About Us

We are Shorin Kenpo Karate.
We are for those that are defenseless.
We do not strike first.
We do strike fast.
Expect us.

- Sensei C

Hello and welcome to the New Brunswick Karate of Okinawa (New Brunswick KO) website. We hope that you find this part of our site helpful. It is hopeful that it will acquaint you with our philosophy, rules and etiquette here at New Brunswick KO. This website’s primary mission is to assist our existing students but we feel it can also aid the curious about us. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to direct them to Bill Conley (Chief Instructor for the St Stephen & Eastport Dojo), Kelly Conley (Registrar for St Stephen Dojo), Bill Adams (Chief Instructor for the McAdam Dojo), Matthew Guthrie (Calais Dojo), Michelle Brannan (New Brunswick KO Treasurer), or from any of the assistant instructors. We are here to help you in any way that we can so don’t be afraid to ask.

New Brunswick KO’s largest Dojo is in St Stephen, New Brunswick, at the Milltown Elementary School gymnasium. The Chief Instructor for the St Stephen Dojo is Sensei Bill Conley, 4th Dan. The Chief Instructor for the McAdam Dojo is Sensei Bill Adams, 3rd Dan, and is located at the McAdam Elementary School. Our St Stephen summer location is at the Kirk McColl Church Hall. The newest Dojos in New Brunswick KO are in Calais, Maine under the direction Of Sensei Matthew Guthrie, 1st Dan, Dojo Head. The Calais Dojo is located at the Venus & Apollo Fitness Center in Calais. Also a new Dojo in Eastport, Maine under the direction of Sensei’s: Bill Conley & Matthew Guthrie. The Dojo is located at the Eastport Elementary School Gym.

New Brunswick KO presents teachings in a hybrid style of Shorin Kenpo Karate, utilizing the full array of training experience of Sensei(s) Conley, Adams, & Guthrie: baseline training in Matsumura Seito & Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate systems, supplemental training in American (Ed Parker & John LaTourette) Kenpo Karate, supplemental training in ground fighting (defense of), along with Kobudo/weapons training. Emphasizing work in Kihon (basics), Kata (Forms), body conditioning for adult senior ranks (fists, forearms, shins, etc.), as well as depending on age and rank, light to contact style sparring that employs leg kicks, kneeing, and elbowing along with kicking and punching, although punches to the head is strictly prohibited. Protective gear is also used in this type of sparring. Point style Sport Karate sparring is not regularly exercised at our Dojos. Also presented is generalized self-defense training for all juniors and adults.

Shoshin Nagamine	Eihachi Ota 9th Dan	Hohan Soken	Fusei Kise 10th Dan

Matsu Shorin Kenpo Karate

New Brunswick KO presents teachings in a hybrid style of Shorin Kenpo Karate, utilizing the full array of training experience of Sensei(s) Conley, Adams, & Guthrie: baseline training in Matsumura Seito & Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate systems. The Matsumura Seito Shorin system can most closely trace its lineage directly to the legendary Bushi Matsumura. The late Hohan Soken passed his system legally onto Master Fusei Kise, 10th Dan. Sensei Conley in September ’06, was promoted to 4th Dan/Renshi by Master Kise. Matsubayashi Shorin was founded by the Late Shoshin Nagamine. One of his students was Sensei Eihachi Ota, 9th Dan, whom Sensei Conley trained under briefly. Also, Sensei Conley’s background in Isshin Ryu Karate (including the Chinese systems he has been blessed to have experienced) has been reinstalled into the curriculum presented by Sensei Conley. Throughout Sensei Conley’s 30+yr martial arts experience, as well as Sensei Adams’ 20+ years, it has been evidenced by them that there is a two tier system of Karate: One for Okinawans and the second for non-Okinawans. A purposely, inferior version for non-Okinawans, while teaching the effective version to only the racially select… This can be seen to be evident in all of the Oriental martial arts, specifically. As stated by only a few non-Okinawans, in the know, in the martial arts world who have seen this to be true: There are no blocks in Okinawan Kata! But rather pressure point attacks, controls, joint locks/manipulations, and grapple techniques. Okinawans have always fashioned through their Karate a liking for grabbing and controlling you while striking. The grabs can be made more effective when working on a pressure/accu point. Which can be seen in the Bunkai (Application) of Kata. The early years of Karate, long before it was subverted by the West and rerouted by the Japanese it was strongly influenced and structured by Chinese systems.

