Karate - The Way of Empty Hands
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Renshinkan in the USA
Shorinji-Ryu karate-do was first introduced to the eastern USA by Ryoichi "Ted" Takarada in 1968 when he began teaching at SHODOKAN Dojo (then in Swampscott,MA). Upon his return to Japan in 1969, Sensei Takarada promoted Joseph S. Campisi to the role of Chief Instructor. He holds the rank of sixth degree black belt (rokku dan) and as such is the highest ranking black belt in Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Do in the USA
The instruction of Shorinji-Ryu Karate emphasizes three primary principles: Courtesy, Respect, and Discipline. Classes are conducted in formal manner with all students wearing traditional white karate uniforms (gi) with no unnecessary adornments.
Each class begins with 20 to 30 minutes of calisthenics. Classes are designed to develop strength, endurance and concentration; as well as to teach good basic karate techniques. Sparring is used as a method of practicing learned techniques and improving their effectiveness.
Students are never required to compete in tournaments and no one is required to defeat any number of other students in order to receive rank. Promotion tests are held twice a year: advancement is determined by each student's knowledge of the required techniques, form, speed, power, and concentration with which they are performed.
