Chidokwan Karate-do

For Kids!  For Adults!  For College Students!

For YOU.

Chidokwan Karate was founded in Alfred in 1974 by Hanshi Robert Eller as an eclectic martial arts system, a major tenet of which is written as “being mindful of tradition, but not being bound to it”. The curriculum was further developed and formalized in Alfred by Renshi Joseph Liberto and Shihan Frank Perry in the 80’s.

Renshi Liberto after a workout, circa 1993

Chidokwan karate seamlessly combines traditional and modern training methods and techniques. Chidokwan combines aspects of Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Boxing, American Sport Karate, and Modern Arnis. Traditional katas, mostly from the Shotokan system, play a major role in the ranking system of the style. However, practical street-oriented self-defense, sport competition, and a willingness to evolve are the hallmarks of the system. Chidokwan practitioners have excelled at tournament competition, contact fighting, and self-defense instruction, as well as utilizing the foundation of Chidokwan as a springboard for successfully learning and adapting other martial arts styles. Finally, Chidokwan Karate can provide an avenue for artistic expression in much the same way as studying dance or gymnastics can. There is undeniable beauty in the martial arts.

The Chidokwan Curriculum is a comprehensive martial arts curriculum that seeks to balance traditional martial arts techniques and training methodologies with contemporary ones. The program takes a systematic approach to producing a well-rounded martial artist, focusing on basic skill development, self-defense strategies and techniques, sparring, and kata practice. Chidokwan Karate provides an avenue for self-cultivation by developing improved physical strength, stamina, coordination, and flexibility; improved self-image and self-confidence; and improved concentration and mental discipline.

In Alfred, students can begin learning Chidokwan Karate as early as age 7, or at any time in adult life. Students progress through the belt ranks, beginning with basic techniques, and then building more and more complex skills on top of them, until they achieve a personal set of skills that is tailored to their individual training needs and aptitudes. After a student earns the Yellow Belt, he/she moves into the Color Belt or the Advanced Program, depending on desired rate of progress and time dedicated to training. All students are capable of earning a Black Belt and continuing to benefit from Chidokwan training and skill development as lifetime practitioner, as long as one keeps in mind that progress though standardized, is individual, and patience with oneself and perseverance are paramount to success in any martial arts practice. 

PHOTOS

Our competition group and our haul of trophies... from the Chidokwan Invitational Tournament in Rochester, 12/07

Great action shot of Will during his Black Belt Test in 1999

Group shot of one of our classes, 8/08... (This is for Jamie!)

White Belts practicing their kicks on the REDMAN!