| Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo Student Testimonials |
I think that the best part of studying Martial Arts at the Okinawa Budo Kai
dojo is that Perkins Sensei and Womack Sensei give me the training I need
appropriate to my level of skill as a beginning weapons student and as an
intermediate karate student. It is not a "cookie cutter" program and the
chief instructors are personally involved in my studies. I also enjoy the
atmosphere and the good stories.
Bob Mc Donnell, Isshinryu NiDan, RyuKonKai ShoDan
Canton, Michigan
dojo is that Perkins Sensei and Womack Sensei give me the training I need
appropriate to my level of skill as a beginning weapons student and as an
intermediate karate student. It is not a "cookie cutter" program and the
chief instructors are personally involved in my studies. I also enjoy the
atmosphere and the good stories.
Bob Mc Donnell, Isshinryu NiDan, RyuKonKai ShoDan
Canton, Michigan
Greetings to all, my name is Cliff Laskosky.
I have trained off and on in the Martial Arts for most of my life,
receiving my first promotion in 1972 at the age of 18.
Back in March of 2002 I found my way to the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo.
I've been very fortunate in my studies to have trained with many marvelous
and talented Martial Artists. I feel it is my continued good fortune to be training
at this Dojo. Both Sensei Jeff Perkins and Carol Womack are among the
best of the best!!! They train right along side their students, teaching beginners
and high ranking black belts with the same enthusiasm.
In February of 2004 I was invited by my senseis to accompany them
on their annual trip to Okinawa. We learned about Okinawan culture and
studied karate and kobudo with their Okinawan teachers. Sensei Womack and
Perkins are master level instructors, who are still students themselves.
(TEN THOUSAND RIVERS FLOW INTO THE SEA, YET THE SEA IS NEVER FULL)
Sensei Perkins said to me before our trip,"Cliff-San if you go to Okinawa
you will never be the same" He was absolutely correct about that.
Sensei Womack is a very humble person, she never speaks of the fact
that she is a former (WORLD CHAMPION) she won first place Bo Kata
(6ft. staff of the kobudo system) at the 2002 Okinawa Rengokai World
Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. I feel it is important for all of us to understand
just how accomplished she is and how truly fortunate we are. Sensei Womack
also heads up our Eskrima program and is a direct student of Eskrima & Karate
Master Arsenio J Advincula. Sensei Perkins is also a student of Advincula
Sensei and has some of the strongest technique that I've seen. He has a very
powerful martial spirit that flows through him and into us.
Not long ago I had the opportunity to realize one of my life's ambitions;
to study the Samurai sword. Guess what? I do that at this Dojo as well.
I train with my good friend Gerhard Weber. Sensei Weber is our Iaido instructor
and along with myself was recently promoted to Black Belt in our Kobudo
program. Sensei Weber is an awesome martial artist and a very giving man.
He has two wonderful children that train in our Karate program.
Have I said that our Dojo is a family affair? it Is.!!!
That brings me to my own family. I would like to thank my beautiful wife Peggy,
my very cool son Thor and my amazing daughter Melody. Without their
continued support and understanding I could not do what I do.
I would also like to thank, all the parents, students and assistant instructors.
You're all doing a great job!!!
Sensei Cliff Laskosky
4th Dan Isshinryu Karate Do
1st Dan RuyKyu Kobudo RyuKonKai
1st Dan A.C.E. Eskrima
Yon Kyu Nakamura Ryu / Toyama Ryu Iaido
I have trained off and on in the Martial Arts for most of my life,
receiving my first promotion in 1972 at the age of 18.
Back in March of 2002 I found my way to the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo.
I've been very fortunate in my studies to have trained with many marvelous
and talented Martial Artists. I feel it is my continued good fortune to be training
at this Dojo. Both Sensei Jeff Perkins and Carol Womack are among the
best of the best!!! They train right along side their students, teaching beginners
and high ranking black belts with the same enthusiasm.
In February of 2004 I was invited by my senseis to accompany them
on their annual trip to Okinawa. We learned about Okinawan culture and
studied karate and kobudo with their Okinawan teachers. Sensei Womack and
Perkins are master level instructors, who are still students themselves.
(TEN THOUSAND RIVERS FLOW INTO THE SEA, YET THE SEA IS NEVER FULL)
Sensei Perkins said to me before our trip,"Cliff-San if you go to Okinawa
you will never be the same" He was absolutely correct about that.
