KAWAKAMI METHOD KARATE
Kawakami Method Karate is the culmination of 37 years of practice and contemplation by our founder, Sensei Anthony Kawakami. Who started his journey at summer fun programs in Hawai'i in 1986. Then in 1993 he walked into Yamashita international, Temecula. Where he started his study of the shorin-ryu karate of Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita, under Kyoshi’s Llyod and Karen Knight. This study accompanied training in Matayoshi kobudo. In addition to obtaining his 3rd degree black belt, sensei Tony also studied classical wushu from mainland China. Training, competing and teaching in two countries over 12 years, under Master Ma JinLong, of Shandong, China. Sensei has also spent time studying Goju-ryu (Kenyukai) karate, Zentokukai (Kyan) karate, Uechi-ryu (Pangainoon) karate, Kyokushinkai Karate, Kendo (Hokuto) and aikido (Kodokai). Kawakami method applies a modern perspective of classical Okinawan karate, and kobudo. With the intent to develop a fierce sense of humanity, guided by ancient wisdom within a weaponized body.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR
Anthony Kawakami Sensei was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i and raised in Southern California. He was the only child of a single mother until the age of 13. All his family was thousands of miles away for most of his life, so he knew what it was like to fend for himself when he needed to. As such, he gravitated towards the comradery, and sense of belonging of the dojo. It was in the martial arts that he learned what “eating bitterness” was, for “The best medicine is often bitter”. In the safe space of the dojo, classmates encourage one another to be better versions of themselves, for the benefit of the individual. Lessons didn’t always come easily or pleasantly but under watchful mentors and caring classmates, those lessons didn’t come dangerously. Over the years, Kawakami Sensei has learned that the people with the hardest hands often have the softest hearts. That life is sometimes bitter, but that it’s the bitterness that makes the sweetness taste sweeter when it comes. Kawakami Sensei is a veteran of the US army cavalry, and a graduate from Buddhas light monastic university, Kaohsiung Taiwan. “Nurture goodness where there is some, begin goodness where there is none. End evil where there is some, prevent evil where there is none.”
CONTACT US AT: tony@nameakoa.com
