Chief Instructor
Hanshi John Snyder
- 9 th Dan Karate
- 9 th Dan Hanshi Kobudo
- Senior American Student of Grand Master Seikichi Odo
- Ryu Kyu Hon Kenpo Kobujutsu International Board of Directors
Mr. Snyder was born on 7/7/53 in Pittsburgh , PA and began training in 1971 in karate and judo. Since 1982 most of his studies have been with his current sensei, Grand Master Seikichi Odo, of Agena, Okinawa . He traveled twice to Agena where he temporarily resided in order to further his studies with Grand Master Odo .
Mr. Snyder’s goal as a martial artist is to see that the traditional teaching and methods of Master Odo continue to spread and grow through teaching opportunities both nationally and internationally. Another objective is to develop well rounded students encompassing the Mind Body Spirit equation and to enable them to achieve life long goals in all areas of endeavors using concentration, discipline and attitudes that reflect a true martial arts spirit.
Awards and/or certification highlights
- USKA Bushido Award 1981
- Okinawa Island Wide Fighting Champion 1982
- Okinawa Wide Over-All Grand Champion 1982
- OKKKF Competitor of the Year 1984
- OKKKF Competitor of the Year 1985
- OKKKF Coach of the Year 1986
- USKA National Champion 1991
- USKA World Champion 1991
- Samurai Spirit Award 1992
- PA Karate Hall of Fame 1994
- Appointed USAKF Jr. Team Coach 1995
- World Kobudo Federation Master of the Year 1997
- USKA PA State Champion (7 times)
- USKA Regional Champion (5 times)
Our philosophy can be summed up in one word, “OSU”. When martial artists (Bugeisha) meet, you will find them bowing to each other and the room often will be filled with a resounding OSU! The bow we know is a sign of respect and OSU is a greeting or request that goes back to the old days of martial training. OSU is a contraction of the OSU – SHINOBU.
OSU means to push ahead or never give up! SHINOBU means patience. The way requires patience and constant practice because there is no end and no goal, there is only practice. As martial artists, we train daily in constant vigilance for the battle and the battle never comes. The truth is, in our modern society there are very few times when a swift kick or timely punch will be what you need to help you survive a busy day. I believe the real battle is not a physical confrontation but a battle within ourselves each of us face every day. The battle is to train or not to train; to strive for perfect technique or to settle for mediocrity; to make each day a personal best or to settle for less.
Transferring the lessons we learn through martial arts into daily life through goal setting, hard work, concentration and indomitable spirit, we can obtain greater academic, personal and professional success. We do this through consistent, continuous persistence. Patience is the key. Never give up! “OSU”!
