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Discover a diverse collection of art and photography in our GALLERY.

Announcements and/or Videos of Interest

ANNOUNCEMENTS: January 2024, Regular Classes Resumed on each Tuesday & Thursday at 4:30pm for Beginner Kids under age 13 & 5:30pm for Novice to Advanced Teens & Adults. First class is Thursday, January 2024. PINAN CHI, similar to Tai Chi, may resume if at least Twelve to Thirty students enroll. VIDEOS OF INTEREST: Videos featuring Rika Usami, Mahiro & Masaki Takano, Masao Kagawa JKS and a Ashihara Karate Sabaki Kata. "CLICK" to open

Development of Karate & Recommended Karate Books

Karate evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries, becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century, probably by people forbidden to carry weapons. It was imported into Japan in the 1920s. Several schools and systems developed, each favoring somewhat different techniques and training methods. There are many books on Karate. Listed here are the ones we recommend. "CLICK" to open

Development of Shotokan Karate

Shotokan is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son, Gigo Funakoshi in 1936.

Development of Perry Florida Kenkojuku Karate

Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate Dojo The Perry Florida Shotokan Karate Dojo was established in September 1973. This Dojo has remained active all these years as a full time Dojo. Jimmy Bowden began his study of karate in 1974 and assumed the role as Owner / Chief Instructor in 1977.

Perry Florida Dojo Schedule

January 2023, Regular Classes Resumed on each Tuesday & Thursday at 4:30pm for Beginner Kids under age 13 & 5:30pm for Novice to Advanced Teens & Adults. PINAN CHI, similar to Tai Chi, may resume if at least Twelve to Thirty students enroll.

Karate Terminology & Techniques

These are the karate terms we use in the Dojo. Most of our basic Karate Techniques are videoed below. In addition, there are techniques from other styles which are interesting and informative. Listed at the bottom are Shotokan Black Belt Ranks, Titles and Minimum Age levels.

Perry Florida Dojo Registration

If you would like to register in advance, print, fill-out form and e-mail, postal mail or personally bring a copy to us twenty minutes before your class. On Line Registration may be coming soon. Dojo Location: 127 South Jefferson Street, Perry, Florida 32348 USA, Downtown Perry, Across from Johnson's Bakery-mail: dojo@fairpoint.net Postal Address: Jimmy Bowden 106 Worley Way Perry, Florida 32347 USA (850) 838-5339 "CLICK HERE" to open

Information for White Belt - 10th Kyu:

White Belt is our 10th Kyu color belt. This is the first color belt. When you first begin your study of Karate, there are some things you may not be acquainted with. We have included most everything you need to learn during the first six months of your karate training. Jimmy Bowden Sensei "CLICK" to open

Information for Yellow Belt - 9th Kyu:

Yellow Belt is our 9th Kyu color belt. This is the second color belt, "OBI" as all the different color belts are referred. During this level, you will learn the first form or "KATA". This kata, Taikyoku Shodan is described below as a diagram, slide show and video. You are also introduced to training with a partner. "CLICK" to open

Information for Orange Belt - 8th Kyu:

Orange Belt is our 8th Kyu color belt. This belt is the third color belt. Here you learn your 2nd kata, Taikyoku Nidan. and more basic techniques while stepping. Your Kumite is still basic. "CLICK" to open

Information for Green Belt - 7th Kyu:

Green Belt is our 7th kyu color belt. This is the fourth color belt. Here you are introduced to Ten No Kata. Also, you learn Taikyoku Sandan and Heian Shodan Kata, the first of five Heian Kata. Basics gets more advanced, and your Kumite is still one step sparring. "CLICK" to open

Information for Blue Belt - 6th Kyu:

Blue Belt is our 6th Kyu color belt. This is the fifth color belt. This belt is our first belt level of advanced training. The Katas from here on are performed without your Sensei's cadence count. Kihon and Kumite are somewhat more advanced. "CLICK" to open

Information for Purple Belts - 5th & 4th Kyus

Purple Belt is our 5th & 4th Kyu color belt. This is the sixth color belt. There are two levels for Purple Belt. After completing the first level Purple Belt one is then ready for a more free style of Karate training. The Kihon here is advanced, Kumite is Jiyu-Kumite which is a free style sparring. For 5th Kyu Level, Katas are Heian Yodan & Godan, then Bassai-Sho & Chinte "CLICK" to open

