Welcome to Samurai Budokan Dojo

Samurai Budokan teaches Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and is a school dedicated to training in traditional Japanese budo (the martial way). We believe that the essence of Karate is the forging of mind and body through training in the traditional martial techniques, refined and handed down to us by the founder of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Miyagi O'Sensei.

ADULT PROGRAMS not only offer effective self-defense and fitness but offer sparring (Kumite) as a sport activity that practices karate techniques in a free-style environment.

CHILDREN PROGRAMS

Wise Sensei and Rebecca Uzick Sempai with Carolina Gutierrez.  Karate is a great activity for children and builds discipline, self-confidence, focus, goal-setting, flexibility, coordination, and much more.

Take a look at our programs and come experience a FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS.  
CLICK FOR OUR SCHEDULE.  IF you have any questions please contact us . 

2217 Highway 6 South, Houston, Texas
281-920-5500
West End Square (Between Westheimer & Briar Forest)
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CLICK THE MAP FOR DOJO DIRECTIONS

Goju-Ryu Karate is more than just a martial art. Our special training and practice make Goju-Ryu a vehicle by which we can develop our character along with that of our training partners. In this sense, Karate-do, is the "way of Karate". It is our hope that the discipline of training in Goju-Ryu, as a budo, will eventually result in a "flowing and flexible mind that is able to react to anything it confronts, instinctively, fearlessly, and without hesitation, regardless of the situation" (ken zen ichi nyo).

Goju-ryu karate has its roots in Southern Chinese Martial Arts. It is a blend of the soft and flowing dynamics of Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu (mainly White Crane style) along with other influences such as Tai Chi Chaun and the powerful direct techniques of Chinese kempo.  It was developed into Naha-te (open hand of Naha, Okinawa) by Kanryo Higaonna in the late 1800's and structured into its present form by Master Chojun Miyagi in the early 1900s.  

Goju-ryu is based on two oriental concepts of hardness and softness that balance each other into perfect harmony for self-defense and personal wellness. Goju-Ryu Karate-do literally  means "Hard and Soft Way" and was given its name by founder Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1933.  Today, the Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF) and the World Karate Federation (WKF) recognize Goju-Ryu as one of the four major Karate styles worldwide.

Goju-Ryu karate is a close-range highly effective self-defense system characterized by defensive circular, sweeping and deflective techniques (soft), with attacks that are direct, destructive and devastating (hard). Goju-Ryu students and the style are associated with hard body conditioning and the use of supplementary equipment (hoju undo), and the fundamental breathing and strengthening kata "Sanchin". 

Please accept our invitation to come and join us in the practice of this beautiful and amazing martial art. We hope that you will also come to experience the many benefits that it offers. Feel free to contact us if we can answer any questions or help you in any way. 

What is Karate?  
"True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice."
- Gichin Funakoshi

Karate translated either means "Chinese hand" or "Empty hand" depending on which Japanese or Chinese characters you use to write it. Okinawan karate, such as the Goju-Ryu style we teach, tends to be hard and external. In defense they are more circular, and in offense linear in the way techniques are executed. Okinawan karate styles, generally,  place more emphasis on rigorous physical conditioning than the Japanese styles. Japanese styles tend to have longer, more stylistic movements and to be higher commitment. They also tend to be linear in movement versus angular or circular.

Both tend to emphasize kicks and punches, blocks, strikes, evasion, throws, joint manipulations and a strong offense as a good defense.  Karate techniques consist basically of hand and foot techniques. Hand techniques are divided into defensive and offensive moves and foot techniques into snap and thrust kicks.  Other important elements of Karate include stances, body shifting, hip rotation, and breathing.

 Training differs widely but most of the Karate styles emphasize a fairly equal measure of basic technique training (Kihon), forms (Kata), and sparring (Kumite). Forms are stylized patterns of defense and attack done in specific sequences.  Applications of the kata are done as separate training. An art of self-defense as well as a sport, Karate has in recent decades proliferated worldwide. It is one of the most widely practiced of the Asian martial arts.

What Belt System Do You Have and How Long To Black Belt?
Our system starts at White Belt and progresses through the colored belt grades (Kyu's) of:

Through to Shodan (Ist Degree Black).  Children under ten wear white belts with colored stripes. Incoming Black Belts in associated traditional styles will keep their Black Belt depending on currency and then transition into Goju-Ryu.  A typical beginner with no prior martial arts experience can expect to earn a Black Belt in 48-54 months depending on their level of training and commitment. This time may be shortened based upon prior training, ability and dedication.

How much does is cost?

Our programs vary in cost and our competitive within the area. 
Although this is usually one of the first and most important questions of a new student it is important to emphasize that professional martial arts instruction, just like gymnastics, skating, flying, etc., is a valued cost.  In other words, if you desire to attain a goal such as a Black Belt then your time, effort, and money must be well spent to be worthwhile.  In addition to a specific program you also have opportunities for seminars, contests, personal coaching and the use of the dojo's exercise, and traditional conditioning equipment. We are dedicated to providing you the best possible instruction for your commitment and helping you attain your goals.  

Please Contact Us if you are interested in any of our programs and we'll be glad to discuss them with you, or call direct during business hours (281) 920-5500.

Be sure to ask about our FREE CLASSES!

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