Shorin-Ryu Karate

Welcome to Shorin-Ryu Karate of Williamsburg, the premier training center for traditional karate, offering an alternative to costly, contract-based martial arts schools. Our dojo focuses on self-achievement and discipline, providing powerful self-defense skills, weight loss, stress relief, whole body fitness, focus, and confidence to families and individuals. Our family-run facility is one of the most authentic martial art centers in the area and the United States training center for our headquarters in Japan.

The Foundations of Our Karate

At Shorin-Ryu Karate of Williamsburg, we teach and practice the art of Shorin-Ryu Karate from Okinawa, Japan. Our style of karate focuses on self-achievement and discipline through strong physical and mental training. We offer a unique atmosphere, training with internationally certified teachers, and affiliation with one of the most prestigious martial organizations in Japan. Our chief instructor is John Spence, a 7th Degree Black belt and the director for Shorin-Ryu Butokukan in the United States.

Sensei (Instructors)

*Sensei John Spence*

Sensei John Spence is the U.S.A Shibucho/branch director for Shorin-Ryu Butokukan karate under Hanshi Sokuichi Gibu, 10th dan/Judan. He has trained in Shorin-Ryu karate for over 20 years and is a certified instructor in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu and Okinawa Kobudo. Sensei Spence travels to Okinawa, Japan every year for training at the World Headquarters in Urasoe City. He has trained with some of the top martial arts instructors in the United States and Okinawa and aside from Shorin-Ryu, Sensei Spence extensively trained in Judo while attending college. He has served as the self-defense instructor for the LSU Law School and the American Institute of Banking. Sensei Spence has conducted seminars in the United States and South Africa on Shorin-Ryu karate and Okinawan Kobudo and also created an 11 video/dvd series on Okinawan Karate and Kobudo that sell worldwide today. Aside from a karate instructor, Sensei Spence is a fifth-grade teacher at Matoaka Elementary School in Williamsburg. He earned his B.A. from Catawba College and his Master's Degree in Education from the College of William & Mary. He was also the recipient of the 2003 Fulbright Memorial Fund Japanese Scholarship where he studied Japanese culture and education.

Dojo Membership

Our dojo does not require expensive membership contracts or programs. We believe in providing accessible and affordable training for everyone. Our classes are designed for families and individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Services Offered

At Shorin-Ryu Karate of Williamsburg, we offer traditional karate classes for all ages and skill levels. We focus on physical and mental training, providing powerful self-defense skills, weight loss, stress relief, whole body fitness, focus, and confidence. Our classes include:

• Little Dragons (ages 5-7): Mondays/Thursdays 5-5:30pm
• Kids (ages 8-13): Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30-6:25pm
• Teens/Adults: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm

We also offer training in Kata, Kumite, Kobudo, Hojo Undo, and General Info. Our dojo follows the strict traditional etiquette and standards of Butokukan.