Shorin-ryu Karate School

Shorin-ryu Karate School Shorin-Ryu Karate School was established in 1990 to promote original Okinawa Karate & Ryukyu Kobudo

Shorinryu Karate School was established in 1990 as a means of promoting original Chibana-style Shorin-ryu karate-do and Ryukyu kobudo. We teach an authentic form of martial art passed down from generation to generation, as opposed to sport or tournament style karate.Okinawan karate is noted for its emphasis on strict discipline in the dojo, rigorous training, and excellence in basic techniques. Okinawan karate masters believe that it is better to learn one technique well than to learn 100 poorly. Shorin-ryu karate uses approximately 85% hand and 15% foot techniques, in addition to many grappling maneuvers and sweeping take-down moves.Practicing and studying the art of karate-do is an excellent way for a person to improve both physically and mentally. Through consistent and patient training, individuals are able to improve flexibility, coordination, strength, and reflexes, and also sharpen their mind. Karate-do training has proven itself as a foundation in helping build a person’s character.The essence of orthodox Okinawan karate-do, as expressed by the Okinawa Karate-do Association, and Ernest Estrada sensei, who is the president of the North American branch: "Okinawan karate is not based on winning - it is based on not losing." Training then becomes its own reward with the idea that Okinawan karate is for everyone, not just for those who are competitive. Women, children, and older people benefit from the systematic methods as employed by our black belts.

09/13/2026

Defense against a knife is serious business. Be sure to get stabbed safely.
🔪 😂

All of us who train in our dojo should read and understand what this author is expressing. I've said it again and again:...
09/11/2026

All of us who train in our dojo should read and understand what this author is expressing.
I've said it again and again: Your worst day of training in the dojo will become your best day outside the dojo if you ever need to rely on it.

Why getting it right once is only the beginning One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that […]

Since we were *just* talking about this and addressing similar points a couple of sessions ago.
08/15/2026

Since we were *just* talking about this and addressing similar points a couple of sessions ago.

A few years ago I came across a quote from Minoru Higa sensei of Kyudokan Shorin-ryu that I found interesting.

Oh no! The “karate,” “open” sign finally fizzled out after nearly 40 years! WE ARE OPEN, tonight and every scheduled day...
07/20/2026

Oh no! The “karate,” “open” sign finally fizzled out after nearly 40 years!
WE ARE OPEN, tonight and every scheduled day & night!

Hello Everyone,As much as I dislike interrupting class and training, I believe it is in the best interest of our student...
07/15/2026

Hello Everyone,
As much as I dislike interrupting class and training, I believe it is in the best interest of our students and the overall health of our dojo to cancel classes this evening, Wednesday, July 15.

Due to a heat index advisory of 110°F and an air quality advisory related to the wildfires surrounding our state, it would be unsafe to hold tonight’s sessions. Because we must keep the windows open to cool the space with fans, the poor air quality (combined with the aforementioned heat index) would likely make training unsafe.

Classes will resume on Thursday, July 16th, at 5:30 PM for the Advanced Class.

Thank you,
Sean Thayer — Shihan/Renshi, Hombu director
Shorin-ryu Karate School
師範 / 錬士, 本部長

For those who’ve missed (skipped) class due to the heat. You’re missing out on that real Okinawan feeling whilst trainin...
07/02/2026

For those who’ve missed (skipped) class due to the heat. You’re missing out on that real Okinawan feeling whilst training and that good karate smell. 😆

2026 International Karate Day—schedule and celebrations in Okinawa
06/23/2026

2026 International Karate Day—schedule and celebrations in Okinawa

沖縄伝統空手道振興会は、沖縄伝統空手道を継承・発展させるとともに「空手道及び古武道発祥の地・沖縄」を世界へと発信してまいります。

06/05/2026

No one showed up for the 5:30 PM class so I’m closing the dojo early.
Will return for tomorrow morning classes.

06/03/2026

Japan's government will hold a ceremony on Nov. 22 to mark restoration work being completed on Shuri Castle's main hall in Okinawa Prefecture, which burned down in 2019.

05/27/2026

Over time, karate becomes about far more than self-defense.

Address

1420 Plainfield Avenue NE 3FL
Grand Rapids, MI
49505

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 1pm
5pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 1pm
5pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 5:30pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 1pm
Saturday 10am - 11:30am

Telephone

+16165770972

Website

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