About The Art

Shin Nagare Karate

Karate in Japanese is two words, Kara Tae, meaning empty hand or no weapon. This is a martial art that encompasses many styles from both Japan and Okinawa, which is practiced all over the world today. Traditional Karate-Do teaches strong linear blocking and striking techniques which are used in self-defense. Karate-Do although it utilizes offensive techniques is an art of self-defense, not bullying or aggression. Karate-Do is a path to enhanced self-knowledge through physical techniques and activity, if the only desire is to learn to punch and kick the essence of the martial arts will be lost.
Shin Nagare Karate, founded by Leo Wilson, is a branch of Shotokan Karate, which was founded by Gitchin Funakoshi. Shotokan was Gitchin Funakoshi's pen name, or common name.
Shin Nagare Karate uses the forms/katas of Shotokan Karate, but also incorporates many more throwing techniques and joint manipulations such as those found in Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido programs.
A striking art that was passed down from generation to generation, Karate is said to be several hundred years old. Karate was influenced by many including several different Chinese martial arts styles and from areas in Southeast Asia. The heinan forms/katas that are taught in many karate schools today and were founded by Gitchin Funakoshi.

Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that was the combination of 9 schools, or Kwans, in April of 1955. Tae Kwon Do is also a striking art that incorporates strong linear techniques, such as blocks, kicks, and strikes. Tae Kwon Do is best known for its high kicking techniques which differ from Karate's lower straight line thrusting kick techniques.
General Choi founded Tae Kwon Do, and is the president and founder of the ITF, International Tae Kwon Do Federation. General Choi was born in 1918 and passed away at the age of 83 in June of 2002.
Tae Kwon Do as well as Karate are versions of unarmed combat designed to provide an individual with the appropriate skills for self-defense. Often thought of as an offensive art, nearly all martial arts systems are firmly rooted in trying to avoid confrontation, yet being adequately prepared to protect oneself or loved ones when conflict cannot be avoided.

 

ABOUT KYOSHI DAVID CLIFTON

Mr. Clifton has been training in the martial arts for 40 years and teaching for 30 years, holding black belts in Shotokan Karate, Shin Nagare Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu and Kickboxing.

As a member of four black belt hall of fames including receiving a lifetime achievement award from the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2015. Mr. Clifton is well known and respected across the country as a top notch Martial Artist, Instructor, and Referee. Mr. Clifton is also a frequent columnist for Black Belt Magazine where you can read his works in Clifton’s Corner.

Locally Mr. Clifton has an excellent reputation as an official and has won Referee of the year multiple times in the Pro-Am/NASKA Midwest Karate Circuit. Under the direction of Mr. Clifton American Sport Karate Centers has twice been ranked in the top 25 schools in the world by Sport Karate Magazine.

Mr. Clifton is a former member of the WCOMA US national karate team and represented the USA in International competition and has won two gold medals and a bronze medal. Not only has Mr. Clifton competed at the highest level, but he has trained many students to do the same. Under Mr. Clifton's instruction he has trained 15 amateur and professional world champions and more than 30 national champions.

Other Accomplishments:
Ceremonial Rank – Kyoshi
8th Degree Blackbelt Shin Nagare Karate
8th Degree Blackbelt - Tae Kwon Do
3rd Degree Blackbelt Shin - Shin Jujitsu
2nd Degree Blackbelt - Aikido
1st Degree Blackbelt - Kickboxing
Accounting Degree from Wichita State University – 1995

Contacts

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Hours

Tuesday – 5:30pm – 7:45pm

Thursday – 5:30pm – 7:45pm