THE JAPAN KARATEDO SHOTOJUKUKAI DOJO
SKJF HONBU
** Welcome To The Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai Dojo **
You are about to enter into a unique experience. The study of Karatedo is a world unto itself
filled with different customs and traditions. Our style - Shotokan is from Japan so their
culture greatly influences our conduct.
The Dojo (training hall - school) is considered a special place, almost sacred. We bow to
show respect and humility. We are taught that hard work coupled with humility, respect,
discipline* and good sportsmanship are the virtues one must display at all times, both in and
out of the Dojo.
The Dojo is traditionally known among the Japanese people as a place where students are
instructed in a path leading to to self-realization. Students become inwardly inspired from their
physical accomplishments yet they do not become outwardly aggressive. Thus all students
learn that inner strength and outward humility are the keys to success in all things.
_________________________________
- ABOUT OUR DOJO-
The formal name of our school is the Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai Dojo.
It may also be called the
"Japan ShotoJukuKai" or simply "The Dojo"
The Dojo also serves as
the "Honbu" or headquarters branch for the SKJF.
ShotoJuku means a special private school of our style founder - Gichin Funakoshi who used
the pen name of Shoto meaning Pine Waves. Our Dojo is
in fact the exclusive Dojo in the Tampa Bay region dedicated to the preservation of
authentic Japanese style Shotokan Karatedo.
Shotokan techniques are fast and powerful yet uniquely simplistic and uncomplicated.
Shotokan, the original and oldest style from Japan, has achieved astounding popularity and a
worldwide following since it's inception in 1922.
Classes for both adults and children are conducted in a traditional Japanese atmosphere
where discipline* is strong. This helps in the development of character, self confidence &
self-defense skills. More importantly, students are trained to develop inner strength and
outward humility. Ego boosting bully tactics are never tolerated and it is further stressed that
Karatedo is for self-defense only and not aggression.
Unlike some other local "homemade or trendy" schools, our Dojo is registered in Japan by
the Shotokan Karatedo International Federation, the Shotokan Karatedo of Japan Federation
and the Zenkoku Karatedo/Kobudo Remmei.
_____________________________
- ABOUT OUR DOJO SENSEI -
The Chief Instructor of the Japan ShotoJukuKai Dojo is O' Sensei Brian R. Fey,
Nanadan & Kyoshi (7th Dan - Master Of The Fine Arts). O' Sensei Fey, a certified Japanese
Yudansha, has studied Shotokan Karatedo & Kobudo for nearly 4 decades. Having trained
directly with such notables such as - H. Kanazawa, H. Fujishima, O. Ozawa, T. Okano, T.
Miyazaki, F. Demura, M. Takahashi & K. Funakoshi, O' Sensei Fey continues to share his
own invaluable training experiences with his students today. Teaching professionally for
more than 25 years, O'Sensei Fey also served as the Chief Instructor for the State University
of New York Karatedo Club and the Technical Director for the KenKoJuku Koyu Kai.
Having last competed in the 5th SKIF World Championships held in Yokahama, Japan in
1994, O' Sensei Fey has retired from competition as a proven winner. Over the last four
decades, O' Sensei Fey has won many competitions and is now producing his own humble
champions. In addition to his study of Karatedo, O' Sensei Fey also holds Yudansha (black
belt) grades in Kobudo - ancient Japanese/Okinawa weaponry and has also studied Iaido -
drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword.
In addition to Karatedo, O' Sensei Fey also brings nearly 25 years of Law Enforcement
experience onto the training floor. A local area Police Department Patrol Supervisor,
O' Sensei (Corporal Fey) is also the PD's Firearms & Combat Tactics Instructor. Having also
sreved as a "Child Abuse Investigative Specialist" O' Sensei developed the Stranger Danger
A.L.E.R.T. TM Defense System course for children. This increased focus on safety and
awareness skills for children (adults too) is by far superior to any other level of training
available anywhere.
Finally, O' Sensei Fey is also a noted author on both Japanese & Karatedo history. Articles
on both subjects have appeared in both Budo Dojo and Shotokan Karate magazines.
__________________________________
- ABOUT TRAINING -
Students are expected to attend training classes on a regular basis & on time. Karate is not a
"seasonal team sport" nor is considered as a "hobby or activity." Karate is a special way of
life dedicated to achieving a winning yet humble attitude. As such, training is ongoing and
requires serious, dedicated practice for optimum results. Although Karate practice is a serious
undertaking, students are expected to prioritize their personal schedules & time in the
following order:
** Family 1st. School/Work 2nd & Karate 3rd **
Although Karate is 3rd on the list, dedicated study will include class attendance 2-3 times
weekly with home practice no less than 15 minutes daily. It must be further stressed that
Karate study comes before any other extra activities such as team sports. It is said in Japan
that " A hunter will go hungry when chasing 2 rabbits." Therefor, Karatedo should be the
only rabbit one should attempt to pursue.
Students are required to wear a proper Karate style Gi (uniform) with appropriate rank belt.
At no time may shoes be worn on the deck area (wood practice floor). Students shall never
do the following while training: Chew gum, eat, drink, smoke, wear jewelry, use profanity
or act in any form of disruptive behavior. Discipline* guides a student overall actions &
inaction's.
Students will also be examined for rank promotion every 3 months. It is during these phases
that students acquire the required skills and criteria necessary for rank promotion. All novice
students begin with the rank of "Zero (0) Kyu - White Belt and progress through the various
Kyu (steps) "colored belts" until reaching the 1st Dan (Shodan) "Black Belt" level. When doing
so, students literally reach a new beginning in which to continue their training. On average it
will take a new student 3 years to reach the Shodan level. It has been further observed that
mastery of karate will take a lifetime to achieve and perhaps even a little longer.
(* Discipline by definition is doing (or not doing) something without being told to do so.)
___________________________________
shotokan karate shotojuku shotojukukai skjf funakoshi fey kenkojuku pinellas clearwater st. petersburg tae kwon do traditional shotokan karate shotojuku shotojukukai skjf funakoshi fey kenkojuku pinellas clearwater st. petersburg tae kwon do traditional shotokan karate shotojuku shotojukukai skjf funakoshi fey kenkojuju pinellas clearwater st. petersburg tae kwon do traditional shotokan karate shotojuku shotojukukai skjf funakoshi fey kenkojuku pinellas clearwater st. petersburg tae kwon do traditional pinellas park