Home original – North Wind Martial Arts Academy

janis@northwindmartialarts.com

+1 407 365-1649

WHY KARATE- WHY US?

More info

DISCIPLINE

CONFIDENCE

SELF-DEFENSE SKILLS

Shito-ryu Karate Style

Shito-ryu is one of the four major Japanesse
Karate systems that originated in Okinawa.
Shito-ryu was influenced by different masters
in the mid 1800's giving rise to a complex style
that strives to unite the diverse roots of karate.

We provide the best

Traditional Karate
for the Modern World

Our Approach is Physical,
Mental, Social and Emotional
and yes, we also have FUN!

ABOUT US

Karate was originally conceived as a mix of Chinese martial arts and Okinawan native martial arts (known as "te") in the 18th century. The "proto-karate" of the times was divided in three major schools whose influence remains present in modern karate to this day. These schools were Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, named after the Okinawan cities they prospered in. With Chinese influence and innovations by masters through the years, many new styles were born. Shito Ryu is one of the most prominent styles in the world, being recognized as one of the four major styles along with Goju Ryu, Wado Ryu and Shotokan.

Shito Ryu as a style was created in 1931 by Kenwa Mabuni, a martial artist from Shuri who during his career studied under Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, foremost representatives of Shuri-te and Naha-te respectively. Shito Ryu was designed as a blend of Shuri-te's straight, strong techniques and Naha-te's circular and soft techniques - thus creating a versatile style with the ability to adapt to many situations. Shito-Ryu today has the most comprehensive kata syllabus of any style in the world - including not just Shuri-te and Naha-te kata, but also Tomari-te and even kata from minor styles as well. As is common after the passing of the founder, Shito Ryu was split into many branches as leadership was disputed and innovations advanced the art.

Our Branch of Shito Ryu is called Motobu-ha Shito Ryu, or "Motobu's Shito Ryu." It was created by Kosei Kuniba, who learned under both Kenwa Mabuni and Choki Motobu. Motobu was a famous "street fighter" in Japan whom became known for combining traditional karate with advanced fighting techniques. Motobu's influence is also of huge consequence because, he had trained not only with Anko Itosu, but also with Kosaku Matsumura, who was the main proponent of Tomari-te. This means that the karate synthesized by Kuniba has elements of the three main styles of Te, making our style as complete a representation of traditional karate as possible.

INSTRUCTORS

Our head instructor, James Taylor, has 25 years of karate training and holds a 7th degree black belt in shito ryu karate, as well as a 1st degree black belt in Katsugo kickboxing. Certified personal trainer and has previous experience as a security advisor. Kyoshi Taylor is the assistant director of the Kita Kaze Bujutsu Kai.

Kyoshi Henkins holds a 7th degree black belt in shito ryu karate and is also our head kobudo (weapons) and taijitsu instructor

Kyoshi Louria holds a 7th degree black belt in shito ryu karate and is our head instructor in Iaido (Japanese sword)

Also known by the children as “sensei grandpa,” sensei Robert is a second degree black belt in shito ryu with added experience in shotokan and a retired veteran.

Sensei Nikki has been training since she was nine years old, and across the years has earned many, many trophies competing. She holds a second degree black belt in shito ryu karate.

Sensei Precious is the latest black belt from the Taylor family, with nine years of experience training, and five years teaching.

Sempai Jorge started his training in shotokan and switched to shito ryu when he moved to Orlando. He is a brown belt with six years of experience and two years of teaching.

Zak is our only Jr. black belt, and Kyoshi James’ son. He has been training since he was four, and he shows maturity and teaching ability beyond his years.

STAFF

Janis and Brent have a combined 28 years of experience teaching in Japan. Janis holds a Master’s degree in Education and extensive experience working with children. Brent has a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology.

PROGRAMS

EVENING KARATE PROGRAMS ADULTS (Karate, Taijitsu, Iaido) / EVENING KARATE PROGRAM CHILDREN, PERSONAL PROTECTION, AFTERSCHOOL KARATE PROGRAM, SUMMER KARATE CAMP PROGRAM

Karate

Although the main point of martial arts was originally self-defense, we hope you never have to use your skills. The real point of studying martial arts is to challenge yourself, push through the difficulties and transcend your own limitations to achieve your full potential.

The benefits of karate are not limited to self-defense. Karate provides a complete workout, increases confidence and promotes physical and mental well-being. In karate you are constantly learning new things, so the exercise not only provides benefits, but also remains mentally stimulating throughout.

No previous experience required! We welcome people of all ages, sexes, nationalities and religions, and we have no discrimination between higher and lower belts: If you want to learn, we’d love to teach you!

Monday: 7:00 – 8:00 ( Beg/ Int) Friday: 7:00 – 8:00 (Taijitsu/Sword)
Tuesday: 7:00 – 8:00 (Adv) Saturday: 11:00 – 12:00 (All Levels)
Wednesday: 6:00 – 7:00 (Beg/Int)
7:00 – 8:00 (Adult Weapons)

Taijitsu

A hand-to-hand combat style developed for the use of samurai who lost their sword in the heat of battle. Taijitsu adapts sword techniques for close hand-to-hand fighting. Aikijitsu and Aikido are similar martial art traditions that share a heritage with Taijitsu.

Evening Karate Program

Schools have cut back on sports and physical education and childhood obesity is on the rise. Karate is not only excellent physical conditioning, but focuses on effort and resiliency, the building blocks of success. Developing skill in karate helps build confidence and self-esteem. Students are trained not to be bullied or to bully others.

Kids karate classes typically include students from 5 to 13. Older students often find the adult karate classes a better fit, but it depends on the motivation and skill level of the teenager.
We don’t have contracts or special Black Belt track or Instructor track programs. We believe that a student’s internal desire to train, and NOT a contract, is what determines success in the martial arts and that all students should receive instruction that pushes them towards becoming a future black belt and/or instructor in EVERY class. We are not a McDojo!

Monday: 5:30 – 6:30 Thursday: 5:30 – 6:30
Tuesday: 5:00 – 6:00 Saturday: 12:00 – 1:00
Wednesday: 5:00 – 6:00 (Yellows Belts And Above)

Personal Protection

“Pick up from School available”

School have cut back on sports and P.E. Childhood obesity is on the rise. Karate is not inly excellent physical resiliency, the building blocks of success. Developing skill in karate helps build confidence and self-esteem. Students are trained not to be bullied or bully others.