Information for Brown Belt - 3rd, 2nd & 1st Kyu

Brown Belt is our 3rd, 2nd & 1st Kyu color belt, the last belt before Black Belt. This is the seventh color belt. There are three (3) levels of Brown Belt. For 3rd Kyu, you must learn Ten No Kata Dai, Tekki-Shodan, Bassai-Dai, then any previous Kata. For 2nd Kyu, katas are Tekki-Nidan, Jutte and Shushi No Kon Sho Bo Kata. For 1st Kyu, katas are Tekki-Sandan, Niseishi, Jiin and Shushi No Kon Dai Bo Kata. Other requirements not listed here. "CLICK" to open

Information for 1st Degree Black Belt - Shodan

Shodan is the 1st level of Black Belt at our Dojo. One may be eligible to test for Shodan at least 6 months after completion of 1st Kyu-Ikkyu. Also the person must be at least 16 years old. At this level, the karateka is recognized as "SEMPAI". "CLICK" to open

Information for 2nd Degree Black Belt - Nidan

Nidan is the 2nd level of Black Belt at our Dojo. One may be eligible to test for Nidan at least two years after completion of Shodan. Also the person must be at least 18 years old. At this level, the karateka is recognized as "SEMPAI". "CLICK" to open

Information for 3rd Degree Black Belt - Sandan

Sandan is the 3rd level of Black Belt at our Dojo. One may be eligible to test for Sandan at least three years after completion of Nidan. Also the person must be at least 21 years old. At this level the Karateka is now a "SENSEI". "CLICK" to open

Information for 4th Degree Black Belt - Yodan

Yodan is the 4th level of Black Belt at our Dojo. One may be eligible to test for Yodan at least four (4) years after completion of Sandan. Also must be at least 25 years old. "CLICK" to open

Information for 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan

Godan is the 5th and highest level of Black Belt at our Dojo. One may be eligible to test for Godan at least five years after completion of Yodan. Also the person must be at least 30 years old. Once reaching this level, the person may be entitled to the "SHIHAN" title. "CLICK" to open

Ten No Kata for Green (7th Kyu) & Blue (6th Kyu) Belts:

TEN NO KATA - Kata of the Universe, was developed by Gichin Funakoshi and his #3 son, Gigo in the 1930's. As you continue your study of karate, you have now reached a point where you are understanding how to perform our techniques and their applications. During this phase you will also learn all five of the Heian Kata plus more Kihon.. Jimmy Bowden Sensei "CLICK TO SEE"

Shotokan Karate Kenkojuku Kata listing

There are many Karate Kata practiced. Our style of Shotokan, Kenkojuku at the Perry, Florida Dojo, utilizes thirty (30) of these kata. They are listed below and may be viewed at the specific belt color level pages below. "CLICK TO SEE"

DOJO KUN

The Dojo Kun The 'dojo kun' are, basically, the rules of the Dojo. These rules were laid down by the Okinawan master of Karate, Sakugawa Shungo. He based these rules on the Chinese rules, which date back to the era of Bodhidharma. The rules were recited at the end of every training session by the highest grade student, then repeated by the other students.

Tora No Maki Challenge, Karate Tournament - CANCELLED for 2020, 2021 and 2022

This is our Karate Tournament: Our next Karate Tournament will be announced here. Location: Forest Capital Hall. Address: 203 Forest Park Drive (North of Big Bend Community College) Perry, Florida 32348

Sport Karate Rules

Sport Karate comprises Kata, Kobudo and Kumite. These events are performed during Traditional Karate Tournaments. Kata being Forms, Kobudo being Weapons and Kumite being Sparring.

American Shotokan Karate-Do Kenkojuku Alliance "ASKKA"

The ASKKA was founded in 2013 by Sensei Joseph Butrim, Ted Raitch, John Hinken, Charles Parker and Jimmy Bowden. Ted Conway Sensei is the current Chairman of ASKKA and Andrew Faupel Sensei is the current President of ASKKA. ASKKA Senior Advisors are: (listed in order of appointment) Wayne Wickizer, Art McConnell, John Egan, Kai Leung, Arnold Farquharson, David Mabry, and Don Byington. (click to open)

PINAN CHI - Peaceful Energy Flow

Pinan Chi is similar to Tai Chi except three shorter forms. Pinan Chi is empty hand forms, comprised of self-defense moves with slow soft fluid movements. It's a noncompetitive gentle physical exercise with stretching, meditation and a great workout. CLASSES CURRENTLY INACTIVE. MAY RESUME WITH MINIMUM OF TWELVE (12) STUDENTS. Classes would be at 7:00pm-7:30pm on each Tuesday & Thursday.