GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome to the dojo ... - Seattle Kobukan

GENERAL INFORMATION
Welcome to the dojo. At THE SEATTLE KOBUKAN, we practice
the art of karatedo as it is practiced on Okinawa today.
Classes are structured for learning authentic Okinawan
karatedo as a method of self-defense, fitness, and selfimprovement.
No one of these goals is sacrificed for
development of the other, as this would be unbalanced
training.
Training is done in a traditional manner with emphasis on
basic techniques, kata, kata bunkai (application of
techniques), body conditioning, and sparring. Each class
generally starts with warm-up drills and stretching followed by
brief basic exercises. Class structure then can include an array
of drills and techniques aimed at developing strong wellrounded
karateka. Drills may include, prearranged sparring,
kicking pad and focus mitt drills, grappling, kata, bunkai and
sparring. All classes foster a spirit of dojo community and
friendship through training. Students are expected to adhere
to the dojo kun and act accordingly. We want tough training
with a safe, friendly atmosphere.
HISTORY OF THE STYLE
At the Seattle Kobukan, we practice Shorin ryu karatedo, or
more specifically, Matsumura Kenpo. Shorin ryu is a very old
style of Okinawan karate from which many styles have
developed. Perhaps the most famous practitioner of karate
was “Bushi” Matsumura (1797-1889). One of Matsumura’s
students was his grandson, Nabe (d. 1930’s) who, in turn,
taught the most famous modern master, Hohan Soken (1889-
1982). One of Hohan Soken’s top students was Yuichi Kuda.
O'shinshii Kuda passed away in 1999 but his son, Tomosada,
has assumed the role of kaicho for the Association. Each year,
he travels to the U.S. to oversee and teach his many students
here. Karatedo as Kuda shinshii teaches it is chiefly aimed at
physical proficiency and self-improvement. The greatest
attribute of a karateka, according to Kuda shinshii, is to be
gentle hearted yet strong if needed. At the Seattle Kobukan,
we practice toward this end.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
John R. Stebbins began his training in Tae Kwon Do while in
the 3rd grade in Gastonia, NC. After 3 months of humiliation,
he quit and did not start training again until 1978 in San Soo
Kung Fu. During college he continued training in Traditional
Tae Kwon Do and in 1985 he began training in “American
Karate” (essentially Isshin Ryu) and achieved shodan in 1988.
Moving to Seattle in 1989, John became a student of Jim
Knoblet in Matsumura Kenpo Shorin Ryu karate and met and
studied with the founder of the system, Kuda Yuichi, from
Okinawa, Japan. From 1990-1999, John traveled to Okinawa
and throughout the US accompanying and training with Kuda
shinshii until his death in 1999. Following his death, his son,
Tomosada, became the Kaicho (president) of the Okinawa
Shorin Ryu Matsumura Kenpo Karate Kobudo Association and
continues to travel to the US to teach yearly. During his career
in Martial Arts, John has also trained in Japanese jujutsu,
Aikido, Judo, Brazilian jiujitsu, Muay Thai and other styles of
karate. He continues to travel to Okinawa and throughout the
US with Kuda Tomosada for further study each year.
John Stebbins is currently honored to hold the following ranks,
titles, and/or certifications all issued personally by the late
Kuda Yuichi or Kuda Tomosada from the International
Headquarters of the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Kenpo
Karate and Kobudo Association Headquarters in Urasoe City,
Okinawa, Japan:
Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), Renshi
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) Kobudo
Kyoshi (teacher’s license)
Chikuhonbucho (Director)
Dojo Charter
THE CLASSES
Immediately upon arrival, students are expected to remove
their shoes and change into their gi’s (or appropriate clothing
for beginners). When asked to do so, everyone is to line up to
prepare for class. The teacher will signal the students to sit in
seiza (kneeling position) and give two commands, “kyosuke
(attention), and rei (show respect). Class will then begin as
instructed.
