For students of Eastern Fighting Arts
Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Kempo
Yawara Kempo Jutsu * Torite / Chin Na
For students of Eastern Fighting Arts
Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Kempo
Yawara Kempo Jutsu * Torite / Chin Na
About the Dojo
Thant Coleman Chief Instructor
My Karate is Kempo
Like many lifelong martial artists, I have trained with many practitioners of many different arts. I have found principles and techniques that “worked” for me and have encountered many that didn’t. All of this has been incorporated into my base art, which is Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Kempo. I often refer to my karate as Kempo for three reasons; 1 - Kempo is a generic Japanese term meaning fist method, and is also interpreted to mean any form of Chinese Martial Arts or Kung Fu, 2 - to emphasize the concepts and principles found in Chinese arts that are inherent in the way I choose to practice karate, 3 - to distinguish my incorporations of principles, techniques and training methods not normally found in some Goju curriculums. Many have said “it’s still Goju Ryu” and I have always agreed. At the same time, just as many have said “that is not Goju Ryu” and I’ve been readily inclined to agree as well. For me it is all the same … “a rose by any other name”.
My Kata and Bunkai
I train and teach the 12 Katas as they are practiced in the Jundokan dojo and other "traditional" lineages of Okinawan Goju Ryu. My Bunkai (analysis of the kata movements or interpretations of techniques behind the movements) however is a culmination of all that I have learned and personally found effective. That being the case, I do not always follow the traditionally taught techniques as my bunkai incorporates Joint locking, Throws, Striking of vital areas (as opposed to simply striking) and balance breaking principles commonly taught in Judo and Aiki Jujutsu. I also emphasis fluid motions and applications often found in southern systems of Chinese Martial Arts. In some circles, my bunkai and interpretations may be seen as radically different, others will see them as common place.
Understand that I make no claims to have invented anything new. What I have done, is make the karate I practice my own. I believe that after decades of training that I am entitled to do so.
Photo Gallery
Video
Gyaku Tsuki and Gedan Barai - Unplanned teaching moment covering the reverse Punch and what most call a lower block. The points being stressed are 1) returning the fist to the chamber and pulling your opponent into the strike 2) there is no block in Karate. 3) additional techniques by Ian Evans.
Contact Me
Better yet, lets train together!
I'll do my best to respond within 24 hours.
The Coleman Dojo
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 8pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: By appointment