About Us

Welcome to Aoyama Dojo, a proud practitioner of the traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate under the Kensankai system, founded by Doug Perry. Our dojo is part of a rich heritage and is focused on spreading Okinawa Karate-do to our community.

Kobudo

Part of how we spread that heritage is by handcrafting the finest Kobudo training weapons. We aim to provide you with exceptional Kobudo that will last you a lifetime in the Dojo. Whether you are looking for a pair of Tekko (Tesshu), Nunchaku, Eku, or Bo, we make stellar, beautiful Kobudo.

Our Heritage

These are the masters who have molded our lineage and Okinawan karate into what it is today.

Doug Perry

At Aoyama Dojo, we honor a rich heritage rooted in the history of Okinawan Karate. Our lineage starts with Hanshi Doug Perry, whose martial arts journey started in 1946. He trained under prominent masters like Hanshi Tatsuo Shimabuku and Kyoshi Jiro Shiroma, and was a senior student of Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato, who was a direct student of Chosin Chibana.

Shugoro Nakazato

Shugoro Nakazato, a pivotal figure in our heritage, began his karate journey in 1935 and was instrumental in Shorin-Ryu karate. He was a disciple of Chosin Chibana, inheriting the leadership of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do after Chibana's passing.

Chibana Choshin

Chibana Choshin, known as the last of the pre-World War karate masters, he was crucial in developing Shorin-Ryu karate. His teachings and practices have significantly shaped the style and principles of Karate as we know it today.

Anko Itosu

Anko Itosu, often regarded as the father of modern karate, he was a mentor to Chibana. Itosu's influence extends through his systematic teaching methods and his role in introducing karate into Okinawa's schools, laying the foundation for the art's spread and evolution.