Okinawa Karate-do Shorinji-ryu Shinkokai USA Branch

The U.S. branch of Okinawa Karate-do Shorinji-ryu Shinkokai trains in Poulsbo, where Nicholas Sherbina teaches Shorinji-ryu, a traditional Okinawan karate style; the school's chief mentor in Okinawa is Hitoshi Oyakawa sensei, 9th Dan. Oyakawa sensei was a direct student of Joen Nakazato, who named the style in 1954 so that the karate of Chotoku Kyan would be passed on in its entirety. The branch runs as a non-profit devoted to preserving, teaching and promoting traditional Okinawa karate-do.

Basic techniques are learned through kata, the original forms handed down from karate's founders. The style keeps eight as its core, seven empty-hand forms and one bo kata, which Kyan gathered from teachers in both the Shuri-te and Tomari-te traditions. Sherbina, a 4th degree black belt (yondan) with over 25 years in the martial arts, has traveled to Okinawa to train under Oyakawa sensei. He describes his teaching as individualized attention in a relaxed training environment, which he calls characteristic of karate as practiced in Okinawa. The school says Okinawan karate builds self-defense skills and physical conditioning along with a still mind that stays calm, and its classes are non-competitive.

Everyone from age 13 can join, at any experience level. Classes meet in the Kitsap Aikido space in Poulsbo on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday evenings. The first two classes are free, and membership is month to month with no contract. For anyone whose week doesn't fit the group times, private lessons are arranged around their schedule.