Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Karate School in Pierson, MI
Founded in 1985 by Kyoshi Terry Gravelin, our institute has dedicated over four decades to teaching authentic Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do. We combine traditional Okinawan techniques with contemporary methods to develop discipline, self-defense skills, and character in students of all ages. Our curriculum includes kata, sparring, weaponry, and specialized programs for children and adults. As an affiliate of the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate Association, we maintain rigorous standards and offer unique certifications directly from Okinawa. Our instructors bring extensive global experience, including high-ranking black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines.We emphasize practical self-defense applications while fostering personal growth through structured belt progression systems. The institute also features groundbreaking physical demonstrations, including bat-breaking feats using traditional conditioning techniques. With locations in Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, we've served Michigan communities for nearly 40 years, promoting martial arts as a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
Services
Adult Karate Classes
Junior Martial Arts
Little Dragons Program
Weaponry Training
Future Student Program
Self-Defense Instruction
Specialty Courses
Black Belt Certification
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate instruction since 1985
- Our students receive direct certification from Okinawa's Karate birthplace
- We maintain the only comprehensive weaponry system in Karate training
- Our instructors hold advanced black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines
- We combine traditional techniques with modern self-defense applications
What people say
Best investment in our boys future
Great boost in confidence
Learning so many new skills
Fun atmosphere
Awesome instructors
Services
Adult Karate Classes
Our adult karate program develops physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline through traditional Shorin-Ryu techniques. Students learn kata forms, sparring methods, and self-defense applications while progressing through our structured belt system. The curriculum emphasizes practical combat scenarios and character development for real-world application.
Junior Martial Arts
Designed for children aged 7-12, our junior program builds coordination, discipline, and confidence through the Universal Shorin-Ryu system. Students master basic techniques while developing social skills and physical fitness in a structured environment that prepares them for advanced martial arts training.
Little Dragons Program
This foundational course introduces children aged 5-6 to martial arts basics through eight-week sessions. We teach safety skills, fundamental movements, and life lessons that establish a strong foundation for future karate training while making learning fun and engaging for young students.
Weaponry Training
Our unique Ryukyu Kobudo program offers comprehensive traditional weaponry instruction as part of the Shorin-Ryu system. Students learn authentic Okinawan weapons techniques with separate ranking systems, providing historical context and practical applications for advanced martial artists.
Future Student Program
Designed for beginners, this economical program includes two private lessons, a uniform, and a group class to experience our teaching methods. It provides a structured introduction to Shorin-Ryu Karate fundamentals under direct supervision of our chief instructor.
People
Kyoshi Terry Gravelin
Owner and Chief Instructor
7th-degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate with 48 years of martial arts experience. Holds advanced ranks in multiple disciplines and has taught in Michigan for over 40 years. Developed unique physical demonstrations including bat-breaking techniques.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Shorin-Ryu Karate from Okinawa, including Ryukyu Kobudo weaponry systems and complementary disciplines like Jujitsu.
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children starting at age 5, teens, and adults through our Little Dragons, Junior, and Adult classes.
How do belt rankings work?
Our structured system includes colored belts leading to black belt certification directly from Okinawa's Karate birthplace.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, our Future Student Program provides an introductory package with private lessons and a group class trial.
What makes your school unique?
We combine authentic Okinawan traditions with modern applications, featuring the only comprehensive Karate weaponry system and direct certification from Okinawa.
