Karate

Shido-kan Shorin-ryu Karate

Shido-kan a style of Okinawa Shorin-ryu karate that we study in the Christian Life Center classes. The history of the style goes back centuries and incorporates techniques developed for the bodyguards of the Kings of Okinawa. Our instructor is Mark Swarthout, 1st Dan, who trains at the Detroit Dojo under Sensei Robert Menders, a 7th degree black belt who has been studying for almost thirty years.

Sensei Menders' instructor is Sensei Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan and head of the North American Beikoku Shido-kan style. Hanshi Iha's dojo is in Lansing and he visits the Detroit area three or four times a year. Both Mark and Sensei Menders visit Lansing to train with Sensei Iha on a regular basis.

Sensei Robert Menders conducting testing.

Friendship - Cooperation - Partnership

Sensei Iha always stresses that an important part of Shido-kan karate is promoting friendship among dojo partners. All students are valued, regardless of rank and ability. Only through mutual cooperation and partnership will everyone be able to improve. You must train with an open and empty mind. You don't do the drills with an opponent; you do them with a partner!

Karate promotes awareness of one's self, both body and mind, as well as the world around you. This not only helps when attacked, but also helps when dealing with everyday accidents. The ability to react to a door opening in your face is just as much self defense as avoiding getting hit! The flexibility and strength, as well as the cardiovascular benefits, obtained through participation in karate will keep you healthy through a long life.

Joining the clc Dojo

A dojo is a school for training in Japanese arts of self-defense. To be a member of our dojo requires:

1. Registration with the Christian Life Center (clc).
2. A willingness to learn.
3. Being 7-14 years old, or an adult for the adult class. We will allow 6 year olds to try out the class. If they can follow instructions and pay attention, they can come back!

Classes

The Junior Karate class has students 7-9 years old, the Senior Karate class has students 9-14 years old, the adult class is for adults only..

The schedule for these classes is found on the Christian Life Center Schedule page.

Parents are welcome to join their child in class for the same cost as their child. If there are more than two family members participating, talk to the instructor about a family discount. There is not currently an adult program, but one is anticipated.

Mark Swarthout instructing Sempai (the Senior Student).

Costs

The Junior Karate class is $5 per session, payable to the clerk. The Senior Karate class is $8 a session. The Adult class is $10 a session. Please insure that the appropriate fee is paid before the start of class. There is no initiation fee or contract to sign!

Each student is responsible for his or her own uniform. Testing fees are collected to cover the cost of the attractive certificate signed by Hanshi Iha and Sensei Menders and registration.

For further information, contact the Christian Life Center.