The Bubishi (portions seen above) was a major influence in the application and understanding of classical Karate, which was known as and called then, “Tode” (Chinese Hand, sometimes spelled “Tote,” but pronounced the same). The name change to, “Karate” (Open Hand) happened sometime after the formal annexation of Okinawa by Japan in 1879. Further, it was then, after the Japanese annexation, that Tode>Karate made the first negative change in de-evolution into what it is today in the general population… The Bubishi were translated scrolls that were utilized by the many Tode masters of that day/era. Exactly who translated or when these translations occurred is unknown, but it was most likely before the Japanese annexation, 1879. As travel from Okinawa to China or vice versa would have been made more difficult due to the fact that Japan and China had no real diplomatic relations, only mistrust and dislike for one another… The scrolls were translations of the printed works of Mao Yuan, 1621, of his military manual the Wu Pei Chih. Bubishi (Wu Pei Chih in Chinese) were selected translations of the hand-to-hand portions of Mao Yuan’s works. It is most evident that the evolution of Kyusho Jitsu, as well as Okinawan Kata, was derived from these scrolls.

Arguably, Master Fusei Kise may be the most knowledgeable in the true Okinawan arts, especially in Kyusho Jitsu. This is because he was a student of and heir to Master Hohan Soken. However, he like Sensei Ota of Matsubayashi and all the rest of the Okinawan Hanshi, keeps it to themselves and away from non-Okinawans. Don’t misinterpret these statements both Masters Kise and Ota are quite extraordinary master Karateka! Just don’t hang your hat on the expectations of learning the most intricate of the Okinawan arts from either of these remarkable pieces of Karate history or any other Okinawan Yudansha! Through Sensei Conley’s stated interpretations it is not that it is being inferred he is trying to make himself out to be something he is not, only a student himself of karate with experiences, the bumps & bruises of trying to continually work it out, and relay them to his students so they won’t have to hit those same past walls, and should not be taken as the only Way, but continual learning. Regarding our stances in relation to how we punch, primarily our regular/shizentai dachi & cat stances/neko ashi dachi, placement of our body centerline is just over the big toe of our back foot. The ratio of @55% body weight on the back foot, and @45% on the front foot. It is this weight displacement that helps in the “spring up effect” of the punch in relation the back leg and the entire body of the Karateka (Karate participant). As with any martial art, these principles & movement(s) become lesser pronounced and obvious, as the practitioner becomes better at the action(s). When you first learn a principled movement it can become elongated and sometimes overdone, but as the practitioner becomes more and more expert at it, it becomes less visible to an observer and becomes more of a mental awareness by the practitioner, less physically obvious. As well the returning hand/secondary hand, the one not punching, is not just coming back to the hip (Some explain it is a counter balance to the punching hand, BUT if you watch any high ranking Okinawan, the secondary hand is retracted to the body long before the punching hand is ever extended). It, the retracting secondary hand, is and should always be interpreted as being a grab and control of the opponent. Many would say that because of this weight displacement and body alignment, distribution of power (hand) would be difficult. However, our spring up concept rectifies this criticism. Further getting back to the secondary non-punching hand that should be interpreted as a grab/control, the spring up effect gives you the necessary hitting power. Also in some cases, especially when utilizing the long front stance/zenkutsu dachi, a drop step is incorporated. Sensei Conley through research found that Karate in its early years of existence displayed its Chinese influence through Kata and technique. Flowing circular movements, then, were more dominate. Also dominate was Vertical Fist punches rather than what is seen almost extensible in “Modern Karate,” the Horizontal Fist in punching… Vertical fist punching works best at close and medium hand/arm range, while horizontal fist punching works best at long range. Which is why the standard most often seen usage of horizontal fist punching in almost all of Karate today, especially sport Karate, is absolutely useless when the technique is crowded into by the opponent, turning this long range technique powerless at close range. However, over the last century, due to geo-political reasons, the Chinese influence has faded, or been removed, from Karate. Today, Okinawan Isshin Ryu Karate utilizes vertical fist punching. Karate in the early years did not distinguish itself between systems by vertical or horizontal punching as these punches were used together by all systems. The Vertical Fist/Punch can be a more internal pnch when done properly with a correct wrist torque and snap. This characteristic can be seen in the Wing Chun punch and the straight lead in Jeet Kune Do. It is only common sense that when Karate, or then it was called Tode, that then when it was heavily influenced by Chinese Ch’uan Fa (martial arts, Kenpo in Japanese) that you would see this type of punching throughout its practice and execution of Kata and techniques. If you look at many of the pictorials in the Bubishi, you’ll see Vertical Fist/Punches! It is at Green Belt in the Adult/Advanced class that the Chinese influence is first presented through the Pinan Kata (Vertical fist/punching over/through the bridge, trapping [Sao in Chinese], and chain punching). Although, unfortunately, lost in today’s application and signature of Kata, Sensei Conley presents in the Pinan Kata’s and up, movements that are and can be seen when brought out of these Kata the lost trapping, vertical fist and bridge punching, etc.! When you bring back the Chinese Ch’uan Fa and pressure point influence into Karate, you get a more internal system, and still getting a very powerful external system! External: meaning the more purely just physical aspect. Keep in mind it was the internal and pressure point aspects that allowed for older practitioners to dominate the younger and physically stronger opponents! A balance you need, Internal-External, as you age. If you study an external system, utilizing physicality only, what happens as you age and your body naturally deteriorates? Will you still be able to dominate those twenty year old Mat Warriors?

