What is Suibukan? The word comes from the word "sui" meaning water, "bu" meaning way of the warrior, and "kan" meaning place or school. Translated means school of the warrior who moves like water.

We practice the traditional fighting arts of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do, Yamashita/Matayoshi Kobudo and Yamashita Suikendo at the dojo.
Shorin-Ryu Karate Do is the oldest and most popular in Okinawa. The roots of the style lie in the most widely known Chinese systems, and it was used as the basis for the development of the best known Japanese systems, such as Shoto-Kan and Wado-Ryu.
In Okinawa it is the most eclectic system of karate, and is considered the system of the warrior class. This system is taught through the traditional kata, its application or 'bunkai,' and pre-arranged and freestyle fighting.

Yamashita/Matayoshi Kobudo is the most recognized weapons system of Okinawa. The traditional weapons taught include the Bo, Sai, Tunfa, Nunchuku, Kama, Aiku, Nunti, etc. The system is taught through the traditional kata and pre-planned fighting techniques.

The third art taught at Michigan Suibukan is Suikendo, developed exclusively by Master Tadashi Yamashita. This art is taught at the advanced levels. This art form is the conclusion of the in-depth study of the traditional Shorin-Ryu.
It is characterized by its fluid motion and its effectiveness, which is achieved with minimum use of muscle strength but maximum results and efficiency of motion.