Ocean State Okinawa-Te
Al Souza
Instructor: Al Souza (Shihan)
Rank: Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt)
Karate-Do — recognized by NEMAD
Rank: Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt) (Shihan)
Aiki Jujistu — recognized by Sobu Kai, France
Rank: Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Close Quarter Combat — awarded by John Kary
50+ Years Experience in Martial Arts
Al Souza has devoted most of his life to the martial arts. He started training in 1965 with John Saviano through 1995 in both Shotokan Karate-Do and Aiki Jujitsu. He is recognized by NEMAD, Sobu Kai, and studied with legendary Paul Ourlette where his rank of Godan in close quarter combat was awarded by John Kary of American Combatives.
Your First Class is on Us
Take advantage of getting your first class for free. Just click on the link below and you’ll be able to print up a free pass that allows you entrance to the dojo for a cursory lesson. You can also save the free pass on your mobile phone and present it at the dojo when you arrive.
OSOT PROGRAMS
We focus our training with the practical use of our techniques/tactics, while also stressing the importance of athleticism, flexibility and body conditioning. Some of, but not all, the benefits of training at Ocean State Okinawa-Te are the developments of both mental and physical discipline. Additionally, the development of faster hand-eye coordination, balance, an increase in physical strength and flexibility. These all lead to our students having a greater confidence and self worth.
Family Class
Welcome to our Family Class, a unique program designed to bring families together while fostering confidence, self-discipline, and self-protection skills in children. Ages 6 to 15.
Adult Class
Our Adult Class is designed for individuals ages 15 and up who are serious about learning real-world self-defense techniques. Unlike traditional karate classes focused on competition and belt rankings, our program is rooted in the ancient and effective art of Okinawa-Te.
Body Mechanics
Where the art of movement meets the science of physical health. This unique program is designed to enhance your understanding of how your body works, helping you achieve greater efficiency, strength, and flexibility in your daily life and martial arts practice.
What is Okinawa-Te?
Okinawa-Te, also known as Okinawa-Te Karate, is considered the original form of karate that originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom, now known as Okinawa, Japan.
Learn about Okinawa-Te history.
What are the benefits of Okinawa-Te?
There are many benefits to Okinawa-Te. The one true benefit is pragmatic self-defense: function over form. You won’t learn any bull-shido tactics. Everything we train is practical for a real world situation. Learn more about our programs at OSOT.
Is sparring a part of the training?
Yes, sparring (or kumite) is a part of OSOT’s training programs. Without actually being in situations that mimic real-world situations, you won’t build the confidence or technique to effectively neutralize your attacker. We do a combination of kumite drills and soft sparring to get you comfortable with close quarter combat. Learn more about Ocean State Okinawa-Te.
Is there a sense of community within the school?
Absolutely. All the instructors you’ll meet at OSOT are very supportive and inclusive. Our instructors combined experience is over 100+ years, and they are all sources of inspiration and motivation. Join our school, join our dojo, join our family. Learn more about our philosophy at OSOT.
What is a typical class like?
Depending on which program you’re interested in, our classes vary. Typcially, we’ll warm up for about 10-15 minutes stretching and flexing our bodies with martial arts moves. Then we’ll perform a combinations of forms (kihons) and drills and sparring (kumite), but we also have classes designed for conditioning your body. Learn more about the programs we offer at OSOT.
Why train with Ocean State Okinawa-Te?
OSOT offers numerous benefits that set us apart as a premier martial arts school: authentic Okinawa-Te training, our experienced instructors, comprehensive classes for all ages, a focus on real-world situations, inclusive and supportive environment, and physical/mental benefits. Learn more about OSOT.
DOJO