So how did the Karate we know today become known exclusively for horizontal fist punching? For that matter, how did modern Karate become primarily what we see today? It really first started when Japan annexed Okinawa (Satsuma invasion circa 1609), followed by a push to remove China’s influence, in all areas, from Okinawa by the occupying Japanese authority. The next big event to change Karate was through Anko Itosu and his efforts to bring Karate into the educational system of Okinawa (and eventually Japan). In the late 1800’s – early 1900’s, Itosu was a teacher in the Okinawan educational system. The following is from Iain Abernethy of www.physicalarts.com: Anko Itosu (1832–1915) was one of karate's true innovators; he was the creator of the Pinan (Heian) kata (Derived from the kata kusanku) and was responsible for introducing karate onto the Okinawan school system. To make karate suitable for children, Itosu watered down the karate he taught to them. As part of this, he started teaching kata without their applications so that the children could gain the physical benefits of kata training without irresponsibly giving them knowledge of the violent and brutal methods the kata were created to record. It is my view (Iain Abernethy) that Itosu intended to foster two types of karate: the original combative karate and the new children's version. However, as we now know, it was the children's version that really took off and the ramifications of that are still being felt today. Itosu's modifications enabled the art to spread – it is arguable that karate would never have spread to mainland Japan and from there, to the west without his modifications – but they undoubtedly meant it was a “de-clawed” version of karate that was popularized.

Next to be of influence (a negative one!) was post World War II. Through the occupying American armed forces goal to de-militarize the Japanese, only “Sport” looking martial systems were allowed to flourish openly, and promoted, as sport systems, no longer as a martial art(s). So, with Japan, followed Okinawa… The real Karate went underground, away from the rest of the world. To the rest of the world, the tiger was now a lamb…

Karate that is most often seen, and defined, is merely a shell of the true art. Why is that now? For one, most Sensei’s don’t know the real system, as it has been kept hidden by its oriental originators, these Sensei’s teachers! And sadly, for most practitioners, it’s the easy way out…. It’s easier to do just the routine, Karate 101, punch-block-punch…

Kenpo

“Hit hard, hit fast, hit often!” - Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, US Navy WWII

