Canon City, nestled in the foot hills of the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, is the home of Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu Karate Do. We are Canon City's only traditional Japanese karate dojo. We offer courses in Karate, self defense, and rape prevention in a family oriented atmosphere.

We teach Seito Shito Ryu Karate Do. Shito Ryu was created by Master Kenwa Mabuni. It is one of the four major styles of karate practiced in Japan today. Seito means pure form. Due to our direct lineage to Master Mabuni, the style of Shito Ryu we teach is the exact style which he created. Do means way or path. In other words, we don't just teach how to kick and punch. The karate we teach is a way of life.

Unlike many other martial arts schools, we are not a "Black Belt Factory".  Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu Karate-Do is a traditional karate dojo, not a "sport karate" school. Although we do participate in tournament competitions,  we strive to emphasize the traditional aspects of our art as opposed to merely learning karate to win trophies. We teach our students that the person they compete against is themselves and encourage personal growth to better the individual. Therefore when we participate in competition karate, we strive to compete in traditional tournaments. We believe in offering the highest quality instruction before all else. We not only teach a style of karate, we also teach a philosophy to live by using traditional ideals.

Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu is a member of the Pacific Karate-Do Institute. Our home dojo is located in Santa Barbara, CA. John Bartholomay, Shihan is the chief instructor. Bartholomay Sensei, along with Miguel Villalbos Sensei of the Santa Maria Dojo, are the Directors of the PKI.

 Daily Record Article on Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Grand Opening

http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/business-story.asp?ID=7073

Canon City Shopper Article on Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu 2 Year Anniversary

http://www.canoncafe.com/sites/default/files/Shopper%2005-19-09%20P01_C.pdf