Black Bear Tradtional Martial Arts Center The Region's Source for Authentic Samurai ArtsWELCOME TO THE SHINDOKAN DOJO WEBSITE:
Shindokan Dojo/Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center is a traditional dojo located in the Town of Stonington along the shoreline of southeastern Connecticut, and adjacent to Westerly, Rhode Island. Serving eastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island, Shindokan Dojo is dedicated to the study and preservation of the traditional martial arts of Japan and Okinawa. Much of what we have to offer can be found nowhere else in this region, making our dojo unique among all others here in southern New England. We have ongoing classes in the following traditions:
- Dentokan Jujutsu / Aiki-jujutsu (Samurai Life-Protection Arts)
- Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho (Iaijutsu - Classical Japanese Swordsmanship)
- Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu (Classical Japanese Swordsmanship)
- Shorin-ryu Reihokan Karatedo & Kobudo (Traditional Okinawan Martial Arts)
HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS:
While we are a public dojo, we understand the martial traditions that we practice to be invaluable cultural treasures that represent the possibility for . We therefore hold them in the highest regard and do not cater to the masses. Our dojo is affiliated with Japanese and Okinawan based organizations and very senior teachers that have spent their lives in pursuit of the study of true budo. The arts that we practice are truly authentic traditions, with documented, verifiable lineages extending back to Japan's fuedal age. We do not teach, nor have any desire to teach, sport-based or mixed martial arts. No other dojo in the area can offer the range of training choices at the level of commitment, experience, skill and depth of understanding that our instructors bring to mat. Significantly, we are one of the very few dojo in southern New England to remain true to the heritage, intent and proper transmission of the authentic martial arts of Japan and Okinawa. As such, we are truly a superior alternative to the all too prevalent, contract-based so-called martial arts “studios” that actually debase and undermine the core values of budo.
Our practice is exacting; students will work hard to earn their skills. Our instructors remain students themselves, and regularly travel across the country, and beyond, for their own training. Committed to the correct practice and transmission of our respective arts, our instructors continue to receive direct instruction from their teachers and maintain direct ties with the organizations that they represent, all of which are recognized in Japan and Okinawa. Their focus is on teaching students of Shindokan Dojo authentic classical Japanese and Okinawan martial arts in the traditional manner, the same way it has been done for hundreds of years, directly from teacher to student.
Having been entrusted with the task of proper service as caretakers of our various arts, our dojo faithfully represents something higher, deeper and far more meaningful than what is offered at the typical “karate studio”. We practice and offer access to invaluable traditions that cultivate the way of the true warrior heart: a victorious life of fearlessness, respect, dignity and compassion. These are attributes that can provide one with the personal power to face these most challenging of times with courage and the resolute will to overcome all obstacles that one may face.
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Location:
163 South Broad Street
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
401-474-2568 (cell) or 860-938-9169 (dojo)
