ABOUT US
Why Shidokan?
Testimonials
Adults/Teens
Self-defense - Men, Women & Youth
Instructor
Black Belts/Instructors
Links & Affiliated Dojos
Origins
Lineage Chart
Hanshi Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan
Honorable Masters:  Matsumura, Itosu,                   Chibana, Gusukuma, Motobu & Miyahira

     __________________________ 
WHY SHIDOKAN?
Traditional Okinawan Shorinryu Karatedo

Okinawa map
Karate (empty hand) originated in Okinawa, which consists of many Ryu-kyu islands, about 400 miles south of mainland Japan.  In the 1600s the Japanese samurai ruled supreme and weapons were forbidden to the Okinawans.  In secret they refined what we now call karatedo, or the way of the empty hand, until their unarmed bodies were as deadly as the swords taken from them.  In the more settled times that followed, the art became valued for its health, strength and character enrichment.  Okinawan karate is a cultural treasure and oral tradition that has spread throughout the world and is practiced by millions.

We teach karate as weaponless self-defense, and it is emphasized as a martial art rather than a sport.  It's not about winning tournaments but prevailing over an assailant of any size or strength.  Safety is paramount!  Students are not intimidated, but encouraged to reach for and attain their highest potential.  Achieve confidence and expertise while having fun.  Improve life skills including a deeper respect... for yourself and others.  Learning from and helping each other, and using skills effectively and with good judgment is the true art of karate.


Who Should Take Karate?
Men:  
Promoting good health, self-control, calmness and genuine confidence, while reducing stress and any tendencies toward inappropriate aggression. 
Women:
Providing skills and attitude necessary for confidence in and reliance on themselves, not only in the face of danger, but also in other facets of their lives.
The Elderly:  
Maintaining and in most cases improving balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and overall vitality.


TESTIMONIALS... read comments from students & parents


ADULT/TEEN KARATE, Ages 15+Kick

Skills Taught
     Blocks, kicks, strikes, safe falls and throws (flips/take downs) -- with power, efficiency and control.   
Kata: 
Specific solo moves combine techniques of defense and offense in sequence, so instant and correct reaction is natural if required to defend yourself.  Complexity increases with rank.
Hold Breaks:  
Easy-to-learn practical techniques to break free from an assailant, to use momentum, leverage and vital striking points to prevail in seemingly indefensible situations, regardless of size or strength.   
Partner Drills: 
Practice of defense and offense skills with increasing difficulty while cooperating with each other so both partners benefit and improve.
Board Breaks: 
Rather than entirely a specific goal in itself, it also becomes a peripheral benefit -- a symptom of the strength and focus obtained as a result of karate training.
Kick/Punch Focus Pads: 
Kicks and various strikes to perfect accuracy and balance.
Kumite:  makiwara
Prearranged (and "free") sparring enhances timing, reflexes, balance and coordination, as well as safe falls and throws…with strong emphasis on self-control.  Difficulty increases with skill level.  Intermediate to advanced ranks.
Bunkai:  
Effective application of kata with three or four attackers, including safe falls and throws.  Increases spatial awareness, agility and control.  Advanced ranks.
Makiwara (striking board)...pictured right:
To condition and strengthen while precisely focusing the power of your entire body to a single point.  Advanced ranks. 

How to Tie Belt ("Obi")
How to Tie Belt
(1) Place the middle of the belt in front of the body.  (2) Wrap belt around the back, overlap, and (3) bring back to the front. (4) Make an X with the ends.  (5) The top end goes under both segments of the belt from (6) bottom to the top.  (7) Tie knot.
IMPORTANT:  Gi pants must not touch the floor/ground.  If so, they need to be hemmed for safety reasons -- our first concern!  Floor length can result in a fall.  Rolled-up (they never stay) distracts the student and can be very dangerous.  Correct length is just below the ankle, or above it but below the knee.

The Bow ("Rei")
Boy BowingThe bow in karate is often misunderstood.  It holds no spiritual or religious connotation, nor is it a sign of a master-slave relationship between instructor and student.  Instead, the bow is a cultural practice done to show humility, appreciation and a willingness to learn.  It is also a display of mutual respect between teachers and students, and fellow students.  It most closely correlates with the Western tradition's handshake.  The bow is from a kneeling (Seiza) or standing position.

BowStudents bow when entering the dojo (training area), clearing their minds of distractions, committing to fully focus on and attempt to absorb the material about to be taught.  Bowing toward instructor is to show respect and gratitude for the time and energy devoted to sharing his/her experience, skills and knowledge.  Bowing is to be done between students before and after kumite, bunkai and partner drills.  The ending bows express thanks for furthering each other's skills, and the learning about themselves and their partners.  Bowing upon exiting the dojo signifies that training has finished -- for the moment or for the day -- until time to return.  
 


Seiza - Formal sitting (kneeling) position
Seiza







Left knee down first then right knee, with right great toe crossed over left great toe; knees apart; sit on feet; hands on thighs.  Left hand down first, then right.  Bow ("rei").  Right hand up first, then left.  To rise:  Right knee up first, then left into standing position. See also The Bow.

