Welcome to the Dojo of Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai! Karate-Do literally means: The way of the empty hand. This traditional Japanese Karate develops self-confidence, stamina, self-discipline, agility, physical and mental conditioning, energy level and self-control while learning basic self-defense. Basic fundamentals of Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai style Karate are taught year-round with an opportunity to progress in rank. Competition is a very small and elective part of Karate. Shito-Ryu is one of the four major styles of traditional Japanese Karate. Founded by Master Kenwa Mabuni in 1920, Shito-Ryu combines many of the techniques of two previous masters, Itosu and Higaonna. Our Chief Instructor for the United States is Shihan Fumio Demura, seventh degree black belt and internationally known author, teacher, weapons-master, and unequalled Karate demonstrator. Shihan Demura directly oversees all U.S. dojos. Karate students strive to be strong, quick and decisive in their actions while polite, respectful and humble in their manner. Thus Karate builds the body, mind and character of the Karateka. It is not merely sport, but a way of approaching life itself. In our style of Karate, we are not so concerned with what color of belt the Karateka wears, but instead the quality of the belt wearer. We are often asked about the various colors of the Obi (belt). Juniors start as white belts and progress to three different levels of yellow, followed by three levels of purple, three levels of blue and four levels of red. Adults also start as white belts but progress through three levels of white,three levels of green, three levels of brown and potentially ten dans (levels or degrees of black belt). If this seems like a long endeavor, it is. But, part of our training is patience with ourselves and others. Students are encouraged to be patient and allow plenty of time for all aspects of Karate practice.