Torii Dojo: Old Style Okinawan Karate & Kobujutsu in Blairsville, PA

09/10/2026

Here is an opportunity to help out a longtime old style karate practitioner, a Kenshikai senior instructor in Houston TX, and long time friend of our dojo as he once again is faced with battling brain cancer. Rusty is a true warrior and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Hopefully you can assist with his medical expenses, even if it’s just a little bit.

There are teachers who pass through our lives. And then t… The Dojo at Okinawa Karate Center needs your support for Standing with Shihan Rusty McMains

09/09/2026

Just over a week away! This training opportunity is a don’t miss for karate ka interested in old style techniques, particularly of the Naha te lineage. No class at Torii Dojo on Saturday 9/19 as a result.

08/30/2026

Coming up, mark your calendars to learn from two of the best instructors in old style martial arts! Picnic to follow the seminar

08/19/2026

A throwback video from several years ago with some chiku-style saijutsu apprehension and restraint techniques. Before modern times, the sai was primarily utilized by various levels of chiku (Ufuchiku, Wakichuku, etc.) as not only an apprehension and arresting implement but, due to the scarcity and governmental control of metals in the Ryukyu kingdom, the sai also acted as the sign of social status for chiku, similar to modern day law enforcement producing a badge to demonstrate their authority.

08/16/2026

Just a quick video to follow up a discussion we had at the seminar last weekend at the Collegeville Karate Dojo regarding different nigiri game grips during hojo undo practice.

08/12/2026

08/09/2026

Another excellent seminar in the books! A huge thanks to Sensei Chris Caggiano and Collegeville Karate Dojo for hosting this event and making it possible. Topics covered ranged from body mechanics to tuidi variations to different striking approaches. Thank you to everyone who attended as it wouldn’t have been possible without you. People traveled from New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina, and even as far as Texas. Everyone worked hard, shared a few laughs, and hopefully took away something. There are upcoming events in September and October for anyone interested.

08/07/2026

The two main karate lineages from Okinawa taught at our dojo:

1. Seidokan Shorin Ryu from Toma Shian Sensei. Born in 1929, Toma Sensei was a student of Shinjato Sokichi, Uchima Yasuichi, Shimabukuro Zenryo, and Uehara Seikichi. He was also tutored by Nakamura Shigeru and Soken Hohan. He was known as a no nonsense fighter with proficiency in both the striking and grappling arts. He had dojo locations outside Torii Station, Kadena Air Force base, and eventually at his home in Awase. Among his peers were Oyata Seiyu, Kise Fusei, Kuda Yuichi, Odo Seikichi, and others.

2. Kenshikai Goji Ryu from Hok**a Tetsuhiro Sensei. Born in 1944, Hok**a Sensei was a student of Higa Seiko, Fukuchi Seiko, and Matayoshi Shinpo. He was also tutored by several notable instructors including Oyata Seiyu. He is known for his extensive understanding of the Bubishi, one of the only martial texts handed down in Okinawa containing both martial and homeopathic information. His dojo, along with the karate and kobudo museum, is located in Nishihara.

As for our kobudo curriculum, it primarily consists of teachings from Toma Shian Sensei, Hok**a Tetsuhiro Sensei, Odo Seikichi Sensei, and includes the use of bo, tanbo, sai, tunfa, nunchaku, k**a, tekko, eku, nunti, and katana.