Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Karatedo came into being on January 8, 1994, as a result of Shinan Wayne Donivan’s decision to leave Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo. His teacher So Shinan Masayuki Kukan Hisataka and Masayoshi Kori Hisataka (founder of Kenkokan Karatedo) remain great influences in Shinan Donivan’s life. However, the time had come for Shihan Donivan to make his own way in the study of Karatedo; a time to stand on his own after more than 25 years with the Hisataka family. Building on knowledge gained in Kenkokan, Shinan Donivan has chosen to emphasize aspects of Karatedo that he feels better serve the individual student.
The Kentokukan school has as its main goal the growth and development of the entire student, providing individuals with precious life skills. We are committed to helping students improve physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Our teachers are educators dedicated to the task of encouraging students to be the best people they can possibly, helping to make a positive contribution to the world in which we live.
The techniques of Kentokukan are a composite of many martial arts, hard and soft. They include the circular and angular evasive techniques of the Chinese tradition, the full hard blows of Okinawa-te, the Japanese grappling forms of Jujitsu, Judo and Aikido, and finally boxing and wrestling techniques of the West.
We feel that Karatedo is of benefit to all. Our children’s program (4-16 years) provides the opportunity for the growth of self-esteem, improved concentration, self-discipline, fitness, problem solving, and competition. The adult program offers a wide range of learning experiences, from fitness, skill acquisition and competition to techniques for stress control, personal well-being and interpersonal skills.
Everyone has their own needs for fulfillment. We feel that Karatedo is the best medium by which we can help you make a difference in your life.
Terminology
Shorinjiryu
The Japanese word for Shaolin Temple Style.
Kentokukan
The School for the developmental of virtue and morals through the study of Karatedo.
Karatedo
The word “Karatedo” is composed of the ideograms (symbols) kara, te, and do.
Kara
In Japanese refers to one of the most brilliant periods in Chinese history when the Tang Dynasty ruled China (A.D. 618-907) and has come to represent China itself for the Japanese.
“Kara” also means empty; free.
Te
Means hand or technique.
Do
Signifies philosophical way with which to realize oneself.