Why choose our dojo over
others?
Our dojo is reputable
and well known to teach high-quality classes. We have been
teaching Shotokan Karate to the residents of Las Vegas since
1981. Our late teacher, Master Ozawa (1925-1998) was a
direct student of the founder of Shotokan Karate. |
What sets us apart from
other dojos?
History,
Lineage, Values & Tradition
History: Shotokan
Karate

Gichin Funakoshi |
Shotokan Karate’s origins can be
traced back many hundreds of years ago to the island of Okinawa.
Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi, known today as the “father of
modern karate” is responsible for formally introducing the art
of karate to the people of Japan in 1922. He strongly
believed that karate was a means of developing good character
and self defense. He did not believe in resolving conflict
with violence, and he stressed the show of respect for one
another. |
Lineage like
no other

Osamu Ozawa |
Shihan Osamu Ozawa established Las Vegas
Shotokan Karate in 1981. He was a direct student of Grand
Master Gichin
Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. In March of 1942 at the age of 17,
Master Ozawa entered Hosei University and joined the university karate team.
The chief instructor of the karate team was Gichin
Funakoshi. Master Ozawa received his black belt from Master
Funakoshi in 1944. Las Vegas Shotokan Karate's close
lineage to Grand Master Funakoshi through Shihan Ozawa is
not a common thing and it can't be claimed by many other dojos
around the world. This is one of the things that makes us special and unique from
many other karate dojos. |
Values and
Traditions are carried on
Today Las Vegas Shotokan
Karate still teaches the techniques, values, and traditions that came
down from Master Ozawa. Our students are taught Shotokan Karate as
it was handed down from Gichin Funakoshi to Shihan Ozawa and from Shihan
Ozawa to Sensei Tawatao as well as to the other instructors of Las Vegas
Shotokan Karate who also trained under him. Our students are
taught not only Shotokan Karate’s techniques but are also taught the
values and traditions that comes hand in hand with traditional Japanese
karate training. Values and traditions such
as: loyalty and dedication to one’s instructor and dojo, respect for
other people, development of good character, faithfulness, and humility. As our students train and learn Shotokan Karate, their bodies develop
strength and speed, poise and balance. Their minds are trained to be
more aware and to have better focus and their spirits are cultivated to
become strong and indomitable.
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Karate
do
Calligraphy by:
Shihan Osamu Ozawa

OZAWA CUP
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