One of the four major styles of Karate-do, Shito-ryu was formed by Dai-Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, by an amalgam of Shuri-te and Naha-te styles of karate. Shitoryu has its roots in the White Crane kung-fu which reached Okinawa and evolved over time into Karate. To unify Karate, Masters Itosu and Higaonna taught an exceptional student, Kenwa Mabuni their respective styles of Shorin & Goju ryu katas. Thus Master Kenwa Mabuni is the acknowledged founder of Shito-ryu karate.
His son & successor, Dai-Sensei Kenei Mabuni taught the late Dai-Sensei Moses Thilak (founder and Chief of the Alan Thilak Karate School) and awarded him an 8th dan in the art and the title “Soshihan”, after decades of training under him.
Sensei Jaideep Bhale Rao, trained under the late Dai-Sensei Moses Thilak for twenty four years and was awarded a 7th dan in 2003. After the passing of Dai-Sensei Moses Thilak in 2004, he founded the Kadihai Martial Academy and became an affiliate of Kobe Osaka International (KOI) headed by Sensei Tommy Morris, 8th dan, Sports Commissioner and Chairman of the Referee of the World Karate Federation. To date, all the students of KMA are members of KOI and continue to hold its licenses.
The advantage of Shito-ryu is the combination of techniques and concepts from both the Shorinryu and Gojuryu styles of karate. Katas from both styles are practiced resulting in external and internal training. The style itself has evolved into one of speed and efficiency while retaining effectiveness in both sport and traditional karate arenas.
System of teaching:
We teach Shito-ryu Karate in its traditional form, with emphasis on Kata training and bunkai. Kata is the storehouse of all karate knowledge. Practice of Kata is practice of the basics, stances, movement, shifting of body, focus and developing the mind, body and spirit.
Following the traditional system of grading, 7 kyus are awarded with a color belt starting with yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, junior and senior brown, after which the shodan or Black Belt is awarded.
At each stage, the appropriate syllabus is taught including punches, strikes, blocks, kicks, combinations and Kata. We insist on gradual and steady progress and do not teach “intensive or crash course” programs. Karate is a martial art with its philosophy based on the warriors code and we intend to teach it this way only.
We encourage participation in tournaments as metaphor for facing different situations in life. Importance is given to creating the right state of mind and body of the students rather than exclusive focus on results. For the record, we have produced numerous State and National Champions.
If you need more information please write to us. You can also visit any of our classes and participate in a free class to see if you are interested in this art form.