My name is Adam Carter thank you for visiting my Blog. A Welshman, originally from the UK, I moved to the US, Chicago suburbs in 2016 after being invited to teach at a dojo in Palos Hills, Illinois.
My enthusiasm lies in the practice and study of Okinawan traditional karate, and to help people discover a deeper understanding of their martial art, regardless of style or experience. I have been studying, training and practicing karate for over 50 years, and teaching since 1985, currently ranked 8th Dan (Hachidan) Black Belt and Hanshi in Okinawan karate.
In 1974, I embarked on my karate journey with the study of Wado Ryu, marking my initial exposure to the martial arts, under Tatsuo Suzuki while still at school in the UK. In late 1981 I decided to try something different, in addition to Wadō-ryū I cross-trained in Okinawa-te under Katsumi Tamaki sensei, hoping to improve my knowledge and skills further. But after a move in location in February 1984, which necessitated a change in dojo, I joined a karate school located at a local sports centre, which at the time taught Sankukai karate under Nanbu Yoshinao sensei.
Political unrest caused my instructor to change to Shito-Ryu, training under Kusano Kenji Soke and Tsukada Ryozo of Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu Kenpo Karate-do. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s I competed in many karate tournaments throughout the UK and Europe, in kata and kumite winning and placing highly in many of these events, as part a dojo team and individually. Prior to the beginning of my karate journey I did a small amount of boxing as a youth.
I am the founder and chief instructor of the Shuri Dojo passionate about the classical fighting arts, but preferring functionality and pragmatism over aesthetics, inspired by the likes of Ronnie Colwell, Patrick McCarthy, Iain Abernethy, Vince Morris and many more practical karate teachers (no direct lineage is implied).
TRAINING
I have spent many years practicing with, studying, attending dojo and seminars with many traditional karate instructors who had dojo in the UK, Europe, USA, Okinawa and the Japanese mainland.
One of the highlights of my karate career was being graded by Mabuni Kenzo Soke in Japan, the son of the founder of Shito-Ryu karate, Mabuni Kenwa, and representing the group in the UK as their senior instructor.
DEDICATION
The founder of the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai (琉球傳流協會), the Director and senior instructor.
The Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai, which translates to ‘Ryukyu Tradition Association’, is dedicated to upholding the rich heritage and unique principles of Ryukyu karate. A community dedicated to preserving tradition, fostering camaraderie, and keeping karate’s practical essence alive.
STUDENTS
Sharing my experience and passing on the knowledge I have gained in over five decades of training, to my students at the Shuri Dojo in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, is my “Ikigai” (reason for being).
Trying to be a dedicated martial artist, completing my own personal training on a daily basis at our dojo. A retired EMT from the Ambulance Service in the UK, and early in my career I worked for the Military and the Police service.
I hope you find your visit to my Blog informative and interesting enough for you to return. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you once again for visiting.
Adam