The Rockland Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate Dojo was founded in January 2006 to bring traditional Matsubayashi-Ryu karate to midcoast Maine with four weekly classes.
The dojo operates at the Penobscot Bay YMCA, in Rockport, Maine. We offer three weekly classes open to all teen and adult students, and one advanced class which is by invitation only.
- The three weekly Karate classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- The advanced class is by invitation only and meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rockland Harbor YMCA.
- We also feature one weekly Kobudo class during the last 30 minutes of one karate class per week. We change which class (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) and which weapon (Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku) each week.
Our classes are designed for teens and adults. If you are interested in children’s classes, ours might be the wrong fit. Please feel free to come and audit and decide for yourself. We are proud to be the only Maine karate dojo member of the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karatedo Association.
Classes are intense. We practice the basics of Shorin Ryu karate in each class, the 18 kata of Matsubayashi-ryu, and 7 Yakusoku Kumite. We work on the fighting applications inherent in the Kata and explore the traditional bunkai of the kata—which are meant to help us perform the actual kata in a more precise manner. (here’s an example of traditional Kata Bunkai).
Karate practice strengthens the mind, develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities, and more self-confidence. It strengthens the entire body, improves coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina and overall health.
There is no extra fee for members of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
