OBI Karate School Kids Karate

What our youth program doesn't focus on is a circus atmosphere, gymnastics acts that look like karate. 

What your child or pre-teen will learn will be nothing less than true karate starting from the foundation. They will learn discipline, respect and that only hard work earns ranks.

OBI Karate school has been teaching traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu in Virginia Beach since 1968. 

We haven't changed our teaching philosophy and continue to teach in a manner consistent with the ideals of Karate-do. 

Our goal is to train the student to learn to control his body, to build coordination by teaching them a real world karate for self defense.

Sensei Smith has been training in Okinawan Shorin-ryu since we was stationed in Okinawa while serving in the US Military during the Korean War. 

After leaving Okinawa, he had earned his 4th degree black belt and return to the Virginia Beach, he open OBI Karate School.

Currently Sensei Smith holds the rank of 8th dan in Hansai Nakazato's Shorin-Ryu Shorin Kan Organization. He is among the senior first generation students of Hanshi Nakazato's American Organization.

Kyoshi Smith has been an active member of the state, national, and international karate community. 

In 1972, Sensei Smith was instrumental in starting the AAU Karate Program in Virginia. 

Then, beginning in 1973, he coached the United States AAU karate Team and served as head coach for five years. Under his guidance the team won national and international recognition in competitions around the world. 

He also was the driving force in the development of the coaches committee for the United States AAU Karate Program and headed the committee for five years. 

He has been on the coaches committee for over fifteen years. He has been an adviser to military and police organizations for many years.