About the Instructor

Sensei Bobby Wynarczuk is a Sandan (3rd Degree Blackbelt) in Shotokan Karate with over 17 years dedicated training.  He currently instructs as Daisempai (senior assistant instructor) under Sensei Tracy Daubert, Godan (5th Degree Blackbelt), Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate of Manatee. 

Sensei Bobby has trained with many martial artists, not just karateka but also martial arts purists, strikers, weapons specialists, cage fighters, grapplers. He pulls great inspiration from various fighting arts such as Boxing, Wrestling, Capoeira, Muay Thai, and MMA and is currently pursuing ranking in Judo and Brazilian Jiujitsu.  While seeing the connection of each of these arts is important to his development as a teacher, he has always returned this knowledge to his Shotokan foundation, discovering new angles of the tradition’s principles in his interactions both in and outside of the Dojo.  

In his words “No matter what your practice is, stick with it for life, I cannot imagine any other way of living.  During my training there were times of adversity “why am I here…?  I’m not cut out for this… why am I doing this?”  But over time, and with dedication and hard practice, something unexpected happened, the training started to work, and I was no longer the person I was, I became something more.”

Benefits Beyond Expectations

Karate Training when taken seriously, will better integrate you into the world.  The Dojo-Kun are 5 guiding principles the student should adhere to for a successful practice and successful life.  By developing a philosophy based on the 5 principles (Dojo Kun) and contemplating their meaning, you become a better karate student in the dojo & a better human being in the world.

“The Ultimate Aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the Perfection of the Character of its participants.” – Gichin Funakoshi

  • 一、人格 完成に 努める こと
    Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto
    To Seek the Perfection of One’s Character

  •  一、誠の道を守ること
    Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
    Be Faithful and Defend the Truth

  •  一、努力の精神を養うこと
    Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto
    Develop the Spirit of Endeavor

  •  一、礼儀を重んずること
    Hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto
    Show Respect to Others

  • 一、血気の勇を戒むること
    Hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto
    Refrain from Violent or Impetuous Behavior

What Is Karate-Do?

Karate-Do came to Okinawa in the Early 20th century where it developed into early styles: Shuri-te, Naha-te, & Tomari-te , where the prefix denoted the ‘’location’ it was established, followed by the syllable ‘te’ (手), meaning “hand”. The original name ‘Kara-te’, 唐手 was believed to mean Chinese-Hand (since its origins can be traced back to White Crane Kung Fu in Fuijian Province), and later revised to 空手 Empty-Hand (still pronounced Karate). Added to this was the syllable ‘Do’, ど (‘The Way’) making Karate-Do “The Way of the Empty Hand”. This denotes a method of practice, development, and self-defense that does not require weapons, but simply your own hands and feet. It also specifies that karate involves continuous discipline to develop a strong foundation to enrich participants who embrace its principles as a “way.” Therefore, Karate is not just self-defense it is training for life.

What is Shotokan, and What Will I be Doing In the Dojo?

Shotokan is the style of Karate developed by its founder Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) in Okinawa.  Shoto (松濤, Shōtō) means “pine-waves” (the movement of pine needles as the wind blows through the trees) and was Sensei Funakoshi’s pen-name.  Kan (館, kan) means “house” or “hall”.  Funakoshi’s students created the name Shotokan in their Sensei’s honor and placed a sign on his school bearing the name of this “new” style.  Funakoshi brought his practice from Okinawa to Tokyo in 1936 where the school flourished and became the main Karate style taught in Japan.  Today there are many styles of Karate, but Shotokan is a traditional style emphasizing low stances and strong solid movement and focuses on three types of practice:

  • Kata – These are the series of predetermined movements (Forms) that have been passed down generation after generation.  Currently Shotokan has 26 (+) forms.  Kata is said to contain every movement and is considered essential to all karate training.  In fact, it is said that Sensei Funakoshi practiced only Kata for many years.  Within these forms are ‘bunkai’ or applications of what each movements represents.  Performing the kata precisely where each step is refined over time is essential to our daily practice. 
  • Kihon – The basic movements.  Stances, strikes, blocks, kicks, sweeps, shifting, and transitions, broken down into granular movements and sub-movements for study.  Consistent training develops Kime (focus or intention), Zanshin (awareness) and Kizushi (balance).  Kihon teaches us to turn to the basics in times of tension.  In the beginning these are in well-defined positions and require repetition, but eventually become as natural as walking.
  • Kumite – Sparring performed with an opponent under controlled conditions.  This develops from simple attack/block/counter 5, 3 and 1-step sparring, to semi free-sparring and eventually jiyu kumite (free fighting).  It allows the student to learn distance and timing.  The goal is not to hit your opponent but to develop control of your technique and test your kihon in a variety of scenarios in a way that serious techniques can be performed.   The safety of students is key, with no harm done to our partners.  This way we can continue to train for life, together.

    (Please note: Karate class pricing structure differs from Aikido class. Whether you wish to cross-train or study karate by itself, please inquire below – we are happy to share the pricing for each program.)
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