The Japanese word, “Kenpo” and the Chinese word, “Quan Fa” (pronounced and sometimes spelled- Ch’uan Fa) both mean in English, “Law of the Fist.” Like most, if not all, Far Eastern martial arts, Kenpo is heavily influenced by the Chinese martial arts. Kenpo (Speed Hitting LaTourette style) utilizes coordinated and targeted movement(s) through its strikes: circular and fluid, with sometimes evasive – sometimes invasive footwork against nerve and pressure points, joint locks, and human physiology for self-defense and close quarters fighting where the threat zone is very compacted. The words, “Fast and Slow,” do not have meaning in Kenpo. No one is “fast,” or cannot do Kenpo because they are, “slow.” It is the coordinated movement/motion that gives Kenpo its swiftness or to appear when done by a skilled practitioner to be, “fast.” It is like the slow tap of one hand on a table. Add the other hand to alternately tap at the same tempo, and the intervals of the taps on the table increase, yet the tempo of each hand is the same. The coordinated, alternating cadence of both hands working together increases the number of taps on the table in the same interval of time. So, if you were just listening to the tapping, and not watching, it would seem like the taps had gotten quicker or quite simply, “faster.” So, anyone can enjoy the benefits of Kenpo, and excel in it! And, become, “fast!” The Kenpo (advanced speed hitting) is only taught to adults, generally. Kenpo basics are taught to all ages and levels. The core theory of Kenpo presented and taught by Sensei Conley is the, “Chop ‘N Drop Theory,” which is based on the eight (8) cuts or Happo Giri. The 8 cuts are from Sensei Conley and have origins based from Sensei LaTourette’s Speed Hitting theories. The next stage following the Chop ‘N Drop, is the advanced stage of Punch ‘N Crunch, where the chops are replaced, correspondingly, with back fists and punches. Whereby the outward chops are replaced with back fists, and the inward chops are replaced with vertical fist punches, essentially. It should be noted here that all the punches in this form of Kenpo are vertical fists, short ranged strikes, to pressure point/Kyusho areas. As with the Chop ‘N Drop, skilled practitioner can get anywhere from 5 or more strikes, good effective strikes per second! This type of punching will strongly resemble that of Chinese systems, like Wing Chun & Shaolin Kung Fu as just examples. The high end is mixing between punches, back fists, and chops together in the series of the techniques, along with Chain Punching (Most often associated with Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do as examples) also added to the mix! Your frequency and tempo increases in this way. Our system of fighting is not based on the Impact Effect, but rather the Target Effect. Meaning: it’s not how hard you hit, but rather where you hit! Striking vital areas, like pressure points that your opponent would not readily know to protect. A lot of vital areas pertaining to pressure points and meridians are located on areas of the body your opponent wouldn’t think to protect from strikes! Think about that, and how effective, very effective that can be to your self protection… Also, as a general note and there are always exceptions to every rule, the properties and principles for execution of speed, and the execution of power in a technique are not the same. It is near impossible to be very fast in a technique and still possess full power. Power techniques generally are slower. So when sequencing a combination of techniques against an opponent, sting/stun the opponent with surgically targeted fast techniques (Kenpo chops & back fists) then, follow up with the slower power shots (Straight lead vertical fist of Jeet Kune Do/Wing Chun as examples). The reverse order may not be so productive, and the resultant effect you won’t like…

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Baseline introduction to)

New Brunswick KO is now presenting, as an introduction to, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The program is designed basically around the Junior class. However, training is presented to the Adult class as well. It should be noted, that this program Jiu Jitsu/ground fighting is presented strictly as a supplement to Shorin Kenpo. We do not present this system (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) as a primary route to self-defense! Nor does Sensei Conley endorse or promote MMA, UFC, or any other three lettered blood sport system of brawling… Purposely going to the ground should never be a primary goal or option! Ground fighting is Mano a Mano: One on One, or Man to Man. Many conflicts can and will most likely involve more than one assailant. Especially if in a crowd, you don’t know that there is a second or more assailant(s). So, tactically going to the ground can expose you to a second assailant, and leave you victim to your own defense! We present the system as a way to stay off the ground OR get off the ground, and be able to defend yourself when you find yourself knocked down.