Karatedo Directive
Understanding the spirit of karate:
No attacks are initiated by a karate practitioner.  Instead there is love of peace, pursuit of harmony and respect for humanity.
Karate begins and ends with courtesy:
Courtesy and respect toward your superiors, equals and beginners is necessary for personal growth.
Practice must be done in utmost sincerity:
Kata, kumite and bunkai practice must be done with sincere belief that you are facing an actual enemy.
Follow the instructions of your sensei and sempai to the best of your ability:
Do not hold a critical attitude toward your instructors or your progress will suffer.  If you do not understand, ask your instructor to explain.
Do not attempt to advance too rapidly:
A solid foundation must be built carefully and cannot be rushed.  Only through perseverance and patience will you reach your goals.
Beware of becoming self-satisfied, boastful or arrogant:
Dedicated practice will bring desired results. To be humble of your skill begets more practice, and thus more skill.

Dojo Manners & Rules
Karatedo will help students ("karate-ka") achieve:  Humility, integrity, and respect for themselves and others, as well as a spirit of cooperation with fellow karate-ka, assistant instructors and other higher-ranked students ("sempai"), and the teacher ("Sensei").
        
  1. Address as Sensei:  Seikichi Iha, Grand Master...always; and Sharon Basinger, Chief Instructor. Also:  In Sensei Basinger’s absence, black belts while instructing at Karate STL.  Black belts while instructing at other dojos.  Ask Sensei Basinger if in doubt.  
  2. Address as Sempai or Mr./Ms:  Sensei's assistants and karate-ka higher ranked than you but below black belt – Sempai, or Mr./Ms., then last name, or first name if they prefer – e.g. “Sempai Chris” or “Mr./Ms. Chris.”  Ask Sensei if unsure.
  3. Observers/Parents:  ALL ages are kindly requested to remain upstairs (or outside during pandemic), due to the lack of space.
  4. When late, it's impolite to simply walk into class.  Instead, quietly warm up by yourself, apart from class.  Then do not join the class yet... stand and wait, just inside the dojo, until instructor signals you to enter.
  5. During class, do not leave training area early, or leave for a break, to talk to observers/parents, etc., without first clearing it with instructor.
  6. Wait to be notified by Sensei Basinger, as to if or when you will test for promotion, rather than inquiring.
  7. Respect all instructors/sempai and follow their directions without question, comment, hesitation or facial expression while in dojo.  For clarification, ask Sensei Basinger privately, apart from others, outside class.
  8. When interacting with other karate-ka, especially those lower in rank, ALWAYS consider their age, skill level, size, strength and any limitations.  Then adjust your speed and power accordingly.  Help each other!

  
SELF-DEFENSE... read about our self-defense program.
Women & Teen, Youth, or Private (Men, Women, Youth)

 
                
INSTRUCTOR

Karate STL Director & Chief Instructor
Kyoshi 7th Dan
Shibu Dojo Director in State of Missouri for
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo AssociationS. A. Basinger  
Sharon Basinger
(Contact Sensei Basinger)
(left) began training in Shidokan in 1989, and has been the Director/Chief Instructor at Karate STL since its inception in 1995.  Seikichi Iha & Sharon BasingerShe attained the internationally recognized and documented title of Kyoshi
*, and rank of 7th Dan ("black belt" degree, but actual belt of 7th Dan is red and white), awarded by world-renowned Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan (right), and the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association.  Karate STL and Basinger Sensei are under direct supervision & guidance of Iha Sensei, who is the President of Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association.  Basinger is that Association's Shibu (branch) Dojo Director in the state of Missouri.  She is on the Beikoku Shidokan Shorinryu Black Belt Examination Committee.  She also actively oversees a Fuku Shibu** (sub-branch) dojo, comprising four separate training locations, in addition to Karate STL.  Basinger previously studied judo, and other styles of karate but she and her late husband, Gordon Basinger, concluded that Shidokan not only promised but also provided the authentic training and philosophy they had been seeking all along.

*    Kyoshi description per Beikoku Shidokan Association By Laws: 
"Knowledgeable Person."  He/she is a senior member who has gained the respect of members from all over, as well as his/her teacher.  The Kyoshi is recognized as being able to represent the Hanshi anywhere the Kyoshi travels.  The Kyoshi is also a Certified Instructor.
            

Read more about Basinger Sensei (her continuous training; background; favorite quotes; Gordon Basinger Sensei)

Black Belts/Instructors
Ameer SyedTony BuiAmeer Syed (above left), Sensei
5th Dan and Fuku Shibu Dojo** Director.  Tony Bui (above right), 5th Dan.  Kevin Queen (below center) and George Fortier (not pictured), 2nd Dan.  Not pictured:  Laura Jenkins, Natalie Bernhardt-Steed, Kristina Carpenter, Glenda and Bryan Petrofsky, 1st Dan.
  Kevin Queen
Junior Black Belts (not pictured) are Stephanie Bartram, Tawni Miranda, Krystal Carpenter, Candice Turner.  (Kristina Carpenter, Laura Jenkins and Natalie Bernhardt-Steed progressed from junior black belt to adult black belt).

