UW Karate Club Holds First Black Belt Clinic

November 11, 2009 — The University of Wyoming Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo Club concluded its first Yudansha "black belt" clinic in the College of Education building gymnasium.

Members of Seiyo Kai International Karate Dojos from Cheyenne, Laramie, Gillette and Casper participated in the two-day clinic.

"Events like this are a great way for black belts to train with other black belts at a level of intensity that beginning students find a bit difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with," says Sensei Martin of the UW Club.

The UW Seiyo Kai is planning future events including free, two-hour women's self-defense clinics.

Unlike some other karate clubs, Martin says Seiyo Shorin-Ryu does not sanction tournaments or competitions of any kind.

"Instead, we teach the philosophy of karate as a non-aggressive, true martial art," he says. "There is more potential for developing superior focus and overall mind-body conditioning with our training program because we don't concern ourselves with being performers on a stage trying to impress spectators."

Traditional Okinawan martial arts are sometimes confused with what is portrayed in movies, Martin says.

"People get the wrong impression about true martial arts, because they think it's all about the good guy beating up the bad guy and that's just not the real world," says Martin. "In our style, traditional karate is designed to develop the whole person for a healthier lifestyle and effective self defense techniques."

He adds, "If we ever had to use what we know to defend ourselves and our loved ones then karate comes in pretty handy there too."

The UW Seiyo Kai Dojo is open to new students, with members training five days a week. A schedule of fees, training times and Web links can be found at www.uwyo.edu/karate.

Photo: Ken Knight of Casper and Nicole Maxwell of Laramie participated in a recent black belt clinic at the University of Wyoming.

Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009