The Yamakan Dojo
of
Ogasawara-ha
Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do
Ogasawara-ha Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do is a classical Martial
Way.
The Yamakan Dojo (school) of Shorinji Ryu is located
in the north metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area,
conveniently near Marietta, Kennesaw, and Woodstock.
Shorinji Ryu Karatedo is a classical martial art from Japan that is now practiced around the world. It is a regarded as a "Warrior's Path" that fosters personal growth, forges one's spirit, and leads to harmony and insight. Shorinji Ryu is a comprehensive art, and training encompasses body arts, weapon arts, meditation and more.
The Sensei (teacher) of the Yamakan was trained in the traditional teacher/apprentice fashion and has received teaching certification from Japan. Training is traditional, individualized, non-commercial and non-sport oriented. Classes meet twice per week and are open to those who want to become serious students.
Sensei Van Horne follows the traditional practice of not charging fees for instruction. Students of the Yamakan all pay modest monthly dues to help pay rent for the facility. However, the classical method of teacher-student training through individualized instruction as an apprentice of the art requires earnest dedication. Traditionally, the student repays the teacher for his instruction by hard work, diligence and persistence. Students of the Yamakan are serious about their training and the learning and preservation of this classical Martial Way.
The Yamakan Dojo holds classes in Kennesaw, Georgia located in north Metropolitan Atlanta. Current class times are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information contact
Sensei Wayne Van Horne via email.
Wayne Van Horne holds the rank of 5th Dan in Shorinji Ryu and is Sensei of the Yamakan Dojo in Kennesaw Georgia in Metro Atlanta. He is also East Coast Director for Ogasawara-ha Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do. He has teaching certification in Shorinji Ryu from Japan. He has been active in karate for over 30 years, 26 of which have been as a deshi (student) of Thomas Cauley, 8th Dan, Director of the International Division of Shorinji Ryu. He is also ranked in Aikido and Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo which he pursued as supplementary martial training. He is one of the most highly qualified teachers of classical Japanese Karate-Do in the Atlanta area. He is dedicated to providing his students with authentic warrior training (Budo) in the classical Japanese art of Shorinji Ryu.
His notable achievements include being named Student of the Year at the U.S.A. Shorinji Ryu Hombu (Headquarters) in 1981 and Teacher of the Year in Shorinji Ryu, U.S. Division in 1999 and 2005. In 1982 he founded the University of Georgia Budokai, a student Shorinji Ryu club which is still in operation under Sensei Brad Cahoon, 5th Dan. In 1993 he founded the Yamakan Dojo in Kennesaw where he is Head Instructor. In 1987 he published his master's thesis on research in karatedo and obtained his Master's Degree in Anthropology. In 1993 he received his Ph.D. in Anthropology and attained a position as professor at Kennesaw State University in Metro Atlanta. He has published several articles on his research in karatedo and Japanese martial arts, has taught seminars in karatedo and other martial arts and has placed highly in numerous karate competitions from the mid 1970's to the present.
How do I join the Yamakan Dojo?
Email the Sensei and ask to join.
Where do I get a gi (a traditional uniform)?
A good quality beginner's gi is available from Dragon Associates:
http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Products/Pages/equipt1_2.htm
We are in no way affiliated with them nor do we get any money from your gi order.
I am recommending them because they provide a nice, traditional
gi for an affordable price and I have had good
experiences ordering from them in the past.
What makes Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do different from other karate systems?
It is a Budo -- a "Way" or "Path" of learning and living through Karate training. It is about gaining insight and developing one's self in all aspects. The physical training in Shorinji Ryu retains the original comprehensive nature of a classical art. It involves not only punching, blocking, kicking and striking but also throwing, joint techniques, hold downs, weapons and more. It involves both empty hand and weapons kata (form) training. The physical training is the vehicle for insight and development.
Why should I learn Karate-Do?
People begin training for many reasons -- health, fitness, longevity, self defense, self confidence, meditation, etc. Karate-Do provides all of these and more. It is a total Way or Path of learning, not merely a sport or fitness activity.
How much will it cost/ what are the fees?
The class is non-commercial. There isn't any fee for instruction. Students of the Yamakan all pay modest monthly dues to help pay rent for the facility. Students traditionally "pay" through dedication, perseverance, hard work and consistent attendance. Becoming a student incurs the obligation of diligently learning the art. No earnest student will be refused due to inability to contribute dues. If you decide to continue after the first couple of classes you are required to wear a white traditional style gi ("karate uniform") and white obi (belt). This will cost about $30. Annual registration fees with our governing organization in Japan are $25. Testing fees are minimal-- under $25 up to shodan rank (first black belt).
I have a busy schedule and can't attend all of the classes every
week. Can I still participate/ progress?
Yes. Consistency is the key to learning and growth as in all things.
If you attend consistently you will progress.
I think I might be too old or out of shape. Can I still participate?
Yes. Training is progressive, so you will constantly improve your level of fitness.
How good is the teacher?
Any Budo class reflects the character of its teacher. Van Horne Sensei has over three decades of training in classical Japanese martial arts including over a quarter of a century of training in Shorinji Ryu and collateral training and rank in three other martial arts. He has been teaching a wide range of students since 1982. His rank and certification as a qualified teacher were bestowed by the International Director of Shorinji Ryu and the governing organizations in Japan. These qualifications are rare among teachers in the U.S.
Do you have a children's class?
Not currently.
