About Our Karate Master in Kalamazoo, MI

James Thompson is the president of Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kokusai Kyokai. Sensei Thompson has over 50 years of experience in martial arts and currently holds the rank of Hanshi Ju-Dan.

Sensei Thompson has spent 10 years in Okinawa, which exposed him to some of the best martial artists in the world today. Not only has he become proficient in Uechi-Ryu Karate, he has also trained in Okinawan Kobudo, Aikido, Judo, Tang Soo Do, and other Asian martial arts. Our karate master in Kalamazoo, MI, has also been involved in anti-terrorist training and other government special operations units.

The Thompsons believe that all people can benefit from karate lessons. They have taught people of all ages—from children to senior citizens—as well as people of all physical conditions. Our style of teaching emphasizes patience and respect for the individual while maintaining a realistic approach to self-defense and traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate Do. If you find yourself wondering, “Are there martial arts classes near me?” contact us today.

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to impact the lives of people of all ages with the positive benefits of martial arts training and to create a healthy lifestyle by building a positive mind, body, and spirit. We strive to live by the values of respect, courtesy, honor, and loyalty. We strive for the highest standards of excellence in teaching, developing well-rounded students mentally and physically. We want to teach students to expand their knowledge and develop into becoming proficient students and instructors.

The Benefits of Traditional Okinawan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi, widely considered to be the father of modern karate, once said: “Karate is properly applied only in those rare situations in which one really must either down another or be downed by him.” Students of karate must practice patience, humility, and courtesy so as to embody the principles set forth by Funakoshi; as such, many find that karate offers not only physical benefits, but mental ones as well.

For example, though karate is a martial art and a form of self-defense, it requires practitioners to practice self-restraint so as not to cause unintentional harm. Experienced karate masters know that striking another can cause serious injury. This is why inner peace and self-reflection are such important tenets of karate.

Whether you’re wondering how to relieve stress or properly do a karate kick, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us for more information from our karate masters. We serve residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan.