Reviews of Rayford Shorin-Ryu

My son joined Kyoshi Sid Rayford's dojo at the age of 4 1/2.He received his black belt just before his 10th birthday.During that time me and my daughter also joined.For anybody who wants to train and participate with your kids this is the place.Reading all the reviews can't say enough about Kyoshi and the dojo.There's nothing like being with your kids and learning together as a family.My proudish moment was receiving my black belt with my son.Going to have another one soon with my daughter.But will have many more moments with training and teaching with Kyoshi and with all the other black belts and students in the dojo.Can't say enough,just hope to see you soon..

Kyoshi Sid Rayford just got promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt. He was promoted by a man that was present for all of his other rankings in Shorin-Ryu. If you get the chance to train with Kyoshi Rayford, do it! This man has an understanding of Shorin-Ryu that is unique and unsurpassed by anyone that is around the Merced/Atwater area. If you know anything about martial arts, you will know that Kyoshi Sid Rayford is the real deal when you see him. And you will also understand why his Black Belts and lower ranked students are so knowledgable.

I am a teacher at Rayford Shorin-Ryu, but always a student! No matter how long someone trains in this school, there is always more "surprises" along the way. Things that have been taught years before and should be "boring!" are filled with new knowledge and application. If your ears stay attentive and your heart stays open like a student's heart, ready for instruction, the learning and personal growth never stops.

Every aspect of this school is unique! The family atmosphere, the lifting up and encouragement instead of belittling to get results and the closeness with the school as a whole is something that makes training a real joy. It makes even a beginner feel comfortable stepping on the floor for the first time. Self defense, and self betterment is our goal each class!

I like how the real life application is described for each move we do.

I stumble across an old friend of mine and didn't realize that he has been practicing Shorin-Ryu for a while. At the same time, I've been looking around for a karate class to put my kids in. He spoke highly of Rayford Shorin-Ryu so I decided to attend the class myself. There wasn't much to say about the class but WOW. This is a very positive experinment.

Now both my children attend Shorin-Ryu and I am amazed at how much they have learned within a month. The Senseis there have the most patient and love for all children that attends there. I highly recommend Shorin-Ryu for anyone who is seeking to put their children in. I know you and your children will love it.

The dojo now is a lot bigger than the previous dojo, but instruction is still as good as always.

I'm currently a student at UC Merced, and I often travel to this dojo for the Thursday night Kobudo classes. Rayford and the other senseis are very knowledgeable, and have a great respect for the art! They know their history, tradition and self defense. There is no greater place to learn Shorin-Ryu Karate than this dojo! I'm amazed by the vast amount of new things I learn each time I visit, and that's only 1 hour each week! :D I highly recommend this dojo to anyone seeking to learn Martial Arts, or self defense!

I have been studying Martial Arts for over 20 years. I have been in and studied in many dojos over the years, so I was prepared to enter a new one. I entered Kyoshi Rayford’s Dojo with a clear mind to learn new techniques. I was immediately impressed by how the classes were conducted. I was treated like a student who has been there for years. Over the first few weeks I trained there, Kyoshi, the Sensei’s, and other students treated me like family, and it felt great. I have a long way to study in Kyoshi’s Dojo, but I look forward to each and every training session. I recommend studying here for anyone looking to a great Martial Art that covers much more than just katas.

A place that strives to teach whoever no matter their past or there Socio-Economic level.

I am a college student at UC Merced and practiced Shorin-Ryu before I moved to Merced. I was lucky that Rayford's Shorin Ryu was here for me to continue my training. Every time I attend his class, I learn something new. I come home humbled and challenged to work harder. Rayford himself and the other senseis are great people. They care for each student individually so that their dojo can grow together as a family. If you're looking for practical self-defense while at the same time learning culture, and self-improvement in both mind and health, this is the dojo for you. You can't deny the knowledge of history, and Shorin is as old as it gets.

I enrolled my special needs son into RAYFORD SHORIN-RYU several years ago. He had been in "locked-up" facilities unable to function in society. He had no impulse control, direction or focus, violent temper with a history of "sniffing" paint and heavy addicting drugs. After he was stablized on medications and released from a local psychiatric facility and came back to live with me I enrolled him in Rayford Shorin-Ryu. There was an almost an immediate change in his life. Since then he has developed many great positive characteristics. His self-esteem and confidence has skyrocketed. He thinks more of other people, has a greater awareness of his surroundings. He now has a paying job 5 days a week, he is involved actively in our little church. He requires miniimal supervision. Completes his many chores at home. His focus and compliance has greatly improve due to the expectations of the DOJO.

