At the Asato Dojo we teach Shorinryu karate, specifically Matsubayashiryu karatedo – the school established by Nagamine Shoshin sensei, and Gojuryu – the school created by Miyagi Chojun sensei. Our classes also include ‘kobudo’ – traditional weapons practice. We welcome locals and visitors alike to join our evening classes or request special classes during the daytime.
Please find our Class Schedule here
James Pankiewicz, owner and chief instructor at Asato Dojo, draws on many years of study and experience in Japan and Okinawa to teach karate for those who are looking for the benefits of improved self defence, better self confidence, improved health, cultural study, or just to experience a taste of Okinawan tradition.
Our Instructors
James Pankiewicz
Owner / Instructor
5th dan Matsubayashiryu karatedo (under Arakaki Toshimitsu Hanshi) Practicing martial arts for 30+ years including Wadoryu karate, Shorinryu karate, Jujitsu and Okinawan kobudo. First came to Japan in 1996 to study Japanese language, culture and martial arts.
Opened The DOJO Bar in 2011 in Naha, Okinawa as a place for like-minded local and visiting karateka to meet and share knowledge. Conceived the 100 Kata for Karate Day Challenge event in 2014 to promote the spread of traditional karate practice and connect karateka around the world to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate.
Andrea Klementisova
Instructor
Andrea Klementisova (5th Dan karate, 2nd Dan kobudo), is a long time practitioner of Shodokan Gojuryu (Gojuryu International Karate Kobudo Federation) and Ryueiryu Kobudo. Andrea on Tuesdays teaches Gojuryu Karate class, and every Thursday she holds a special class for dedicated to woman’s self-defence. Andrea, originally from Slovakia, was born into a karate family and started practicing karate at the age of 5. Later, she became a member of the Slovak national team, participated in the kata and kobudo competitions as an individual and team player. Silver medalist in the Gojuryu division at the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament.