Martial Arts are a Journey Take the road less traveled- one you haven't already explored.
If you are enrolled at another school or have been out of the martial arts for awhile you are not alone in considering the Kodokai Dojo. Many of our students spent time elsewhere.
Motobu Udundi is a great martial art for those with some prior experience because it does not waste your previous learning. Even our teachers on Okinawa held high rank in other styles (Uechi-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shorin-ryu and Judo) before switching to Motobu Udundi.
I spent thirty years practicing karate before switching to Motobu Udundi. Despite this major commitment to a style that I really liked, I dropped karate like a hot stone once I got a grasp of this martial art.
Anyone who has spent much time with karate (taekwondo, kenpo, etc...) would probably agree that the things you learn in your first couple years of training are the things that you will still rely on after ten or fifteen years of training. That is because besides your basic strikes, blocks and kicks, everything else is mostly useless. Look at the most advanced practitioners. Watch them spar. You will see backfists, front kicks, side kicks and and reverse punches- the same stuff beginners use.
Motobu Udundi focuses on functionality. For the judo or aikido stylist, it provides a great striking system and a different take on grappling. For the karateka, it offers more fluid movement, a faster system of strikes, greater mobility and a plethora of joint locks, throws and submission restraints. Motobu Udundi also has a completely unique use of weapons.
All of us at Kodokai, including those who came from other schools, liked our old way of doing things. But we found it surprisingly easy to adapt to this style. And we still have our previous training so we may keep what we like.
A lot goes through your mind when you contemplate leaving your school. Some feel guilty, others are concerned about starting all over again, and, of course, no one wants to leave their friends.
"I'm not sure that I want to start all over again." You aren't starting over- nobody can take away what you have learned. We can only add to your knowledge and we will build upon what you already know.
"I hate to leave my friends at my current school." Life is short, the sooner you make your move the sooner you'll be at home with a new bunch of friends. And you can always bring your old friends along!
Come down to speak to us.
We will not pressure you in any way. We will answer your questions, show you what our practice looks like and let you watch or visit as often as you like.
We want you to join Kodokai only if you feel it is the right place for you.
Ask yourself "Where do I want to be in my training a year from now? How about five years?"
Why wait?
After decades of traditional karate this unique martial art revolutionized the way we practice and think about self-defense. We are growing and learning in ways we never envisioned. Are you?
