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Old School Okinawan Karate

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In the late 80's I  joined the Detroit branch of the Grand Rapids Michigan dojo which was headed by Sensei Michael Dantuma, who was going to law school at Wayne State. Sensei Michael Dantuma is a life-long friend, and senior student, of Sensei Allen Mayne, Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt), the Head Instructor of the Grand Rapids Michigan Shibu Dojo.  I made that decision because I believed that it was the best way to accomplish several of my personal goals, which were:  
  • True to the Original Way. I wanted to regularly drive to Lansing to attend Sensei Iha's (10th dan) classes , and to bring that knowledge home and practice it. It was important to me, that I was not taught one way at a home dojo and another way by the master instructor, Sensei Iha. Mike and Allen have always encouraged this.
  • Physical Fitness and Conditioning. I wanted a physically demanding workout. In the "Ten Articles of Karate," Anko Itosu makes numerous references to physical strength, health, and longevity. Today, modern medicine echo's these thoughts with the promotion of aerobic exercise, which is something that is accomplished at this dojo.
  • Effectiveness and Skill. While everyone knows that when learning a new technique, you must practice it at half speed, it is also true that in order to become proficient at a technique, full speed practice must also be done. Again, this is something that occurs in this dojo.

After Sensei Michael Dantuma graduated from Law school, I became head of the Detroit Branch of the Grand Rapids Shibu Dojo, and remain the head of this Fuku-Shibu Dojo today. For over 22 years, I have maintained my personal goals outlined above and taught students in this way.  In 2009, due to political issues at the Hombu in Lansing Michigan, I felt it was necessary to leave the Beikoku Association.  I continue to teach as I have been taught with the above goals in mind.

Jim Hoffer, Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)

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Contact us at:
shidokan@shorin-ryushidokan.com
(248) 360 3996

Copyright Old School Okinawan Karate, updated February 2011