About Us

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 websites' 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 Dojo), Kelly Conley (Registrar for St Stephen Dojo), or Bill Adams (Chief Instructor for the McAdam Dojo), 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, 2nd Dan, and is located at the McAdam Elementary School.

New Brunswick KO presents teachings in Shorin Kenpo Karate, utilizing the full array of training experience of Sensei(s) Conley and Adams: baseline training in Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate, advanced training in Okinawan and American Kenpo Karate, 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, generalized self-defense training for all juniors and adults.

Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate is most unique from its other Shorin siblings (Matsumura, Kobayashi, and Shobayashi styles). Specifically, the interpretation of Sensei Eihachi Ota’s Matsubayashi, who was Sensei Conley’s teacher for a brief time, it is most unique and in the opinion of Sensei Conley, the best. Strong words yes, but that is the feeling and the findings of 30yrs of Karate and other martial arts compiled by Sensei Conley. In Sensei Ota’s Matsubayashi the practitioner hits with their entire body, (Sometimes the resemblance of hurling your body at your opponent!) This hitting with your whole body is stated by other styles, but in Sensei Ota’s version it is very evident and can be distinguished and seen by even the most un-calibrated eye. You see it in the way the practitioner moves, with the drop step that is utilized, and to the unknowing, an audible foot stomp with each step forward. Marriage of gravity, body torque, and of course the punch! If you watch, really watch Sensei Ota punch, it is quite remarkable, and powerful with every cracking sound of his Gi. His punch utilizes a unique wrist/fist torque that Sensei Ota so graciously explained to Sensei Conley, first over the phone, and then in more detail at an Ontario seminar in June of ‘07. This, Sensei Conley will teach to students when they have grasped and can command the basics of the punch first, just as Sensei Conley still works on the dynamics and characteristics of the punch everyday himself. The time with Sensei Ota, although brief, as with much in Karate and other martial arts, people come together and sometimes most often, pass by. Karate being fundamentally, historically and some would say its origin identity of being reclusive, combative, and individualistic by nature, leads often to disputes, misinterpretations, and necessity for separation by its practitioners from others. Nature of the beast… Sensei Conley still attempts to stay in contact with Sensei Ota from time to time, and there are hopes of having him do general Matsubayashi seminars in the future in New Brunswick.

Kenpo 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) is only taught to adults, Blue Belts and up, generally. Kenpo basics are taught to all ages and levels.

The St Stephen New Brunswick KO Dojo offers the marriage of two systems, Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu and Kenpo Karate, that highlight the other’s strengths and advantages, while offsetting each other’s weakness or shortfalls. Kenpo is known for its coordinated, targeted, almost surgical movements or attacks. Yet, and sometimes criticized for, lacking superior striking power and force that is seen in Okinawan Karate, like Shorin Ryu. Okinawan Karate known for its superior body conditioning and hitting power, yet deficient in practical speed, too linear and blocked out, impeding fluid movement. The two together, make for an efficient combination of capabilities! To use a military analogy: the combination of swift, coordinated, and penetrating air attacks followed up by superior ground forces (armor, infantry, & artillery) win today’s wars. So, like today’s warfare, today’s combat requires the combination of coordinated, surgical like attacks coupled, and in order to finish up, with power strikes. Which is why most traditional, stand alone, systems are deficient along with the rise of systems like Mixed Martial arts are becoming more prevalent. Kenpo can be likened to air power, while Okinawan Karate to the ground forces. Taught, supplemental to all ranks and ages, is Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons): Bo staff, Sai, Kama, and Tonfa.

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 heavily influenced by Sport Karate and in some cases, Mainland Japan. Already the New Brunswick KO has developed a strong support bond with the Person to Person Karate Dojo in Colonia, New Jersey whose Dojo Head is Shihan Kin San Ng, 6th Dan of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu. Closer to home, contacts have been made with Kyokushin and Goju ryu groups in New Brunswick and Shotokan Dojos in Orono, Maine.

New Brunswick KO Okinawan/Japanese name for its’ St Stephen Dojo is Shinzo Dojo which, in English, Shinzo means, “Heart.” (Dojo of the Heart) 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.

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.

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.

Shorin Kenpo Karate & Kobudo

New Brunswick KO

Instructor Staff and Independent Dojos

Class Schedule

Effective December 1st, 2008

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.