Programs
Shitoryu Karatedo
Improved cardiovascular fitness.
Increased muscular strength and endurance. Improved flexibility. Real confidence in your ability to defend yourself.
Give the program some time and you'll see for yourself! Mid-Atlantic Shitokai's (MASK) traditional Shitoryu
karate program offers an excellent workout that has practical value.
MASK is a member of the USA Shitokai and the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation (WSKF). Shoko Sato, the Pan-American
Director for the WSKF ensures the quality of instruction through a variety of means, including periodic training opportunities
and the oversight of all black belt promotions. Sato Kyoshi represents the concerns of the USA Shitokai (and other federations
in the Pan-American regions) at the WSKF headquarters in Asaka, Japan.
Tot's Karate
Tot's Karate is a pre-karate
class geared toward children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. The intent is to develop fundamental skills while preparing
the young ones for participation in the traditional karate class. Tot's Karate focuses on gross motor development,
learning the behavioral expectations of karate class (self-control, good sportsmanship, etc.) and fundamental karate skills.
Tot's karate emphasizes hands-on learning through a variety of games and learning activities. While the children
are held responsible for appropriate behavior, the atmosphere is more relaxed than the traditional karate class. This
is one of MASK's most popular programs.
Shuri-te Jiu-jutsu
MASK offers Shuri-te Jiu-jutsu
for adults and juniors. The program includes fundamental blocking, striking and kicking skills that are identical
to Shitoryu with the added emphasis on joint manipulation, throws and takedowns.
Though athletic opportunities exist for participants, this program is primarily geared
toward self-defense. Program quality is ensured by support from Tashi Troy Price.
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Shitoryu History
Kenwa Mabuni, Founder Shito-ryu is one of four systems of karate-do accepted by the World Karate
Federation for  international karate competition. It was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952), descendent of a Okinawan warrior family, specifically
Kenio Oshiro. Master Mabuni, like other famous martial
arts masters, is said to have been a physically weak child who took up the study of the martial arts in an effort strengthen
himself. He studied various Okinawan arts with some of the most renowned karate masters, including Ankoh Itosu (1830-1915)
and Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915). The name "Shito-ryu" was a composite of the Chinese pictographs that represented
the first portion of these highly regarded masters' names. Master Mabuni's school of karate was formally organized
in Osaka, Japan in 1934, and officially named Shito-ryu in 1939. Shito-ryu has since spread throughout the world.
Kenei Mabuni, Soke  Master Kenei Mabuni (1918 - ), son of Master Kenwa Mabuni, took part in the organization of the World Shito-ryu
Karate-do Federation in 1993. He was named the second Soke (designated master) of Shito-ryu upon the death of his father
in 1952.
Manzo Iwata, Shihan
Iwata Shihan (1924-1993) began studying Shito-ryu at the age of 10 years
old. While  studying at Toyo University in Tokyo, he came under the tutelage of Master Mabuni. He was recognized as one of Master
Mabuni's top students. He received his shihan diploma from Master Mabuni in 1944, and became the president of Shito-kai
Karate-do Kanto District.
Shoko Sato, Kyoshi  Shoko Sato Kyoshi serves as the Pan-American Director of the World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation (WSKF). He began his study
of Shito-ryu as a teenager under Manzo Iwata, a direct student of Master Mabuni. As a student at Toyo University in the late
1960s, Sato Kyoshi led the university karate team to victory in the prestigious All Japan Karate Championships. Shortly after
graduating from Toyo University, Sato Kyoshi was called upon by the WSKF to spread the art of Shito-ryu in Latin America.
Since then his influence has spread across the globe.
This represents only a partial history of some notable instructors in the Mid-Atlantic Shitokai Karatedo lineage.
Visit Sato Kyoshi's web page for more information on the history of Shitoryu and karatedo in general.
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Our Staff
 Oviatt Sensei
Oviatt Sensei has spent the past 20 years studying martial arts from around the world.
Although he now focuses primarily on Shitoryu Karatedo (yondan) and Shurite Jiu-jutsu (shodan), Sensei Oviatt has experience
with taekwon-do (nidan), kali, shootfighting, Lee Jun Fan / JKD, Pentjak Silat, Muay Thai and western kickboxing. This,
in addition to training received as a police officer and experience gained as a Virginia state licensed physical educator,
has given Oviatt Sensei a unique perspective on martial arts training and self-defense.
Cynthia
Oviatt, Sempai
 Cynthia Oviatt, also an experienced martial arts instructor, has over 20 years
experience in the martial arts (Nidan - Shito-ryu; Nidan - American Taekwon-do Association). By day Mrs. Oviatt serves
as the Science Coordinator for the A-T Children's Project.
Our black belt assistants:
Sandan:
Sensei Mark Pilch (Kuniba-kai Shitoryu)
Shodan:
Tiffany Lockett *
Russell & Donna Peter
Sid Dar
Shodan-ho:
Umar Dar
David
Lichtman *
* Inactive
Anyone wishing their name to be removed from this roster may do so at
office@vashitokai.com.
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