Dennis Branchaud I began Shorin-ryu karate in 1978 as a U.S. Marine stationed on the island of Okinawa, Japan. My teacher was Seikichi Odo. I practiced and taught his karate for three decades. Master Odo visited my school in Rhode Island in 2001 and I last practiced with him on Okinawa in 2002. He passed away six weeks later.
All of my karate ranks, from my first belt to hachidan (8th degree black belt), were personally awarded to me by Master Odo throughout a twenty-four year period.
I now focus my efforts on the art of Palace Hand. I was a student of the late Taira Sensei and I continue as a student of Takamiyagi Sensei.
I teach because I love what these old martial arts can do for people. We enjoy a happy community at the dojo, and I am grateful for those who come to learn and practice with us. It is very rewarding to see people make progress in so many ways. And certainly, my own life has been enriched by those who come to learn and participate in our classes.
D. Branchaud
Testing for Rank before the board, Okinawa 1978
Demonstrating martial arts, Kenya 1984
With Takamiyagi Sensei Okinawa 2008
Odo Sensei's Dojo, Okinawa 1979
Odo Sensei's Dojo, Okinawa 2002
Takamiyagi Sensei at Kodokai 2005
Odo sensei at Kodokai 2001
With Odo Sensei 1997
With Toma sensei & Mrs., Okinawa 2002
With Takamiyagi Sensei, Okinawa 2006
Swordwith Takamiyagi Sensei, Okinawa 2009
With Toma Seiki Sensei, Okinawa 2007
With Odo Sensei, Okinawa 2002
With Taira Sensei, Okinawa 2006
With Odo Sensei 1984
With Sensei Odo 1983
Odo Sensei in my home.
Sensei Odo's Dojo, Okinawa 1979
Camp Lejeune, USMC, Sensei Odo 1981
Morning Practice with Sensei Odo 1983
Rank Promotion 1999, Epps Dojo
Rank Promotion 1984
Taira Sensei at Kodokai, May 2009
With Taira Sensei, Okinawa, January 2009
Takamiyagi Sensei at Kodokai 2005
With Sensei Odo 1985
To learn more about these teachers visit this page.
The only martial arts school in Rhode Island with a teacher who was trained in Japan.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
