The main style of karate taught at the Philippi Martial Arts Academy is Koyamakan Karate.
It is a blend of Naha-te and Shorei-te karate styles from the Okinawan towns of Naha and
Shorei. The Koyamakan karate style is structured to lead the student from simple tecniques
and movements to more complex skills.
Some of the benefits of training in karate
Some of the benefits of training in karate include: self defense skills, poise, increased
self confidence, better balance, and increased physical skills.
Class Times
Adult classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 8:00 and 9:30 P.M., except
on holidays. An adult weapons class is held on Friday evenings from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Kid's classes, for children from age 5 to age 14, are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings
between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. and on Saturday mornings between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M., except
on holidays or when most of the students are attending a tournament. A weapons class is held from 11:00 A.M. until noon on Saturdays.
Class Costs
Classes are $30.00 a month
Some of the History of Karate
A short, undocumented history of karate can be
found by clicking on the link. It is not a full nor complete history. It is just some
material that has been assembled over more than thirty years of training in karate.
There are many individuals whose names have come down to us as karate instructors. Some have
become famous because of the number of students that they taught. Other instructors have become
famous because their students became well known. Some skillfull karate practioners did not
accept students and so have not become as well known. Some karate practioners were brawlers.
Others are better known for other aspects of their lives, such as being musicians or
businessmen. Some instructors only taught family members. Other instructors were more open in
their teachings. Some instructors only taught for a short period in their lives. Other
instructors taught over many decades. The students in the early years frequently learned
differently than students being taught by an older, more experienced instructor. Each
instructor was a definite individual with a unique personality. That is perhaps one of the
best effects of karate training. Each individual achieves self confidence permitting the
person to express their uniqueness and special preceptions of the world. My listing will grow
as I have time to dig through my notes and have time to update the Karate Biographies.
The Rank Structure of Koyamakan Karate
The rank structure of Koyamakan karate is based on nine student levels and ten instrutor
levels, i.e. the Japanese kyu and dan ranks commonly seen among most Japanese martial arts. A
more expanded explanation of the Koyamakan rank
structure can found at the attached link.
Empty handed forms of Koyamakan Karate
The empty handed forms required for learning the Koyamakan karate style are located at the
Forms link. The empty handed forms are more than just
aerobic routines, though that is an additional side benefit from practicing them. The forms
teach combinations of techniques which have proven themselves over the generations of
karate practioners.
Weapon forms of Koyamakan Karate
The weapons forms required for learning the Koyamakan karate style are located at the
Weapons Forms link. Traditional weapons build
additional skills and insights through their practice. Students learn the advantages and
limitations of weapons through the routines. With time and practice, the students realize
that the world around them includes many items that could be picked up and used as weapons.
The Koyamakan Karate instructors affiliated with
the Acadenmy
- Dave Wolfe, B.A. 1973 West Virginia University, Shichidan -
Head Instructor of the Academy
- Jeff Walters, A.A. Marshall University, Godan, August 1, 2002,
Renshi, training teacher
- Edward Hunter, M.D. Marshal University, Nidan,
- Patrick McDonald, B.S. Fairmont State College, Nidan, August 12, 1994
- Dana Barr Schaffer, B.S. Alderson-Broaddus College, PA-C, Nidan, December 16, 1995
- M. Jean Bohon, Shodan, November 17, 1986
- David Bowers, B.S., Shodan, 1987
- Patricia Cleavenger, M.S., Shodan, 1987
- Alice Tenney, E.D., Shodan, 1987
- Toney Bohon, Shodan, March 26, 1987
- Mike Maxwell, Shodan, December 23, 1993
- Aaron L. Christian, B.S. Fairmont State College, Shodan,
- Jim Golden, Shodan, August 10, 1994
- Michael D. Cline, Shodan, September 20, 1997
- Christopher D. Cline, Shodan, March 27, 1998
- Jesse Satterfield, Shodan, November 14, 1998
- Alisha Finley, Shodan, January 3, 2001
- Linnea Frey, Shodan, August 6, 2002
- Mike Moore, Shodan, June 21, 2003