Sensei Womack is a very humble person, she never speaks of the fact
that she is a former (WORLD CHAMPION) she won first place Bo Kata
(6ft. staff of the kobudo system) at the 2002 Okinawa Rengokai World
Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. I feel it is important for all of us to understand
just how accomplished she is and how truly fortunate we are. Sensei Womack
also heads up our Eskrima program and is a direct student of Eskrima & Karate
Master Arsenio J Advincula. Sensei Perkins is also a student of Advincula
Sensei and has some of the strongest technique that I've seen. He has a very
powerful martial spirit that flows through him and into us.
Not long ago I had the opportunity to realize one of my life's ambitions;
to study the Samurai sword. Guess what? I do that at this Dojo as well.
I train with my good friend Gerhard Weber. Sensei Weber is our Iaido instructor
and along with myself was recently promoted to Black Belt in our Kobudo
program. Sensei Weber is an awesome martial artist and a very giving man.
He has two wonderful children that train in our Karate program.
Have I said that our Dojo is a family affair? it Is.!!!
That brings me to my own family. I would like to thank my beautiful wife Peggy,
my very cool son Thor and my amazing daughter Melody. Without their
continued support and understanding I could not do what I do.
I would also like to thank, all the parents, students and assistant instructors.
You're all doing a great job!!!
Sensei Cliff Laskosky
4th Dan Isshinryu Karate Do
1st Dan RuyKyu Kobudo RyuKonKai
1st Dan A.C.E. Eskrima
Yon Kyu Nakamura Ryu / Toyama Ryu Iaido
My name is Gerhard Weber and I am a student of martial art weapons. I
started training in Iaido in May 1997 and have been doing so ever since. In
March 2003, I noticed the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo located in my neighborhood
and decided to investigate what this school was all about. Looking inside the
school’s window I noticed a large assortment of weapons on the wall rack
and decided to stop by a week later to watch a Kobudo class. I was
impressed with the number of Kobudo weapons that the students studied and
was even more impressed with power generated from each technique.
Furthermore, I found the teaching ability of the chief instructors, as they
explained in detail the bunkai of specific weapon katas, to be exceptional.
Two weeks later, I enrolled my two children in the Okinawa Budo Kai karate
program. I felt that my children could benefit from the martial arts as I had as
a teenager. The benefits are many and are not limited to improving one’s
discipline, perseverance, character, and self confidence. I very much liked
the teaching ability of Perkins and Womack Sensei, as well as their patience
with the kids. I also found the assistant instructors to be very qualified to
teach karate. I have also accepted one of the assistant karate instructors
(and good friend of mine), Cliff Laskosky, as one of my Iaido students.
I had wondered for some time what martial art weapons and techniques a
swordsman could encounter and I also wanted to supplement my Iaido
training. I then made arrangements with Perkins Sensei for a private
introductory lesson on the Kai (Eku). I was very happy with my Eku lesson
and Perkins Sensei was very helpful afterwards in answering any questions
that I had regarding the Eku. In June 2003, I started my Kobudo studies under
Perkins and Womack Sensei on a permanent basis. I soon realized that the
Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo taught several schools of Kobudo. In addition, the
Dojo also taught Escrima and one Karate/Kobudo student had over 20 years
experience as a European fencer. I realized that I had joined not just a
Kobudo school, but rather an academy for learning martial art weapons. I
have found my instructors and the Kobudo students to be friendly,
knowledgeable, and serious about their training. Everyone draws from one
another’s experiences and techniques are analyzed.
One thing that I like very much about my Kobudo instructors is that they
continuously work to improve their Kobudo skills and every year they go to
Okinawa to learn from their instructors. What they learn in Okinawa is
transferred to me and the other Kobudo students. Perkins and Womack
Sensei also allow students to learn at their own pace and encourage students
to learn much about Okinawa’s history and culture. I have obtained some very
good suggestions from Perkins and Womack Sensei regarding generating
power, improving body dynamics and good technique. All of this, coupled with
my continued Iaido studies, has substantially strengthened my Tameshigiri
practice.
I highly recommend the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo to anyone who wishes to
learn Kobudo.
Gerhard R. Weber
Nidan – Toyama and Nakamura Ryu Iaido
Nidan – RyuKonKai Kobudo
started training in Iaido in May 1997 and have been doing so ever since. In
March 2003, I noticed the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo located in my neighborhood
and decided to investigate what this school was all about. Looking inside the
school’s window I noticed a large assortment of weapons on the wall rack
and decided to stop by a week later to watch a Kobudo class. I was
impressed with the number of Kobudo weapons that the students studied and
was even more impressed with power generated from each technique.