As a supplement to their training, these dedicated students also travel when possible to Lansing, Michigan, for even further instruction from Iha Sensei.  They all began as white belts and have since achieved their internationally certified ranks due to diligent training at Karate STL.


**     Fuku Shibu (sub-branch) Dojos... are under the guidance and supervision of their Sensei/Shibu (branch) Dojo Director -- in this case, Sensei Basinger -- who is directly under the Hombu (headquarters) Dojo Director, Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.  Sensei Basinger was proud and very pleased to approve and recommend dojo certification, for the above referenced Fuku Shibu Director, Ameer Syed.

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Links & Affiliated Dojos


ORIGINS

Lineage Chart



Lineage Chart


Honorable Masters
Chosin ChibanaGrand Master CHOSHIN CHIBANA, Hanshi 10th Dan (1885-1969), born June 5, in Shuri City, Okinawa, began training in 1900 at the age of 15 with Grand Master YASUTSUNE "Anko" ITOSU.  Itosu Sensei is considered the Father of Okinawan Karate and is the first person responsible for publicly teaching the art.  Chibana Sensei was the originator of Okinawan Shorinryu, loosely translated as "small forest style" or "pine forest style."  He also formed the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association in 1950 and was its first president.  Among Chibana's many awards was the Kunyonto (4th) Order of the Sacred Treasure presented by the Emperor of Japan, Hirohito, for his devotion to the study and practice of Okinawan karatedo.  He taught almost until the time he died of cancer at the advanced age of 83.  His successor was Katsuya Miyahira.

Chibana Sensei's thoughts and advice on karate.


Grand Master Katsuya MiyahiraGrand Master KATSUYA MIYAHIRA Hanshi 10th Dan, was born on August 8, 1918 in Nishihara City, Okinawa, and died on November 29, 2010 in Naha, Okinawa, at age 92.  Miyahira Sensei started his training with Grand Master Choshin Chibana at age 15.  In 1937, he worked as a school teacher in Manchuria and taught self-defense.  He opened a dojo in Kanehisa, Nishihara, in 1948 naming it "Shidokan."  After Chibana Sensei's death in 1969, Miyahira became the President of the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association.  He was presented with the 1989 Martial Arts Distinguished Service Award (the highest honor of its kind in the world of Japanese martial arts) by the president of the Japan Martial Arts Council.  Among Miyahira's major contributions has been the introduction of obligatory analytical exercises (bunkai) for each of the kata, and the deepening of the philosophical study of karatedo.  His most senior student is Seikichi Iha.

Miyahira Sensei's thoughts on karate and life.


Grand Master Seikichi IhaGrand Master SEIKICHI IHA, Hanshi 10th Dan:  Karate STL and Sharon Basinger are directly under the supervision and teaching of this world-class master.  He is United States Branch Chief for the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association, and the President of the Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association.  A "teacher of teachers," Iha Sensei is the highest ranking Okinawan master residing in the United States.

In 2001 Iha was awarded the rank of 10th Dan from Grand Master
 Katsuya Miyahira.  There was an enthusiastic standing ovation of world-wide friends, family and hundreds of his students at the Beikoku Shidokan 25th Anniversary Celebration in Lansing, Michigan.Beikoku Shidokan

In August 2019, hundreds of Iha Sensei's students and friends traveled to Okinawa for his “Tookachi” celebration.  It’s a person’s 88th birthday/birth year, and is called “Tookachi” in Okinawa, and “Beiju” in mainland Japan.  It is one of the two biggest birthday celebrations, the other being the 97th anniversary, also known as “Kajimayaa.”  The Tookachi celebration typically takes place on the 8th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.


On May 19, 2020, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education announced:
Grand Master, Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan, was recognized as an OKINAWAN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL ASSET by the Okinawan government.  This is the highest award to be bestowed upon an Okinawan Karate Master...and the first time this was awarded to someone living outside Okinawa!

Iha was born in Nishihara City, Okinawa, on July 9, 1932.  His initial karate training was with his uncle but in 1950 he became a student of SHINPAN GUSUKUMA, a student of the famous Anko Itosu.  After Gusukuma's death in 1954, Iha began training with Miyahira Sensei.  He has taught in Guam, the Philippines and Okinawa.  In 1964 he also trained U.S. Marines at Futenma, Okinawa.  1967 to 1975 he taught in Los Angeles, California.  In 1975 he opened his Lansing, Michigan, dojo which is now headquarters for over 30 schools in the U.S., Canada and other countries as distant as Sweden and Israel.  Iha is frequently visited, consulted and revered by karate practitioners from around the globe. 

More about Iha Sensei, including his Tookachi, and his recognition as an Okinawan Intangible Cultural Asset.  As well as what Iha Sensei hopes for his students.

Iha Sensei biography, and an interview on karate.

Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association, Seikichi Iha, President.  
About; membership application; association directory; events; and more.


History
Okinawan, Shorinryu, and Beikoku Shidokan karate history.
Biographies of great masters: Matsumura, Itosu, Chibana, Gusukuma, Motubu and Miyahira.


Karate STL Chronology
From 1995 to the present.


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