies in a similar Okinawan style and was promoted to Shodan (1st degree black belt). In 1977 Steve moved back to Columbus, Ohio and continued training and teaching with the American Shorin-Ryu Karate Association under Sensei Paul Keller. While with that organization Steve attained the rank of Sandan (3rd black belt). In 1990 Steve left the ASKA and formed his own dojo at the CompuServe Fitness Center again under the guidance of Sensei Chuck Carlos and Sensei Mike Hixson Sr. In 1993 Steve was the NSMCA total points weapons kata champion for Ontario, Canada as well as the total points champion in weapons and empty hand kata for the U.S. Northeast region. In 1997 Steve became a student to Sensei Devorah Dometrich in RyuKyu Kobudo (ancient weapons).

Steve currently holds the ranks of 8h Dan in Matsubayashi-Ryu under Sensei Mike Hixson Sr and the rank of 3rd Dan in Ryukyu Kobudo under Sensei Devorah Dometrich.