The dojo might be the basement of the Eagles Club, but every
Wednesday night, residents of Bethlehem, NH are being transformed from beginners
to black belts.
White Mountain Martial Arts is an independent Shotokan
Karate Program that puts “martial arts in its proper perspective in today’s
world.”
Sensei Leon Currier, fourth degree black belt, teaches
students of all color belts.
“We’ve been open since November of ’97,” Currier explained.
“I’ve taught some before, but mainly here.”
Shotokan is the most widespread and influential style of
karate. It was developed from various martial art styles by Gichin Funakoshi.
The first official dojo Funakoshi built was named Shotokan,
which is how the style received its name.
This dojo was destroyed in an allied bombing.
Funakoshi is credited for the popularity of karate clubs
throughout the West because of the public demonstrations he would give.
Today there is no leading organization guiding the way
Shotokan is taught, but almost all styles include Funakoshi’s influence.
Currier teaches eleven forms of Shotokan depending on the
level of ability his students have. To see the different forms and their
explanations, click here.
Some of Currier’s students have been studying with him for
as long as 8 years.
“Sensei Tristan Emerson, second dan, eight-ish years,”
student Tristan Emerson proclaimed. “Second dan” means that Emerson is a second
degree black belt.
Currier describes the style of WMMA as “heavily dependant on
the three K’s of karate.” This means there is a mixure of drills, forms of self
defense, and sparring.
“We call our style ‘Tae-Sho Shotokan Karate,” explained
Currier. The group has incorporated some Taekwondo into their style.
Classes are $10 per month and meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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