Classes will focus on basic techniques of punching, blocking,
kicking, footwork, and choreographed fighting sequences
known as kata. Through diligent practice in these areas, the
student will develop fitness and proficiency in self-defense. As
students become more proficient, more complex kata and
methods of self-defense are explored. Kobudo (ancient
weapons) is generally begins at the rank of 5th kyu and above.
Location: 1475 85th St. (Ballard)
Class Times: Tues and Thursday: 6-8 pm
There is a black belt class on Tuesdays from 8-9.
SEMINARS
Each year, usually in early September, the Kaicho of Matsumura
Kenpo, Kuda Tomosada, travels to the US to teach seminars
around the US. All Association members in good standing are
encouraged and welcome to attend the seminars. This is a
yearly opportunity that should not be missed!
FEE SCHEDULE
$40.00 per month if paid in full each month.
All payments go to Ann Stephens, senpai (the dojo senior
student and treasurer).
There is a year Association membership fee of $25.00 due
along with their first month’s dues. This fee is collected on a
yearly basis for any student who is an active member of the
dojo. Association fees are paid to John Stebbins.
PROMOTIONS AND PROMOTION FEES
Students are promoted based on work ethic and progress in
technique, kata and attitude. Each student is considered
individually for promotion and there is no comparative progress
assessment.
Promotion Fees:
9-7 Kyu $10.00
6-4 Kyu $15.00
3-1 Kyu $20.00
Shodan $40.00
Nidan $50.00
Sandan $70.00
Yondan $100.00
Godan $150.00
Note: add $3.00 for each level up to Shodan for colored belt.
BELT COLORS
Belt colors used at the Seattle Kobukan are those authorized by
the Matsumura Kenpo Association and are as follows:
10 Kyu White
9-7 Kyu Yellow
6-4 Kyu Green
3-1 Kyu Brown
Shodan – Yondan – Black belt with no stripes on the belt. May
have kanji for Matsumura Kenpo on one side and either name
or rank (in kanji) on the other side.
Godan/Rokudan, Renshi – Black Belt with one gold stripe on
both ends of the belt. Kanji for Renshi on one side and
Matsumura Kenpo on the other.
Nanadan/Hachidan – Kyoshi – Black Belt with two gold stripes
on both ends of the belt. Kanji for Kyoshi on one side and
Matsumura Kenpo on the other.
Shihan – may wear red and white belt or black belt as
described above. Red and white belt has kanji for the wearer’s
name on one side and Matsumura Kenpo on the other.
Kudan/Judan – Black Belt with three gold stripes on both ends
of the belt. May also wear a solid red belt.
UNIFORMS/WHAT TO WEAR
New students should wear loose fitting workout clothes until
they have purchased a gi. New students wishing to continue
training must purchase a gi by the end of the first month's
training. All other students are required to wear a traditional
white karate gi with the Association patch on the left breast.
Only black belt students can wear a combination of black and
white gi's.
Since karate is a contact endeavor, all students must remove
any jewelry prior to training.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
The Seattle Kobukan is a small private dojo. The sensei
reserves the right to refuse instruction to anyone. All students
are on a probationary period for the first 3 months of
instruction. This is to evaluate character, sincerity and work
ethic. The student is expected to excel in these areas. It is
possible membership in the dojo may not be renewed if the
student is not demonstrating these basic precepts. All
prospective students must speak to the instructor prior to
beginning classes.

RANK REQUIREMENTS OF MATSUMURA KENPO
The following times in rank are minimum. Exceptions can be
made according to individual progress.
