Shuri Ryu Karate Academy

Shuri Ryu Karate Academy is a martial arts school that specializes in traditional Okinawan martial arts. Our training includes self-defense techniques, traditional punches, kicks, and blocks, jujitsu, pressure points, and kobudo. We believe that martial arts is not just about physical training, but also about building character. That's why we incorporate respect for oneself, respect for others, and self-discipline into our training.

Our style, Shuri Ryu Karate, was developed by Robert Trias, who first brought karate to the US. Originally called Shorei Ryu Karate, it was renamed to Shuri Ryu in the 70's to avoid confusion with other styles that shared the same name. While there are some differences between Shorei and Shuri Ryu, such as the variety of kata and the separation of kubodu into a separate system, both styles are effective and share the same roots.

Our History

Robert Trias, the founder of Shuri Ryu Karate, was responsible for introducing karate to the US in the 1940s. He developed his style based on several different martial arts styles, and it became known as Shorei Ryu Karate. As karate grew in popularity in the US, other styles appeared that shared the same name, causing confusion. Trias decided to rename his style to Shuri Ryu in the 70's, which gave him the opportunity to tweak his system.

At the time, there were many students of Trias scattered around the country teaching Shorei Ryu, while many others at his dojo in Phoenix had changed their style name to Shuri-Ryu. The result of this is that both styles still exist today, with the same roots, and are very much similar.

Our Classes

Our classes are available to children as young as 6, through adults. We believe that martial arts is for everyone, and we price our classes affordably, at $25/month for children and adults, with 50% discounts for additional family members. We offer a range of classes, from family classes to separate child and adult classes, as well as separate skill level classes (under 6, basic, intermediate, advance).

Our classes are taught by a black belt Sensei, with adult brown/black belt students as assistants and occasional substitute teachers. We believe that students should be taught by experienced instructors, and you or your child will never be trained by a child or teenager, or by a student under brown belt level.

Our Instructors

Sensei Kraig Schlosser

Sensei Schlosser started his martial arts career at 13 years old, learning Tae Kwon Do on and off. At the age of 34, he returned full time under Jay Thompson and Mike Belot, who studied under Robert Bowles. He earned his first black belt at the age of 37 and continued to learn the martial arts, reaching the rank of 3rd dan in Shuri Ryu before the dojo closed. Sensei Schlosser began teaching at the local YMCA, eventually opening up his own dojo. He continued to search for Karate knowledge, and encountered Master Terry Sanders, who was one of Robert Trias early students, and the head of Shorei Ryu. Sensei Sanders took Sensei Schlosser under his tutelage, and has helped him to continue to grow and further understand karate. Under Sensei Sanders, Sensei Schlosser is currently a 7th dan in Shorei Ryu Karate.

Sensei Bob Waldron

Sensei Waldron started Shuri Ryu karate around 40 years ago, but life got in the way. He ended up turning to the dark side, reaching the rank of 9th dan in Tang Soo Do before returning to the fold. He has since earned a 3rd degree black belt in Shuri Ryu. He's been a constant presence in the local tournament circuit. Bob is currently heading the Huntington, Indiana YMCA martial arts program, as well as continuing his participation as a student and instructor at our dojo.

Sensei Anthony Petras

Sensei Petras has a passion for the martial arts that knows no limits. He has been training for over 13 years and is currently a 2nd degree black belt in Shuri Ryu.