New Brunswick KO Okinawan/Japanese name for its’ St Stephen Dojo is Shinzo Dojo which, in English, Shinzo means, “Heart.” (Dojo of the Heart) The McAdam Dojo is called, “Bushi Dojo” (Warrior Dojo) New Brunswick KO Dojos are set up much like an Okinawan Dojo (Dojo is the Okinawan/Japanese word for Training Hall or School) and like an Okinawan Dojo, proper conduct, protocol, and etiquette are always maintained and followed. Quick note about ranks and protocol: rank and promotions are not individual measuring sticks rather they are the ties that bind us in the Dojo. A promotion in our Dojo is not just a personal accomplishment, but it also strengthens the entire group. It furthers and reinforces the Chain of Command, which must be respected and acknowledged at all times. New Brunswick KO Dojos do not over do this respect for the Chain of Command, or in its protocols. However, an appropriate level of structure and order is always maintained. New Brunswick KO’s mission statement is to seek out, and work with traditionally based Okinawan systems in a non-political manner, also to build alliances with other Okinawan and non-Okinawan systems similar in philosophy, systems not influenced by Sport Karate and in some cases, Mainland Japan, heavily.

Students who become disruptive or refuse to follow the rules may be asked to leave. Further, all students must fill out and sign a Code of Conduct Contract. If a student is under the age of 18 years, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Code of Conduct Contract for that student. We place the highest moral standard, and responsibility on our students to conduct themselves properly in and outside of class at all times. Failure to do so may result in that student’s permanent termination of New Brunswick KO membership. Likewise our teaching staff maintains at all times to lead and teach by example. In that way it completes a moral circle that together cannot be broken. Students absent from class two months or more are placed as inactive. All inactive students that return to New Brunswick KO are placed on a mandatory 60 day probationary period before full entry and membership benefits apply. That includes any promotion consideration. Further, any Black Belts, or Brown, that return after a long absence, will not take up their position relative to seniority of rank held. A general policy on returning Black Belts, it is strictly to maintain the appropriate and efficient chain of command. Any, as an example a 1st Dan, that would return will be under, below in rank with, the active 1st Dans (except 1st Dan J.G’s). This does not mean the returning 1st Dan cannot work and go for the appropriate promotion when the time is right. AND it is most certainly NOT a punishment for returning Black Belts! However, in the past we have had Black Belts return that didn't have a clue what we were doing, all it did was slow everything up! The harmony, flow, and efficiency of the group must not be compromised. This would also allow the returning Black Belts to get their feet back under them without the responsibility of assisting in running the Dojo.

Please read these articles about Sensei, Senpai and Karate Students. Also, here’s a short story written by Sensei Conley that relates to ranks called Master Boat Builder. We hope you find them helpful in understanding the way New Brunswick KO operates.

Matsu Shorin Kenpo Karate & Kobudo

New Brunswick KO

Instructor Staff and Independent Dojos

“There are the bumps and bruises of a student's evolution in Karate, some that are not physical, nor easily evident, but strike to the student's pride and emotion. That's really where the student learns to no longer involve pride or emotion. That would be one definition I believe, of a Black Belt, a good one. It not easy, it’s something you work at throughout your Martial Arts Journey. Being Human can sometimes be in conflict with being a Karateka. Much like technique, it takes a lot of practice and determination! There again a good Black Belt.”

Sensei Conley
New Brunswick KO

“A Dojo is a mini cosmos where we make contact with ourselves- our fears, anxieties, reactions, and habits. It is an arena of confined conflict where we confront an opponent who is not an opponent but rather a partner engaged in helping us understand ourselves more fully. It is a place where we can learn a great deal in a short time about who we are and how we react in the world. The conflicts that take place inside the Dojo help us handle conflicts that take place outside. The total concentration and discipline required in the study of martial arts carries over to daily life. The activity in the Dojo calls on us to constantly attempt new things, so it is also a source of learning, a source of self-enlightenment.”

Joe Hyams author of, “Zen in the Martial Arts.”

“I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better or heavier.”

