Okinawan Karate School

Training for Lifelong Benefits

The Instructor

Chris Walton, has been training in the art of Shorin-Ryu karate since 1979. He has been teaching karate since 1987, including 5 years at his instructor's school before moving to Oregon.

In February 1992, Chris opened the Okinawan Karate School in Corvallis where he teaches ongoing classes to children and adults.

For Chris karate has been a lifelong pursuit of joy. He feels the beauty of karate is that we experience constant evolution and growth.

Chris returns to Okinawa regularly and studies with the master of the style to continually improve his own technique.

Karate

Karate training is centered on two guiding principals:

The art incorporates self defense, but it is not and never was a defensive art, neither is it an offensive art. We are learning to act in the moment. Not reaction, proaction, anticipation or response, but correct action now.

Early training is physically intense and repetivitive to integrate techniques and gain an intuitive feel for our own body movements. The focus is on stability and grounding to build a firm foundation while learning to use the entire body to deliver techniques.

The intention is to bring forth what is truly unique in the individual and help them express that uniqueness in their daily lives.

The Art

Karate is a martial art intended to polish the heart and soul of the practitioner. It is designed to enhance one's strength of character at the same time that it enhances one's physical abilities. The training is rigorous and rewarding; allowing the practitioner to overcome limitations that may seem imsurmountable.

At the Okinawan Karate School our focus is on individual development where karate is taught as an art, not a competitive sport. We recognize that individuals grow and improve in their own unique ways and structure the training accordingly.

History

The founder of this style, Kishaba Choki, had several instructors but was most strongly influence by Hohan Soken and Segi Nakumra. This is a type of Shorin Ryu that has roots in Matsubyashi Ryu, but is unique in the dynamic application of the body to deliver power to techniques.

Kishaba Sensei's calligraphy (roughly translated) explains what he wants students to gain through training:

Karate Pure Heart Power Path

Through the study of karate we can develop a pure heart (one seeking truth) which will bring power (or fulfillment) to all aspects of our lives.

 

I've been practicing karate since May 20, 1993. I soon moved into the adult class, and even teach the kids class sometimes. It's really fun, and I love it. I got my black belt on May 13, 1998 and still practice because I would like to get my second degree sometime.

Here is my instructor Chris walton handing me the certificate and black belt.