Welcome to the Sandia Budokan. If you are a native to Albuquerque you may have already noticed the Dojo on your travels. We are only blocks from the University of New Mexico and conveniently located at 2203 Silver SE just off of central avenue.
Visitors are welcome to observe our classes, but are expected to observe basic Dojo etiquette.
Please arrive a few minutes before class starts, and plan to stay for the entire class. A senior student will make you welcome and be your host. You will remove your shoes and sit at the side of the mat. After class, we encourage you to ask our members about the dojo and any training questions. If you wish further information, your host can introduce you to the instructor.
Quick, powerful strikes and kicks characterize the art of Karate.
Developed on Okinawa as a farming people's fighting art, Karate underwent radical changes when introduced to Japan in the early 1900's. Many of the movements were simplified and made to suit the ideals handed down in old sword and jujutsu schools. The result is a distinctively Japanese approach to Karate.
Gichin Funokoshi's Shotokan is one of the most influential Japanese styles. At Sandia Budokan we practice a very similar style known as Nippon Koryu Karate-Do (Japanese old style karate way). This tradition rejects the sporting and competitive trend of modern karate, and emphasizes the aspects of self-discipline and polished technique integral to the older styles.
Students practice five general areas of this art: fundamental techniques (kihon); traditional forms (kata); sparring in its various forms (kumite); self-defense (goshinjutsu); and application of techniques through breaking and bag work (tameshiware). Advanced students study the traditional Bo, Sai, Tonfa and Tanto weapons as well.
Mr. Richard Roche, Karate-Do Instructor.
Mr. Roche has studied karate at Sandia Budokan since 1991. He currently holds the rank of Nidan in Nippon Koryu Karate-Do.
For centuries, the martial arts of Japan have been a focus of training for self discipline, self reliance and competence in crisis. Originating as combat arts for victory on the medieval field of battle, these disciplines were soon identified as excellent vehicles for development of one's character as well. The martial way is called Budo.
Sandia Budokan is a center for the practice of Budo. Here one can train in the art of the sword and other weapons, study the subtle techniques of Aiki, and learn the more modern Japanese art of Karate. Each group operates independently, and a student normally trains in only one art until he or she has attained black belt level in their first art. All students participate in group dojo activities including open mat periods, all-dojo classes and seminars.
Sandia Budokan is a nationally respected traditional dojo, known for high standards and classical training. We frequently host visiting instructors and wholeheartedly support students attending quality seminars outside the dojo. We do not care about sports or organizational politics, and we do not teach children, or other "self-defense" courses. We are a self-sustaining organization with a modest dues structure, no paid instructors and no contracts. We welcome serious men and women to join us in our journey along the way.
Please feel free to continue on to the photo section where actual class sessions where photographed, giving you a very brief view of some very basic techniques.
If you should have any questions please feel free to stop by and observe a class, or drop us an email at info AT sandiabudokan DOT org
Karate-Do Class Schedule: Monday 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm Friday 6:00-7:00pm Sandia Budokan 2203 Silver SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 268-5339 Map |