Furthermore, I found the teaching ability of the chief instructors, as they
explained in detail the bunkai of specific weapon katas, to be exceptional.
Two weeks later, I enrolled my two children in the Okinawa Budo Kai karate
program. I felt that my children could benefit from the martial arts as I had as
a teenager. The benefits are many and are not limited to improving one’s
discipline, perseverance, character, and self confidence. I very much liked
the teaching ability of Perkins and Womack Sensei, as well as their patience
with the kids. I also found the assistant instructors to be very qualified to
teach karate. I have also accepted one of the assistant karate instructors
(and good friend of mine), Cliff Laskosky, as one of my Iaido students.
I had wondered for some time what martial art weapons and techniques a
swordsman could encounter and I also wanted to supplement my Iaido
training. I then made arrangements with Perkins Sensei for a private
introductory lesson on the Kai (Eku). I was very happy with my Eku lesson
and Perkins Sensei was very helpful afterwards in answering any questions
that I had regarding the Eku. In June 2003, I started my Kobudo studies under
Perkins and Womack Sensei on a permanent basis. I soon realized that the
Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo taught several schools of Kobudo. In addition, the
Dojo also taught Escrima and one Karate/Kobudo student had over 20 years
experience as a European fencer. I realized that I had joined not just a
Kobudo school, but rather an academy for learning martial art weapons. I
have found my instructors and the Kobudo students to be friendly,
knowledgeable, and serious about their training. Everyone draws from one
another’s experiences and techniques are analyzed.
One thing that I like very much about my Kobudo instructors is that they
continuously work to improve their Kobudo skills and every year they go to
Okinawa to learn from their instructors. What they learn in Okinawa is
transferred to me and the other Kobudo students. Perkins and Womack
Sensei also allow students to learn at their own pace and encourage students
to learn much about Okinawa’s history and culture. I have obtained some very
good suggestions from Perkins and Womack Sensei regarding generating
power, improving body dynamics and good technique. All of this, coupled with
my continued Iaido studies, has substantially strengthened my Tameshigiri
practice.
I highly recommend the Okinawa Budo Kai Dojo to anyone who wishes to
learn Kobudo.
Gerhard R. Weber
Nidan – Toyama and Nakamura Ryu Iaido
Nidan – RyuKonKai Kobudo
We once trained in a kickboxing style of “sport” karate for tournament
competition. We now train at the Okinawa Budo Kai School of Karate and
Kobudo and are taught “real” karate for self-defense on the street, where
there are no strict rules of contact enforced by referees and any manner of
uncivil conduct is permissible.
At Okinawa Budo Kai, Senseis Jeff Perkins and Carol Womack teach martial
arts the same way they are taught by karate
(empty hand) and kobudo (weapons) masters on the island of Okinawa. You
will learn an effective system of self-defense in an environment that
promotes good health and a commitment to life-long study. You’ll condition
your body, energize your mind, and enrich your soul.
If we have one regret, it’s that it took us so long to discover the Okinawa
Budo Kai School of Karate and Kobudo.
Dick Gassen, NiDan, Isshinryu/ShoDan RyuKyu Kobudo
Brian Gassen NiDan, Isshinryu/Ikkyu RyuKyu Kobudo
competition. We now train at the Okinawa Budo Kai School of Karate and
Kobudo and are taught “real” karate for self-defense on the street, where
there are no strict rules of contact enforced by referees and any manner of
uncivil conduct is permissible.
At Okinawa Budo Kai, Senseis Jeff Perkins and Carol Womack teach martial
arts the same way they are taught by karate
(empty hand) and kobudo (weapons) masters on the island of Okinawa. You
will learn an effective system of self-defense in an environment that
promotes good health and a commitment to life-long study. You’ll condition
your body, energize your mind, and enrich your soul.
If we have one regret, it’s that it took us so long to discover the Okinawa
Budo Kai School of Karate and Kobudo.
Dick Gassen, NiDan, Isshinryu/ShoDan RyuKyu Kobudo
Brian Gassen NiDan, Isshinryu/Ikkyu RyuKyu Kobudo
I'm grateful to be a part of the Okinawa Budo Kai.
I've trained in Isshinryu at different dojos through the years. For one reason or
another, I wasn't able to continue my training until now. I started here this
past February and have enjoyed many things. I'd never known there was a
thing called Bunkai that went with each kata. It helps me to better
understand a katas movement knowing the why of a block or strike.