Sir William Wycherley (circa 1674)

Class Schedule

Effective June 21st, 2010
All times are ATLANTIC time unless otherwise stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Promote self discipline
• Enhance physical development
• Provide opportunities for positive peer interaction
• Increase attention span
• Promote respect for authority figures
• Assist with weight loss

History of Okinawan Kobudo

Interest in unarmed fighting arts increased during the 14th century when King Sho Hanshi of Chuzan established his rule over Okinawa and banned all weapons. A more rapid development of tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa and again banned the possession of weapons (swords and firearms). Thus Tode or Okinawan Te, as the Satsuma Samurai soon called it, became the only means of protection left to the Okinawans. Thus it was this atmosphere that honed the early Karate like arts of Okinawa into a weapon, enabling the island people to conduct a guerrilla type war with the Japanese Samurai that lasted into the late 1800's.

The Okinawan people developed their farming and fishing tools into weapons that were very effective against the samurai. The Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, Bo, and Tonfa were the most common that were utilized. But they also trained with the Ekku (Oar), Tekki (Okinawan Brass knuckles), Nunti Bo (Boat Gaff), Kusarigama (Kama with a long chain mounted to the handle), Nitan Bo (two short sticks), Tenbei (Short Spear with a tortoise shell shield), and also a kanzashi (hairpin).

THE BO

History
The Bo is one of the five weapons systematized by the early Okinawan developers of the style known as te (hand). In feudal Japan it was part of the bugei (early Japanese martial arts) and was used by samurai, priests and commoners alike. Its six foot length made it an apt weapon against swordsman, disarming the opponent, as well as dislodging a man on horseback, while allowing the user to remain at a safe distance.

Traditional Use
The Bo evolved from a pole laid across the shoulders to carry water or other loads (fruits or vegetables). As a fighting instrument, it allowed blocking and striking against a range of weapons.

Current Use
Now part of the budo, the Bo is still used in kata performance, as well as Bo tai Bo training. Physical conditioning with the Bo improves balance and upper body strength. Remember a Bo can be found anywhere: a pool stick, tree limb, broom, mop, etc.

THE SAI

History
The Sai are present in Okinawan and in other Asian weapon arsenals. The Sai was used to stab, block, trap and punch. Practitioners often carried a Sai in each hand and a spare in the belt. An Okinawan could throw the third sai at an opponent and still maintain the other two for sword defense.

Traditional Use
The Sai is believed to have originated from basically nothing more than a digging tool used to pull out native potatoes and yams. As a weapon, it was used in conjunction with various karate stances, techniques and in defense against sword attacks.

Current Use
With sometimes dulled points, the Sai is now a karate training weapon. It tests accuracy in striking and quick block-and-counter techniques. It also develops strong shoulders, forearms and wrist strength.

THE KAMA

History
In 1470, when traditional weapons were confiscated by the Japanese military, Okinawan commoners utilized the Kama as a fighting blade. They used the Kama in place of the sword, often attaching a chain to the base for greater reach, known as a kusarigama.

Traditional Use
The Kama was originally used for cutting grass or sugar cane. In close range fighting, the sickle could be used to trap an opponent's weapon, followed by cutting and slashing with the other.

Current Use
The Kama is most commonly used in Kata competition and demonstrations although it is also still used in Okinawa today as a farming tool (many road maintenance crews use them for cutting and clearing brush). The forms include circular movements which improve blocking and countering techniques. This weapon will strengthen the wrist and forearm.

THE TONFA

History
The Tonfa was developed as a weapon by the Okinawans, specifically for use in conjunction with karate. Two Tonfa were often used simultaneously and were very efficient against armed assailants.

Traditional Use
A well crank was originally used to bring water up from a well. As a bean or rice grinder handle, the Tonfa's circular movements as a farm implement evolved into its rotating strikes as a weapon. The side of the Tonfa was used for blocking and the ends for direct punches.

Current Use
Now an advanced karate training aid, the Tonfa aids in development block-and-strike strategies and upper-body strength. It is also used by many police departments throughout the United States and is commonly referred to as a nightstick or policeman's baton. It is technically called a PR-24.