Kodokai Dojo

Women have unique concerns when choosing a martial art school, and for good reason. Many schools are specialized in ways that are less than ideal for women. There are the male-dominated mixed martial arts (MMA) schools that focus on "ground and pound", and at the other end on the spectrum there are the commercialized "karate" schools that focus on kids and have only a few adult classes aimed at capturing their parents.

The Kodokai is different for many reasons. The most important difference is that we are the only school in the state with an instructor who was trained in Japan. Our methods, straight from the source, are more than punching and kicking and more than an extraordinary self-defense system. Our martial arts offer a holistic approach to cultivating your mind, body and spirit.

We provide personalized training in a safe and respectful environment. Our practice is noncompetitive. We come together in the Dojo with a spirit of cooperation and support. 

We do not have "all female classes"- everyone is capable of developing superb skills so we need not train separately. By working together we all benefit. You will be partnered with both men and women.

Our unique martial art is called Motobu Udundi. Though it was developed centuries ago, it is ideal for today's world. And you won't find it at any other school. We had to go to Japan to learn it.

Our martial art is ideal for smaller people. It incorporates flowing movement and techniques that don't rely upon upper body strength.

We teach you to use the weight and movement of your body rather than muscle power. You will learn to use fluid movement to escape or to counter an attack and will practice the use of momentum, centrifugal force and leverage to maximize your effectiveness. You will learn throws and joint locks which use the enemies force against him. 

Our classes begin and end with a short meditation. Each class also has a period of muscle relaxation, stretching and core body conditioning exercise. In addition, you will get a great cardio workout. By the time class ends you'll be exhausted but energized. You'll have shed your stress, burned a ton of calories, laughed a bit and sweat a lot. You will have fun and leave feeling good!

Your training can also include study of the samurai sword which offers a great physical and mental challenge and beautiful flowing movements that generate incredible power. Sword classes are very popular with our female students as they teach grace, fluidity, poise and control (which means that the ladies are typically much better than the men!).

Another consideration is traditional Okinawan dance- a historical component of this martial art. Dance has been a warrior tradition in virtually every culture ranging from the Massai in Kenya, native Americans, and ancient Rome. Dance preserves technique, invigorates the spirit and engages the mind.  The dances of our martial art are a graceful, slow meditation with hidden martial arts techniques. They are rarely seen in America.

Whether you seek fitness, self-defense, artistic expression or a practice for developing your mind, body and spirit, the Kodokai provides opportunities for you that you will not find elsewhere in Rhode Island or even elsewhere in North America.

Our spacious school provides a clean, calm environment immensely different from the typical small, noisy neighborhood "karate" school. The Kodokai is not simply "karate lessons". The Kodokai is a lifestyle.