What is the Okinawan Karate Club of Arlington?
The Okinawan Karate Club of Arlington is a not for profit traditional martial arts school currently holding classes at Trailwood United Methodist Church (TUMC) in Grand Prairie, dedicated to teaching Okinawan Shorin Ryu and Kobudo (weapons) as taught by Eizo Shimabukuro, Grand Master and Shudokan Karatedo as taught by the late Walter Todd, United States Shibucho for the late Kanken Toyama. We welcome students of all ages (kids starting at 5), fitness, and experience levels. The dojo is directly affiliated with and follows Shimabukuro O'Sensei of Okinawa.
Our Philosophy
The club’s intent is to create well-balanced martial artists focusing on instilling humility, respect and honor of self and others while developing body, mind, and spirit. Traditional principles and techniques are emphasized with a goal of perfecting technique, endurance, self-knowledge and physical and spiritual strength.
Our History
Jackie Pinson Sensei first began her training with Lyn Hunt Sensei in Shotokan in 1990. Shortly thereafter they shifted gears and began training in Shorin Ryu karate under Ilene Smoger Sensei's student William P. Carrroll. Later they began training directly with Smoger Sensei at the Okinawan Karate Club of Dallas (OKCD). OKC of Arlington officially opened their doors as a satellite of the OKCD in January 2005. The main emphasis of the school was and continues to be a community outreach program. Classes were initially conducted at TUMC as well as the Salvation Army Life Center in Arlington, TX. Forced geographical shifts caused by the forthcoming Dallas Cowboy Stadium plus the housing of refugees from Hurricane Katrina at the Salvation Army has led to classes being solely conducted at TUMC.