What is Wasenshikan?
Wasenshikan (Place of the Peaceful Warrior) offers instruction in the traditional martial art of Ryukyu Kempo karate out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 2017 Shihan Adam Frey was awarded his own dojo name, Wasenshikan. When choosing the name his instructor, Anthony Rhoad of Shuki Kan in Story City, Iowa, noted Frey’s compassion and patience when teaching in contrast to his ferocity on the mat – look out for those knees and elbows! Since that time Frey Shihan has further leaned into the meaning behind the name and strives to empower students and community members to promote safety and integrity in all areas of life.
As his practice progresses Frey Shihan has begun to incorporate guest teachers in classes to round out his students’ experiences as martial artists. Students can expect to learn more about throwing arts, grappling, yoga, life protection, meditation, and more. Sharing knowledge and skill is an important part of being a black belt so we bring in teachers to help our high-ranking students have the confidence and capability to teach others.
How We Started
Frey Shihan has been teaching since 2015. A martial artist since childhood, Frey Shihan found Ryukyu Kempo karate in 2011 and is a fourth-degree black belt. He began teaching as a way to stay grounded in the fundamentals and continues to help students grow.
Classes Through the CR Rec. Department
This dojo is proud to partner with the City of Cedar Rapids. Classes are offered at the Northwest Rec Center and affordable registration is handled by the Recreation Department.
United RyuKyu Kempo Alliance
Wasenshikan is a member of the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance (URKA), an “international karate organization that brings people together for the study and practice of good human character and the truthful art of Ryukyu Kempo Karate. The URKA follows the Ryukyu Kempo curriculum as taught to Kaicho Allan Amor by Taika Seiyu Oyata through Zenkoku Ryukyu Kempo Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai” (from the URKA website).
What is Ryukyu Kempo Karate?
Ryukyu Kempo is a generic term often used to describe all forms of karate from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, and more specifically to refer to the particular styles associated with Taika Seiyu Oyata. The URKA and Wa Sen Shi Kan follows the traditions and teachings of Oyata, including an emphasis on life protection and development of the whole person.
Learn More About Ryukyu Kempo
Want to learn more about Ryukyu Kempo? This Wikipedia page is a good place to start!