I became introduced to Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobodo and met Kyoshi Sid Rayford many years ago when my training in Kenpo ended as the DoJo I attended closed. When training began in Shorin-Ryu I found Kyoshi Sid's talent to be extraordinary! Even after more than 10 years, I can still leave the floor being amazed with the depth of his knowledge. This school is founded on the same principles, kata & bunki that have been handed down from Teacher (Sensei) to Student for hundreds of years. That knowledge is willingly shared with his Seniors, Black-belts, & students is rooted in history. In addition, the foundation of teaching surrounds the morals of respect for God, Family, Country, Work & School. Each of these precepts touch each and every person whether they train or observe the class. I personally served this country in the U.S. Air Force until my retirement in 1995, and I am honored and proud to continue to serve my community in this wonderful school. My own son, a 3rd Degree Black Belt is graduating College in one month, and has applied the self discipline and self reliant confidence he gained through Shorin-Ryu. As for personal development and health benefits, we have Black Belts and students that are training in their 40's, 50's, and 60's. This is not just a young man or woman's martial art. When the state of California released their Fitness Testing data for 2011 and 2 out of 3, 5th grade and 7th grade students state wide cannot pass a basic fitness exam, we as a country are on the wrong track. Consistently, I have watch countless students gain in self-confidence what they loose in weight and habits. If looking into this school in the Merced, CA area, I invite you to stop in, say hello and meet some folks who are ready to work hard and encourage you along the way. Kyoshi Sid and Sensei Amy are ready to let you be your best, and I will hope to see you soon.

Kyoshi Sid Rayford is a 7th Dan Shorin-Ryu martial artist making him one of the highest ranked Shorin-Ryu artists in the United States. His knowledge of this form and many others is vast. Sid has studied martial arts for most of his life. He IS the real deal. Sid's knowledge of the art and culture of Shorin-Ryu, his teaching methods, professionalism, personal warmth, his caring personality and sense of humor makes his dojo a place where students learn and feel accepted, valued, and comfortable. It's a great place to study! You will learn techniques that will get you out of a jam quick! It's a no nonsense martial art... block & hit em hard, fast and continually... until there is no more threat, or you can get away. If you are an MMA warrior, Sid's techniques will make you better! Kyoshi Sid teaches with emphasis on bunkai (practical kata application). This is a much better way to study if you are interested in self-defense... not just looking pretty! You learn how to apply the kata's etc. to real life situations. And weapons... Sid has mastered many forms. You can't get better instruction. Simply put... Sid Rayford is the best... bar-none!!!

Rayford Shorin-Ryu is a great enviornent. It's a friendly atmosphere and the teachers are very fun and respectful. We are like a big family. Everyone is welcome, and treated with respect. Its fun to train here. Kyoshi, the head teacher, gives us a lot of knowledge. I am very fortunate to be training here. I highly recommend this school!

I liked this place and the people who are running it from the very first time we walked in. More importantly, our son is loving it and is learning more than I thought possible. There is quite a bit of one on one and small group instruction, so I never worry about him being overlooked or not "getting it." The instructors are very knowlegable and experienced and they make it a point to be aware of each student's progress and what should be worked on next. Other black belt students also serve as teachers, so there is a very good ratio of instructors to students. The emphasis is on knowing how to use what you learn to defend yourself and sparring is interspersed in the sessions on a regular basis. Those who are ready can attend the advanced and weapons classes, so there is something for everyone.

The class works hard, and students are expected to pay attention and train correctly, but there is not the overly serious atmoshpere that can make a person feel awkward if coming in for the first time. Kyoshi Sid Rayford is very friendly and makes both parents and students comfortable, and all the teaching and correction is done in a positive manner. One of the things I noticed right away is how eager the more advanced students are to help anyone who is new. Both kids and adults take the initiative to introduce themselves and show new students the things they need to know. To me that speaks volumes about the owners and the culture of service and leadership they have created at this dojo.

I also like the fact that it is affordable and flexible. You pay by the month and then have the option to come every night or just those days that work for you and your family. So I love that if there's a day we have to miss, we can come in another time.

We plan to stick with this school. These people have expert knowlege and loving hearts and run an excellent program. I highly recommend it!

This Dojo is family orientated. Awsome place for parents and children to learn and to bond. Instructors are very patient,they teach karate in a way that everyone understands. Rayfords is a great place to learn self defense.