Ramtown Karate Program

Ryukyukan

Ramtown Karate is a charter member of Ryukyukan, a Shorinryu karate organization based in Okinawa, Japan. Ryukyukan is led by our president Hanshi (Ninth Degree) Koei Nohara, Okinawan Shorinryu karate master.  Ryukyukan and California’s Ramtown Karate are known for a strong historical lineage and an internationally renowned knockdown karate fighting team.

Shorinryu Karate

Karate was first created in Okinawa, Japan. Shorinryu Karate is one of the three original Karate styles (Shorinryu, Gojuryu, Uechiryu).  Ryukyukan is directly linked to the original Shorinryu karate through the line of Chosin Chibana (Kobayashi) and Chotoku Kyan (Matsubayshi). The main technical characteristic of Shorin-ryu Karate is to concentrate one’s power (kime) into a target smoothly, accurately, and in the precise instant it is needed. This method of concentrating power is practiced internally and externally, using movements that are naturally healthy for the practitioner. This practice is soothing to the internal organs and calming for respiration. Relaxed natural movement punctuated with focused releases of power teaches your body to properly relax with perfect form. Energy is preserved leaving the body and mind alert and ready to respond as needed. This method of training is as relevant today as when it was originally used for life-and-death combat. It is impossible to picture the speed, power and ability of the Okinawan karate masters without actually training with them. Body learned ability to react and defend is automatic in those individuals who spend a lifetime practicing the finely tuned methods of Okinawan karate. The Ryukyukan training system challenges and pleases those who quest for the real historical meaning and techniques of karate. In today’s world jaded by claims of martial arts mastery, many look to competition to test their karate. The Ryukyukan Karatedo Federation promotes knockdown karate. Our Ryukyukan fighters compete successfully in today’s highest levels of knockdown karate competition, as well as sport karate kumite, and kick boxing. Our international ties promote friendships that span the globe; wonderful visits to other countries where Ryukyukan students meet great competition, establish friendships and experience other countries through the eyes of local residents.

Knockdown Karate

Ramtown Karate is a member of the All Ryukyus Knockdown Karatedo Association, the renowned Knockdown Karate group based in Okinawa, where karate originated.  Our international Ryukyukan Karate organization hosts the largest knockdown tournament in the Ryukyus (Japan) where over 400 competitors test their skills with knockdown rules each June. Ryukyukan also host a tournament which includes Knockdown divisions in London each April, North Carolina in August, South America in October, and in Dixon California each November.  Ramtown Karate fighters are internationally known in the Knockdown Karate arena.

Traditional Sport Karate Tournament Competition

Ramtown Karate is a charter member of the Northern California Karate Federation, a group of traditional karate dojos that promote the highest level karate tournament competitions in Northern California. NCKF champions continue on to national competitions through USA Karate, and the AAU. Those athletes who reach the top in national competitions are selected for positions on the USA Pan American Games team, and the USA Karate team. In 2020, USA Karate selectED the first Olympic Karate team to represent USA in Karate at the Tokyo Olympics.