Koritsu Sento
Koritsu (Teki Na) Sento is a self-defense system that has its roots in martial arts. Loosely translated from Japanese, it means “efficient combat.” Koritsu Sento does not focus on sport or stylistic performance, for example like Tae Kwon Do or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Koritsu Sento emphasizes unarmed and armed combat at all ranges. Each belt level has kicking, hand strikes, knees, and elbows, fighting in the clinch, take downs/throws, and ground survival (not grappling). Combat with knife, stick, and pistol is also covered at higher levels.
A System
Koritsu Sento is a system of self-defense focusing on proficiency in a few techniques with a high probability of success. The emphasis is to get the practitioner out of a dangerous situation simply and efficiently. The founders are both experienced martial artists with over 70 years of combined experience. They saw that most traditional martial arts focused on one or two methods of fighting, for example, kicks and punches, throws and grappling, or stick fighting, etc. They tested skills and techniques from Western boxing, Kenpo karate, judo, Israeli combatives, and other systems. The most efficient techniques with high probabilities of success were chosen for Koritsu Sento. Offense and defense are both emphasized in Koritsu Sento.
Reality
Physical feedback from a resistive opponent is important. So for upper belts, students experience delivering full force attacks and defenses against a dynamic opponent in a padded suit.
Progress
The belt levels are white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, and black. The levels track the student’s progress and provide an attainable goal. The student receives instruction and information through internet video instruction or in-person learning at the dojo in Marshfield, Missouri.
In-person instruction during weekly classes offered at the dojo are recommended for those who can attend. However, with the online option, the student trains at home at their own pace. They pay a monthly subscription fee which allows unlimited access to the videos of each technique for their current belt level. The online student can also schedule video conferencing with our instructors for additional coaching if desired. The student can access two testing options when they are ready. They can test in person at the dojo, or record themselves performing each technique with a partner or striking bag. They can then send the videos in for critique.
Invitation
The founders believe that “there’s nothing new under the Sun,” and that a punch is a punch, and a kick is a kick. Therefore, we make no claims of the superiority of Koritsu Sento to any other martial art or system of self-defense out there. It works for us and we believe it will work for you as well.
You are welcome to train with us and find out for yourself.