About Us
Welcome to the Shotokan Karate-do Taka Ryu!
We practice the Japanese martial art of Shotokan Karate-do and we are affiliated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Chairman and Chief Instructor is Hiroyoshi Okazaki Shihan, 9th Dan and nephew of Master Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan, a student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate.
The word karate is a combination of two kanji (Chinese characters): kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means "empty hand." Adding the suffix "-dō", meaning "the way/path," karate-dō, shows karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. In traditional karate-dō, one is supposed to compete and strive to excel against him/herself. Also, karate is a physical art, highly dynamic, and makes balanced use of the major muscle groups, providing excellent exercise while developing coordination, agility, and self-confidence.
Karate training will consist mainly of three parts: kihon, kata, and kumite. Have your gloves and mouth guard with you for each class. Be prepared for anything. Training includes:
- Kihon – These are the basic techniques of karate which include blocks, strikes, punches, kicks, and stances.
- Kata – These are forms in a series of combined blocks, strikes, kicks, punches, and stances to simulate an attack by several opponents. Every kata begins with a block to foster the idea of karate as a method of self-defense, not attack.
- Kumite – This is sparring or fighting. Kumite is geared specifically to each level of training and gets progressively more intense as the student increases in rank.
Benefits of Karate:
Karate practice strengthens the mind, develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities, and more self-confidence.
- Strengthens the entire body, improves coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina and overall health.
- Its values are courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control.
Belts / Rank / Testing
Originally, there were no belts in karate except those used to hold up your pants. Master Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, instituted a belt ranking system to differentiate between beginner and senior students. The first belts were only white (beginner) and black (senior). Soon, it became necessary to have an intermediate level (brown). Eventually, another color, (green) was added between white and brown. This has now evolved into the rainbow of colors we have currently.
In Shotokan, we use the "kyu" and "dan" system of ranking. There are ten kyu and dan levels. A kyu ranking examination is administered every three or four months for beginners and intermediate levels however, advanced kyu are at least every six months. Tests consist of three sections equally weighted: (1) Kihon (basics), (2) Kata (forms), and (3) Kumite (sparring).
The ISKF ranks and color belts are:
Beginner ranks:
White...........................................10th kyu
White with yellow stripe.............9th kyu
Yellow............................................8th kyu
Orange..........................................7th kyu
Intermediate ranks:
Green............................................6th kyu
Purple............................................5th kyu
Purple............................................4th kyu
Advanced ranks:
Brown............................................3rd kyu
Brown...........................................2nd kyu
Brown............................................1st kyu
Black..................................1st – 10th dan
It is important to remember, that every person learns and progresses at differing rates. The importance is to continue progressing through continued self-reflection and training. It will take, at minimum, four years of training before you can apply for the dan or black belt rank test.
Students testing must be members of the ISKF (if expired, a one-year ISKF membership fee is added to the exam fee). There is no guarantee that you will pass. Remember, it is not about belts; it is about perfecting your character.
Master Teruyuki Okazaki and Bryan Guadalupe at ISKF Master Camp & Intl Goodwill Tournament @ Camp Green Lane, PA
Mr. Bryan Guadalupe was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has 18 years of experience as an Eagle Scout and Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America working with youth development. During the day, he supports our service members as a Senior Financial Consultant Analyst and previously served as an Auditor at State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
Over 35 years of experience teaching Karate. He began training martial arts as a direct student of Luis Gonzalez Shihan founder of Nippon Kempo Karate-do Kyokai and co-founder of Shorin-Ji Kempo in 1982. In 1986, he began Shotokan under Master Hidetaka Nishiyama founder of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), and Vincent Cruz Shihan founder of the International San Ten Karate Association, (ISKA). Mr. Guadalupe holds a black belt Shorin-Ji Kempo, a 5th Dan Rank in Shotokan from the ISKA, anda 5th Dan Rank in Nippon Kempo Karate Do.
Mr. Guadalupe trains Matayoshi Kobudo under Franco Sanguinetti Sensei Founder an 8th Dan, Chief Instructor of Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International (MMKI) and direct student of Shinpo Matayoshi Sensei.
In January 2010, he began training with Master Teruyuki Okazaki at the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). Appointed Director of ISKF Puerto Rico and member of the US National Board of Directors from 2011-2021. Mr. Guadalupe is an ISKF Instructor Trainee Program member and holds an ISKF 3rd Dan Rank and D Level Judge.