Business Details
42 Years
experience
Traditional Karate Training for Self-Defense & Character Development
Founded in 1984, Sannan Karate Academy has dedicated itself to teaching traditional Japanese karate with a focus on effective self-defense and physical fitness. Our instruction emphasizes cultivating self-discipline, self-confidence, and character through two primary systems: Koryu Uchinadi, an old-style Okinawan karate preserving pre-sport techniques including throws and joint manipulation, and Renbukai Karate, renowned for its structured sparring methods. With over 50 years of combined experience among our senior instructors, we maintain strict adherence to traditional training principles while adapting to modern cultural contexts.Our curriculum caters to all ages, from children's classes emphasizing safety and foundational skills to advanced adult programs incorporating weapons training and competitive sparring. As an accredited Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu institution, we uphold rigorous standards in both technical proficiency and philosophical development.
Services
Karate Classes for Kids
Adult Karate Training
Kobudo Weapons Instruction
Self-Defense Programs
Competitive Karate Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined martial arts experience from certified black belt instructors.
- Our training combines two distinct systems: Koryu Uchinadi and Renbukai Karate.
- We maintain traditional Japanese karate principles while adapting to modern needs.
- Family-friendly environment with separate classes for children and adults.
- We provide advanced weapons training and competitive sparring opportunities.
Associations and certifications
- Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu
Services
Karate Classes for Kids
Structured martial arts training for children aged 6-14 develops self-confidence and physical fitness through basic blocking, striking, and escape techniques. Classes emphasize safety and fun while teaching foundational self-defense skills appropriate for young practitioners' maturity levels. Separate instruction ensures age-appropriate progression in a controlled environment.
Adult Karate Training
Comprehensive karate instruction for ages 15+ covers blocking, striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Advanced students learn pressure point submissions and break falls while developing physical conditioning through traditional drills. Training adapts to individual fitness levels with progressive skill development in controlled self-defense scenarios.
Kobudo Weapons Instruction
Advanced martial artists study traditional Okinawan weapons including bo, sai, and nunchaku. This specialized program requires instructor approval and parental consent for minors. Training focuses on historical techniques and practical applications while maintaining strict safety protocols during practice sessions.
Self-Defense Programs
Practical self-defense curriculum teaches responses to habitual physical violence patterns. Students learn joint manipulation, throws, and ground defense techniques in controlled environments. Training emphasizes situational awareness and de-escalation strategies alongside physical techniques for real-world application scenarios.
Competitive Karate Preparation
Optional competitive training prepares students for full-contact Renbukai sparring tournaments using specialized protective equipment. Program includes sport-specific conditioning, rule adaptation, and tournament strategy while maintaining traditional karate principles during competitive engagements.
People
Verlin Koch
Head Instructor
With over 50 years of martial arts experience, Verlin Koch holds multiple black belt rankings including 7th Dan in Shoko-Ryu Karate. He has trained and taught in Japan, emphasizing traditional techniques adapted for modern self-defense applications.
Paul Swacha
Assistant Instructor
Paul Swacha has practiced karate for 25 years, achieving 3rd Dan in Shoko-Ryu Karate. He focuses on developing students' physical fitness and mental discipline while maintaining traditional training methods in self-defense instruction.
Meela Gunawardena
Instructor
Meela Gunawardena earned her Shodan (1st Dan) in 2009 and has competed internationally in Tokyo. She teaches fundamental techniques while emphasizing the character-building aspects of traditional karate training.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach two primary systems: Koryu Uchinadi (Okinawan karate with traditional self-defense techniques) and Renbukai Karate (structured sparring methods).
Are classes available for children?
Yes, we offer children's classes for ages 6-14 with age-appropriate techniques focusing on basic skills, safety, and character development.
Do you offer weapons training?
Advanced students can learn traditional Okinawan weapons through our Kobudo program with instructor approval and proper safety protocols.
Is competitive sparring available?
Yes, we prepare students for full-contact Renbukai tournaments using specialized equipment while maintaining traditional karate principles.
How do you approach self-defense training?
Our self-defense curriculum teaches responses to real-world violence patterns through controlled drills focusing on throws, joint manipulation, and ground defense techniques.