I'm also able to learn at my own pace. I had to re-learn the basics, and Seisan
kata when I started. I've been able to learn other katas up to Chinto which I'm
now learning. Black belts, and senior kyus have been very helpful in learning
katas.
When I began training in February, I'd been out of work for many months,
finally getting back to work in May. I was mentally fatigued by the seemingly
hopeless job situation I faced. I so looked forward to the nights when there
was a karate class, as it was an anchor for me mentally. Even now that I'm
working, that's still true. Months ago, I went to class after working an almost
16 hour day. I was too tired to move but, forced myself to go to class. After
class, I drove home in a state of calm.
Byron Williams
Yon Kyu, Isshinryu Karate
I've trained in Isshinryu at different dojos through the years. For one reason or
another, I wasn't able to continue my training until now. I started here this
past February and have enjoyed many things. I'd never known there was a
thing called Bunkai that went with each kata. It helps me to better
understand a katas movement knowing the why of a block or strike.
I'm also able to learn at my own pace. I had to re-learn the basics, and Seisan
kata when I started. I've been able to learn other katas up to Chinto which I'm
now learning. Black belts, and senior kyus have been very helpful in learning
katas.
When I began training in February, I'd been out of work for many months,
finally getting back to work in May. I was mentally fatigued by the seemingly
hopeless job situation I faced. I so looked forward to the nights when there
was a karate class, as it was an anchor for me mentally. Even now that I'm
working, that's still true. Months ago, I went to class after working an almost
16 hour day. I was too tired to move but, forced myself to go to class. After
class, I drove home in a state of calm.
Byron Williams
Yon Kyu, Isshinryu Karate
I can say that when I joined OBK my confidence in my martial arts skills and
in myself in general were at an all time low. I actually felt that maybe due to
my age and health it was just time to quit. After attending the classes at OBK
I realized that the instructors (Sensei's Jeff and Carol) were involved with the
class all of the time. They actually worked out with us emphasizing our kata
and bunkai. Their instruction methods encourage everyone in the classes to
learn together. We learn about the techniques and in-depth history on
Okinawan martial arts. In less than 2 years I can do over 15 kata with good
form and bunkai. Even more important is the fact that my health is great and I
have developed additional physical strength. We have had the opportunity of
learning from Okinawan masters at seminars and to go on annual tours of
Okinawa with our classmates. OBK offers a variety of martial arts programs
and this makes it fun and educational. I highly recommend training at the
Okinawa Budo Kai classes with the instruction of Sensei's Jeff Perkins and
Carol Womack.
Phil Angelella
ShoDan, RyuKyu Kobudo
in myself in general were at an all time low. I actually felt that maybe due to
my age and health it was just time to quit. After attending the classes at OBK
I realized that the instructors (Sensei's Jeff and Carol) were involved with the
class all of the time. They actually worked out with us emphasizing our kata
and bunkai. Their instruction methods encourage everyone in the classes to
learn together. We learn about the techniques and in-depth history on
Okinawan martial arts. In less than 2 years I can do over 15 kata with good
form and bunkai. Even more important is the fact that my health is great and I
have developed additional physical strength. We have had the opportunity of
learning from Okinawan masters at seminars and to go on annual tours of
Okinawa with our classmates. OBK offers a variety of martial arts programs
and this makes it fun and educational. I highly recommend training at the
Okinawa Budo Kai classes with the instruction of Sensei's Jeff Perkins and
Carol Womack.
Phil Angelella
ShoDan, RyuKyu Kobudo
In searching for a lifetime sport, I sought an activity that could be
done year-round, could be continued into later years, and had a
mental aspect to keep it interesting. I found that Isshinryu karate
at the Okinawa Budo Kai satisfies these requirements and more.
Before starting classes I was concerned as to whether or not the
karate taught at Okinawa Budo Kai was "authentic" and if I would
feel out of place being an older student. Both concerns were
quickly cleared up by visiting the dojo where I watched (and
participated in) a class and learned Sensei Perkins' and Sensei
Womack's philosophy. I feel like part of the family now!
Russ Bonner
done year-round, could be continued into later years, and had a
mental aspect to keep it interesting. I found that Isshinryu karate
at the Okinawa Budo Kai satisfies these requirements and more.
Before starting classes I was concerned as to whether or not the
karate taught at Okinawa Budo Kai was "authentic" and if I would
feel out of place being an older student. Both concerns were
quickly cleared up by visiting the dojo where I watched (and
participated in) a class and learned Sensei Perkins' and Sensei
Womack's philosophy. I feel like part of the family now!
Russ Bonner
