Takamine Karate Dojo

Our Style: Authentic Okinawan "Life Protection"

Hanshi Seiken Takamine, Kyoshi Manny Soares and Renshi Patrick Trovato posing for a photo at Takamine Karate Dojo in Miller Place

This Is Not Sport. This Is the Art of Survival.

Our dojo is built on a complete, traditional martial system. It is not a sport designed for winning trophies, but a practical art designed for real-world "Life Protection." This page explains our philosophy and the core components of our style, which have been passed down directly from Taika Oyata to Hanshi Takamine.
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The Philosophy of "Life Protection"

At Takamine Karate Dojo, our entire mission is built on the art of "Life Protection." We are a traditional dojo dedicated to preserving this principle, which honors the legacy of our teachers.

We strive to develop our skills not only to avoid injury in a conflict but also to prevent causing serious harm to an opponent. Our training emphasizes:

•The principles of street combat and real-world self-defense
•An understanding of the nature of violence
•Awareness of human behavior in combative situations
•Mastery of body mechanics as they apply to combat
•Situational awareness as the first line of defense
•A clear understanding of the law as it relates to self-defense

The Core Components of Our System

Our style is a multi-disciplinary art where each component enhances the others to create a complete and effective system of self-defense.
 

Okinawan Karate (The Foundation)

Our foundation is traditional Okinawan Karate, a combat-proven system rooted in powerful, efficient strikes, blocks, and practical body mechanics. This is the strong framework upon which all other components are built.

Kyusho Jitsu (Pressure Point Striking)

We teach the art and science of pressure point manipulation. This includes Atemi Jitsu (striking vulnerable areas) and Kyusho Jitsu (using nerve targets). You will learn the anatomical precision to neutralize a threat with control and efficiency, a skill preserved by one of the last masters of the art, Hanshi Takamine.

Tuite Jitsu (Grappling & Joint Locks)

This is the Okinawan method of close-quarters grappling and joint manipulation. It moves beyond simple grappling to teach you how to control, disarm, and subdue an opponent using small joint locks, pain compliance, and positional advantage. It’s an essential part of our close-quarters defense.

Kata (Forms)

Kata are the heart of our art. These traditional forms are a living library of proven self-defense techniques, teaching rhythm, body mechanics, breathing, and a connection to our martial history. At our dojo, every movement in kata is studied for its practical, real-world application.

Deeper Influences

The art of Taika Oyata and Hanshi Takamine is enriched by principles from other classical combat arts, including the fluidity of Chinese White Crane and the circular motions of Chinese Kenpo. These principles are integrated to create a more versatile and effective system.

 
Hanshi Seiken Takamine doing a kata with the Sai weapon

A Note on Weapons Training (Kobudo)

Traditional Okinawan weapons training is a core part of our complete tradition, but it is a distinct, advanced program for dedicated students. We offer separate, in-depth classes for the Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, and more, all taught with the same authentic lineage.
Learn More About Our Weapons Program

Experience Our Style Firsthand

Words can only explain so much. The best way to understand our art is to see it in action and feel the difference for yourself. Call us today to schedule your first class and begin your journey in authentic Okinawan Karate.
 

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