Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

About the Club

TL;DR:

Update: As of the end of the Fall 2024 semester the club has disbanded and will no longer be meeting. Thank you to all of our members!

If you are looking to learn self defense, or just a fun way to get fit, show up at any of our practice sessions! Your first semester is entirely free of charge!

As of Fall 2023, we've moved our roster from WIN to DoSportsEasy. Register for the club here!

When we meet

This Fall 2024, we'll meet at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center Tuesdays in the Classroom from 8-10 pm, as well as Saturdays in Tempo Studio from 10am-12pm. Come by any time, no experience is necessary!

Who we are

Shorin-Ryu Karate is a club sport that has been teaching students martial arts skills since 1972. Currently we have several Senseis (teachers), many of whom are students and staff at the university. Students in this class come from all walks of life, sharing the common desire to study a martial art. The ultimate goals of this dojo are to teach personal self-protection skills, improve physical fitness, share the rich history of the Shorin-Ryu martial arts, and to create a learning environment for self-mastery.

A typical class...

During a typical class, students start with some warm-up drills and body-weight fitness exercises, then practice a wide variety of techniques through kata (drills) and bunkai (practical applications).We utilize individual drills, partner drills, and group drills.

Sometimes, we engage in light to moderate contact and kobudo, or the ancient weapons of karate like bo, sai, nunchaku, tonfa etc. 

Training Philosophy

The study of kata is central to the martial arts, and a fundamental part of our curriculum. Kata are the forms which illustrate how individual techniques are put together to defend ourselves if ever the need should arise. The kata, which may be interpreted as a sequence of simple offensive techniques (e.g. punching, grappling, throwing etc.), have more subtle interpretations. The Okinawan masters who studied this art developed pressure point and joint manipulations that allow a karateka to control a much larger opponent. Our dojo studies these techniques, and integrates them into an effective personal self-defense system.

Typically, new students participate in learning pressure point methods and joint locks right away. Our first three kata are readily accessible to new students. Rank is not based strictly on how long a student has studied martial arts, but rather by ability to perform kata and explain bunkai (applications). On average, a new student can assimilate the entire introductory curriculum within one or two semesters. This represents proficiency at basic techniques and selected kata.

Advanced students may study the kobudo, or the ancient weapons as training devices, although emphasis is still placed on the effective use of empty hands (kara-te) to defend oneself. Additionally, advanced students earn teaching responsibilities. A student's training culminates in his or her black belt test, which represents proficiency in karate. Really, however, the black belt is only a beginning of another journey, into the great breadth and depth of the martial arts.

Summary

Teaching tangible self-defense skills in a friendly, collegiate atmosphere, Shorin-Ryu Karate Club draws on the strength of its members to enhance the martial arts experience. Although we pride ourselves on training in the traditional Okinawan skills, we also incorporate modern methods into our training to assure the best class content possible. We attend a few local tournaments, and individuals are encouraged to explore seminars that come to the Chicago area. Since we associate with a second Shorin-Ryu dojo (located at the YMCA), we enjoy a great sharing of knowledge, skill and camaraderie. We are always happy to welcome new members.