Featured School
Interview with Kyoshi Ader of All Okinawa Karate & Kobudo
Property Type: Multiple Styles
1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?
The school was started by myself (Kyoshi Jeff Ader) in 1980. I began teaching in an effort to increase my own skills and share my positive experiences with others. Little did I know that it would lead to a meeting with Grand Master Fusei Kise and my opportunity to become a personal student of his.
2. What forms of martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?
I teach Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo. Matsumura Seito originated in the late 1700’s from the teachings of Soken “Bushi” Matsumura. Our lineage extends from “Bushi” Matsumura through his grandson Nabe Matsumura, Hohan Soken and Fusei Kise. The next Grand Master, Isao Kise, is currently a Ku Dan (9th degree Black Belt).
3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?
There are several major concepts that drive the system. One is Tai Sabaki or body change. The idea of getting off the line of attack and deflecting the opponent’s power is a major one. Another concept we teach with major emphasis is to develop a full range of responses to a situation. We attempt to utilize a variety of techniques from least to most invasive. A third concept is that kobudo (traditional okinawan weaponry) is equally important to empty hand technique in the practice of the system. A fourth and arguably the most important concept is that of responsibility. We believe that with power comes the responsibility to use the power wisely. There are a number of other important precepts that I’d be happy to discuss in another format.
4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?
I believe that a good, traditional martial art teaches much more than the ability to defend oneself. During the course of intensive training the body improves and the self-concept grows stronger as well. With an improved self-image violence tends to decrease. I submit that martial arts training builds better citizens and is important to a peaceful society.
5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?
There are always many obstacles to opening and running a traditional martial arts school. The first and foremost is always to get solid training and education for oneself as the Chief Instructor/owner. I have overcome this with travel to see Grand Master Kise and Kaicho Isao Kise and bringing them here to the U.S.
Another continual obstacle is the expense of opening and maintaining a dojo. I’ve overcome this with careful management and also teaching at a local community center and at the U. S. Air Force Academy. Teaching at these other locations allows me to subsidize the expenses at the dojo.
6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in martial arts?
I would suggest that one look for a system that fits you in terms of size, strength, quickness, flexibility and emotional content. I would also recommend that one look for the best instructor they can find and not get caught up in the “glitz and glitter” of a commercial operation.
7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?
I, Kyoshi Ader, am the Chief Instructor and also the Mid-West U. S. Director for Grand Master Kise and the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo Federation. I am also the Head Karate Instructor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
I have been training for 39 years and was graded to Hachi Dan (8th degree Black belt) at the end of May by Grand Masters Fusei Kise and Isao Kise.
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