WHAT IS KARATE?

Karate is a martial art that has been a way of life or a way of preparing for life for many people, and can be enjoyed by all ages.  Traditional Karate teaches not just a way to defend against an attacker, but encourages the student to develop his mind, body and spirit to the level that in most cases eliminates the need for one to fight or feel they need to prove something by fighting.  Karate teaches discipline, respect and honor as well as many other sought after values and skills necessary to develop a person into a positive influence on society.

Fighting skills are taught to provide a student a way to defend himself or herself against acts of aggression, but it is understood that the true Martial Artist does not initiate a confrontation, and only fights for survival when there is no other safe way out.  Indeed, the wise student soon learns that his or her strength comes from the knowledge that they can fight back, but know that it is not necessary to prove themselves to anyone but themselves.  Never should the fighting aspects of a martial art be used to resolve a conflict when other verbal means are available.  Traditional Karate is defensive in nature, but stands on the philosophy that one must defend his principles or honor, and if necessary, they will stand and defend with faith in their training and skills.  Emphasis is placed on defending one's life, or that of another, however, never should these skills be abused or blindly practiced without proper attitude or guidance.

  WHAT IS SANCHI-RYU KARATE?

Sanchi-ryu Karate is a sanctioned form of American karate developed by Mr. Fike  following many years of study of numerous other forms of traditional martial arts and after refining defensive and offensive techniques, along with the appropriate philosophies, for traditional martial artists, military and law enforcement applications.  It contains eight different styles of martial arts and blends them into one effective art which allows the personality of the student to be the core of the systems rather than the system itself.  Each student learns all the elements contained in Sanchi-ryu Karate but has the opportunity to specialize in one particular area while practicing the art of Sanchi-ryu.  This system places emphasis on the three principles of AVOIDANCE, DEFLECTION and BLOCKING.  The student is taught to resist aggression and first attempts to avoid any physical confrontation that may be placed in front of him.  Next the student elevates to deflection techniques and finally the more aggressive blocking techniques before attempting to counter or fight back.  This ultimate goal, unrealistic as it may seem at times is used as a measure by which a student is able to determine when fighting back is truly necessary.  Obviously in a life death situation each student has to chose the quickest and most effective means to survive.  Our students understand use of "reasonable and necessary force" and they are never encouraged or expected to abuse their skills.  Sanchi-ryu teaches the student to effectively deal with life both in the Dojo (training hall), as well as outside on the streets.  We like to think that we are here to help develop character.  Students are expected to train hard and attend classes regularly, but priorities are always family, school, work, then karate.  If one of the first three suffers because of the student's involvement in karate, then training in the dojo may cease until all priorities are brought back in line first.  We understand and appreciate the hectic schedules of American families today, and for this reason we excuse the student when his or her responsibilities interfere with attendance in class.  We do not excuse laziness, tardiness, poor attitudes or sloppy uniforms when in class.  Discipline and respect will be of the highest order while a member of the Sanchizendokai (family of Sanchi-ryu). While we do not intend to emphasize one religion over another, we are a Christian based organization.

  THE DIRECTOR OF THE MCMAA   

Richard Fike, Sr. is the Soke, or founder, and Chief Instructor of Sanchi-ryu Karate with over 40 years of experience and continual involvement in the Martial Arts.  He has trained both in the United States and overseas, and regularly provides instruction to other Martial Arts Schools and organizations, to include local, state, federal and military organizations.  He holds advanced Dan (Black Belt) ranking in numerous other Traditional Martial Arts systems and is currently a Tenth Degree Black Belt in Karate and is the GrandMaster (SOKE) in Sanchi-ryu Karate.  He is registered with the International Federation of Jujitsuans, United States Karate Association, and the United States Judo Association.  He is also a member as well as the National Seminar Advisor for the Federation of United Martial Artists - crusade against crime.  He is a member of the USA Karate Federation Hall of Fame, and the International Karate Kick boxing Hall of Fame,   Shihan Fike is a State Licensed Instructor in the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council, and is on staff with and teaches regularly at Lakeland Community College, Mentor, Ohio and other colleges across the area.  In addition,  Mr. Fike has trained numerous National and International martial arts champions.