Shuri Dojo - About Us

Kobudo image — Kobudo alongside traditional karate

The Shuri Dojo™ (formally the Kazoku Dojo) was first established in the UK in 1985, teaching children and adults traditional karate. In 2015 we were invited to teach at a local karate school in the Palos Hills area of Illinois, USA. We relocated from the UK to the Chicago suburbs in 2016.

Karate in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, prior to the 1900's was taught as a way of protecting yourself from civilian attacks and wasn't governed by style as it is today. Our dojo follows the older Okinawan tradition of training from a small home based dojo. What we lack in size, we make up in quality and the sincerity of our training. There are classes each week for all levels and abilities.

The main difference in the way we practice and teach our karate, is the underlying philosophy that all our studies are based around the use and creation of techniques and principles used in actual self-protection, rather than used in any sporting context.

We welcome new members who wish to study and discover the traditional principals and skills within our art. Our aim is the preservation of our art, the cultural traditions and heritage we have been entrusted with and passing on our art to the next generation of students.

Dojo Information

At the Shuri Dojo we have the following:

Coaching Certificate
Chief Instructor Ex-EMT Paramedic
Public / Liability Insurance
Child Protection Policy
Highly Experienced Instructors
Authentic style traditional private dojo

We know the hardest step is the first one, we were all beginners once, so make that important first step with us at the Shuri Dojo. Don't delay, come and JOIN US and become part of our traditional karate family.

"Ichariba chode" (行逢りば兄弟). An Okinawan expression ….. “Though we meet but once, even by chance, we are friends for life.”

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
ADAM CARTER 8th Dan

Training since 1974
Wado-Ryu, Okinawa-Te
Sankukai/Shito-Ryu
Ryukyu Shuri-Te
Hanshi certificate
Click here for biography

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
NOEL CARTER 6th Dan

Training since 1999
Freestyle kickboxing
Boxing, Kyokushin
Ryukyu Shuri-Te
Shihan certificate
Click here for biography

Please Note:

We do not accept all applications for membership. Our dojo follows the older Okinawan tradition of training from a small home based dojo. We have a selective student intake on a periodic basis. Traditional training is typically limited to small, dedicated groups of students, who are seeking to achieve a high level of disciplined, skills and values. Therefore preserving the culture and foundation of our art.

Note for experienced martial artists: This is a private dojo that is not open to visitors without first gaining permission to train. The dojo exists to take beginners from white belt onwards. It does not cater to experienced martial artists looking for one-off training or transferring from another style.