Michigan Ryusyokai Karate Club

09/23/2026

Monday's class was a big surprise for James Edwards and Mark Lester! Both were awarded 7th Dan, Kyoshi by Paul Babladelis, 10th Dan, Hanshi. Certificates arrived just in time. We had a wonderful class and a great get-together afterwards. Thanks so much to Sensei and Lovely Tricia for coming to be with us and celebrate. Thanks also to Kathrina, Melissa and Luana for springing for pizza. It's been a great summer of gratitude and the dojo is almost complete. I also Joe Prenkert a big thank you for coming to help put up soffit over the weekend!

09/16/2026

I stayed at the dojo and painted while the team held class on Monday. Sadly, I missed out on a birthday celebration for Kathrina san! Hope you have a wonderful birthday this Friday. Next year, we'll celebrate in a proper dojo 😝! Speaking of painting (and electrical work), here are some more progress photos.

08/24/2026

Latest dojo progress. It won't be long and I'll be able to paint, do trim work and add the floating wood floor and equipment! For those in Parkview Hills, Oakwood and Winchell neighborhoods, you will have a traditional Okinawan karate dojo within walking distance very soon!

08/19/2026

Why settle for "good" when "great" is available? No substitute for hard training!

Gusukuma believed growth only came through ii nangi- extreme effort/striving. He lost the fingernails on both hands from bamboo nukite conditioning, developed immense jumping and swinging abilities through acrobatics, and could punch many times his body weight from makiwara striking. A no-nonsense teacher, he was quick to dismiss students who lacked effort and always expected exertion to the point of exhaustion in kata's repetition once the basic form was learned. Iha Sensei said that if you were not spent after doing a kata Gusukuma would ask why you didn't try harder.

08/17/2026

On my return flight from Daniel Kogan sensei's natsu gasshuku (summer training camp) and inspired by all he taught and shared. It's been two years since I've been able to visit and my first trip to the Victoria B.C. area of Canada. His new dojo is amazing and I also got to meet several new students alongside reconnecting with several dear friends as well. So glad we can keep these exchanges alive after all these years and grateful for the continued friendship, learning, and fellowship.

08/12/2026

Wonderful training with Paul Babladelis sensei last Saturday in Battle Creek! So fortunate for the great instruction, hospitality and fun! Thank you, Sensei!

07/31/2026

Wonderful class on Monday night with special guest, Paul Babladelis sensei, one of only four people in the Ryusyokai ranked 10th Dan, and I am fortunate to have him as my direct sensei. Paul sensei shared with all, beginner and advanced alike. So fortunate to spend some time with him and my students. Sadly, I didn't think to capture any photos.

I did get some of the most recent dojo build photos. It's progressing at a good clip...finally! Hope all enjoy their weekend and log some training hours too 😉!

07/15/2026

Yakusoku Kumite from, I think '07. Copyright date was when it was published, not filmed. This has Ippons, Nihons, and I believe Renzoku and Kamomei Kumite. It's a bit long.

07/15/2026

Student Information Packet for Anyone Interested in our Dojo.

07/15/2026

Because some of my students are now exploring the Ippon Kumite, here is the general write-up of the Course Curriculum. Download if you would like.