U.S. Budokai Karate was founded in March of 1987 by Hanshi William Reid. Prior to that, Hanshi Reid was the chief instructor of Albany Seido Karate, one of the largest branches of World Seido Karate. The World Seido Karate Organization, based in New York City, was founded in 1976 by Shihan Tadashi Nakamura. Shihan Nakamura, a ninth degree black belt, trained under Masoyama in Japan, and, in 1969, he brought Kyokushinkai Karate to America. He taught many students in Kyokushinkai until his formation of the World Seido Karate Organization. U.S. Budokai Karate currently has branches in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio, and five schools in the Capital Region.

Philosophy

Our goal in Budokai Karate is to develop character, spirit, and a strong, positive attitude, using as much traditional Japanese theory as possible. Our goals are to bring people together from all different walks of life, teach them to respect each other and themselves, and to have a caring and loving feeling for their fellow man. We strive to build strong minds and bodies, which leads to self-esteem. With all of these concepts in mind, this can only have one outcome and that outcome is to bring us closer to peace, first on an individual level and eventually on a global level.

Goals

Karate training at the U.S. Budokai Karate Association will help teach respect, self-discipline, and responsibility, as well as condition the body and teach self-defense. Many people begin training in Budokai Karate for a wide variety of reasons. However, the overriding goal of our Karate School is to help each person become a better and more well-rounded person, both inside and outside the dojo (training hall).

What is Expected

Budokai Karate is a traditionally taught Japanese martial art and is founded on the principles of harmony, love, obedience, and respect. All students and their parents should realize this traditional approach and appreciate the fact that this type of training may be totally different from what they may have experienced before. The class environment is very conducive to learning for those who are sincere in their efforts. Concentration and discipline are two key ingredients in the learning process, and these are constantly stressed throughout instruction. We encourage all prospective students to take full advantage of our intro program. This will allow mutual appraisal on both parts and a determination can then best be reached if Budokai Karate is suited for you. It also helps if you bring a friend; this makes it much easier to stay with it!

Promotional

As various degrees of physical skills and technical knowledge are obtained, students are entitled to become "promoted" to a higher rank. In order to obtain this rank, students must attend a promotional, at which time they are tested on the knowledge and skills they must possess.

INSTRUCTORS

Kyoshi Russell Jarem

Master Instructor, Kyoshi Russ Jarem, 7th Dan, began his martial arts training in 1977 and has been the Master Instructor/Owner of U.S. Budokai Karate of Clifton Park for the past thirty years. Kyoshi Jarem graduated in 1972 from the State University of New York at Cortland with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, has received a Certificate in Health Education and has a permanent NYS Teacher Certification. Kyoshi Jarem has also been certified as an instructor by the American Council on the Martial Arts.  Founded Brave Belts – working under a grant by the Carey Foundation, Kyoshi Jarem works twice weekly with children diagnosed with serious disease and illness such as cancer and blood disorders at the Children’s Hospital of Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Shihan Sue Warzek

Head Instructor, Shihan Susan Warzek, 6th Dan, began her martial arts training in 1983 and has been instructing students at U.S. Budokai Karate since 1985. Shihan Warzek graduated in 1993 with an Associates Degree in Business Administration and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resource Management.  Shihan Warzek is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Certified Coach and Referee and has also been certified as a Coach by the American Sports Education Program (ASEP).  Shihan Warzek is currently the Head Instructor/Manager of U.S Budokai of Clifton Park, is Head Coach for the U.S. Budokai Karate National Competition Team and Head Coach for the U.S. Budokai demonstration and community outreach team: STORM Team (Special Team of Role Models).