From 10 - 9 Kyu: Minimum of 40 hrs actual training time;
Naihanchi
Shodan
From 9 - 8 Kyu: Minimum of 40 more hrs actual training
time; Pinan
Nidan
From 8 - 7 Kyu: Minimum of 40 more hrs actual training
time; Pinan Shodan
From 7 - 6 Kyu: Minimum of 60 more hrs actual training
time; Nisedi Shodan,
Naihanchi Nidan
From 6 - 5 Kyu: Minimum of 60 more hrs actual training
time; Nisedi Nidan;
Bo Exercises
From 5 - 4 Kyu: Minimum of 60 more hrs actual training
time; Pinan Sandan;
Nisedi Sandan; Bo Kihon nu Kata
From 4 - 3 Kyu: Minimum of 80 more hrs actual training
time; Pai Sai Sho,
Pinan Yondan; Tonfa Exercises, Tonfa Kihon nu Kata
From 3 - 2 Kyu: Minimum of 80 more hrs actual training
time; Naihanchi
Sandan; Pinan Godan; Sai Exercises; Sai Kihon nu Kata
From 2 - 1 Kyu: Minimum of 80 more hrs actual training
time; Pai Sai Dai,
Nisedi Yondan, Kama Exercises; Kama Kihon nu Kata.
Shodan: Chinto; Nisedi godan; Kuda Nu Nitanbo
Nidan: Gojushiho; Renshin Nu Tonfa; Kobukan Nichogama
Sandan: Kushanku; Sukuga Nu Sai
Yondan: Rohai; Kobukan Eku
Godan: Kobudi Sho; Kuda Nu Nichogama; Kobudi Dai,
Nunchaku
NOTE
The requirements above are general guidlines. Some students
time in rank may vary according to serveral factors as
determined by the instructor.
DOJO RULES
Students should arrive for class on time and ready to focus on Matsumura
Kenpo practice.
Before stepping on the main floor, remove shoes and change into the
proper clothing.
Students should not change into their dogi in the dojo (tops ok, pants
should be changed in the wash room).
All gi’s and training clothes are to be kept clean.
Remove all extraneous jewelry-especially rings.
Please keep fingernails and toenails properly manicured.
If you arrive after class has begun, change into your dogi and warm up
and wait for the shinshii to signal you on the floor.
No one leaves the floor during class without permission. Emergencies are
OK.
Breaks are taken only when designated by the shinshii-this includes quick
towel-offs and drinks.
In response to a request from the shinshii, students should respond with
"hai" (Japanese for "yes"). "Hai" is a universal courtesy.
While practicing, students should refrain from unnecessary talking.
Practice only katas that you have been assigned in class.
Corrections should be left up to the shinshii unless otherwise specified.
Keep the utmost respect for yourself and classmates inside and outside of
the dojo.
Any student who uses karate without just provocation will be expelled
from the class.
DOJO KUN (Okinawa Shorin Ryu Kobukan directions for karate practice)
Those who study karate must always be polite so that they may not be
selfish.
They must be polite not only to master and seniors, but also to fellows
and juniors.
They must always begin and end with greetings when practicing karate
forms and playing practice matches.
Karate forms are the base of karate. They must practice and study the
forms and matches eagerly without making haste for the successful
result.
The variety of karate skill is limitless. They must always make efforts to
train the mind and improve the skill.
When they play practice matches, they must do their best at
concentrating their attention so that the motions may be faster, stronger,
and more accurate. They must not get excited in the matches.
They must always remember to improve the skill and study the essence of
it. There is no end in practicing karate.
In daily life, they must always behave well. They must not be hot-blooded
or quarrel with anyone.
They must not be self-centered because they have made progress. They
will not improve the skill and their natural virtue, but will do harm to
others if they are self-centered.
More than strength is needed in karate. The purpose of karate is not only
to train the body and the mind, but also to make efforts to achieve a good
personality by practicing faithfully and to be a good member of society.
Mastery of karate is not a race, focus only on your own training.
SEATTLE KOBUKAN
Seattle, Washington
THIS IS A PRIVATE DOJO
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FOR INFORMATION
Contact Information:
John R. Stebbins
206-850-0636
Email: seakobukan@matsumurakenpo.org
Web: www.seattlekobukan.org
Authentic Okinawan Karate and Kobudo
sanctioned by
The Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Kenpo
Karate and Kobudo Association
Urasoe, City
Okinawa, Japan