Reviews of Shorinjiryu Karatedo

I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for exceptional instruction in traditional martial arts for practical, effective self-defense. I trained directly with Sensei Wayne Van Horne for many years before moving to the west coast. If I still lived in the Greater Atlanta area, I would still be training at the Yamakan dojo. In addition to being a highly qualified technician who can really do what is being taught, Van Horne is a university professor and published author - meaning, he is a highly skilled educator who knows how to TEACH as well as DO! If you are new to Ogasawara-Ha Shorinji-Ryu, it is a traditional Karatedo system brought to us by the Ogasawara family (same family tree as Ogasawara-Ryu {formal school of etiquette practiced by the Japanese imperial family} and Ogasawara Kyudo {Japanese archery on horseback}). What this means to the student is that classes are run with considerable respect to one another, intense spirit, and a comprehensive curriculum that retains the full practice of standing techniques, throwing/controlling/restraining techniques, and Kobudo (Japanese and Okinawan weapons). There is great information on the website that explores this more. My recommendation to anyone in the Greater Atlanta Area is to try it out first-hand, or better yet bring a friend too.

This dojo is not about breaking boards, it is about fellowship and walking the path of the ‘warrior’, not a bully, not a Saturday not boxer, but a warrior who honors him/herself and the people around them; a warrior who honors truth and wisdom. I have been a member of the Yamakan Dojo for 8 years and as I look back at who and what I was 8 years ago, it is hard to see that person any more. Through this ancient art I have come to peace with myself and my dojo brothers and sisters around me; we are a family, each looking after each other, each helping each other grown and learn. What can I say… Yamakan changed me to be a better person. This is my story and I am sticking to it.

I began karate training 24 years ago, have trained directly under three Japanese 8th dans, and hold rank / have long training histories in karate (3 systems), aikido, judo, taekwondo, kobudo, and ko-ryu systems. I have been a guest at this dojo a few times and can undoubtedly report that the instruction is incredibly encompassing and competent in empty hand, throwing, joint techniques, Ryukyu weapons, etc. I would certainly recommend this dojo first to anyone in the ATL area.

I spent a number of years in two different systems before coming to the Yamakan and asking Sensei if I could train here. While I’m grateful for the time I spent in both, ultimately I needed something more. Like many, I was looking for practical and effective technique grounded in the reality of ancient warriors. More importantly, however, I sought a way of life that would help me become a better person. I’ve been here for over a decade now.

I thought I was going to train exclusively in the blocks, punches and kicks of Japanese karate. What I discovered was a surprisingly rich curriculum. Shorinji-Ryu incorporates not just punching and kicking but also grappling, joint locks, throws, chokes and a wealth of weaponry. All of this takes place in a traditional environment that teaches not just respect and appropriate behavior, but kindness. There are no aggressive macho attitudes, no egos. The friends I’ve made here are incredibly supportive and will last a lifetime.

This is a karate-do, a way of life. I’ll never be very good at it, but it’s the journey that improves the quality of my own life. Anyone seeking an art of self defense that survived the ancient battlefields, and a higher path that applies it to everyday living, will feel very much at home here.

It's difficult to sustain a dojo that is not focused on maintaining cashflow through marketing, contracts, and ego-stroking incentives for student retention. For many years Van Horne Sensei and his students have done just that. The karatedo taught at the Yamakan is austere, functional, and firmly rooted in tradition, without pretense or obfuscation. If you're invited to participate, I recommend that you leave your ego at the door and be prepared to sweat. Be prepared also to enjoy the warmth and friendship of a group of senior students for whom practice is its own reward.