Introduction to Shotokan Karate Dojo - Kenkojuku Style

THERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. imageTHERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. imageTHERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. image
Shōtōkan (松濤館, Shōtōkan) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate do.

This Dojo is of the Shotokan style, Kenkojuku. Kenkojuku is a style of Shotokan karate previous to the establishment of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) style. It was founded by Tomosaburo Okano in 1942. Kenkojuku karate is similar to the teachings of Gichin Funakoshi and modifications made by Funakoshi´s son Yoshitaka Funakoshi.

To learn a little more about our Perry, Florida Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate Dojo,  click here:      Perry Dojo Shotokan Karate

If you would like to view all 30 of Gichin Funakoshi's Famous Quotes, search on the internet.   

成功は簡単ではない
失敗はファイナルではない


(Success isn't easy.,  Failure isn't final)



Introduction to Shotokan Karate Dojo - Kenkojuku Style

THERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. imageTHERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. imageTHERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILUERS EARLY IN LIFE. image
Shōtōkan (松濤館, Shōtōkan) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate do.

This Dojo is of the Shotokan style, Kenkojuku. Kenkojuku is a style of Shotokan karate previous to the establishment of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) style. It was founded by Tomosaburo Okano in 1942. Kenkojuku karate is similar to the teachings of Gichin Funakoshi and modifications made by Funakoshi´s son Yoshitaka Funakoshi.

To learn a little more about our Perry, Florida Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate Dojo,  click here:      Perry Dojo Shotokan Karate

If you would like to view all 30 of Gichin Funakoshi's Famous Quotes, search on the internet.   

成功は簡単ではない
失敗はファイナルではない


(Success isn't easy.,  Failure isn't final)



  • Perry Dojo - 1713 South Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32348, USA
  • The Dojo is located in the Perry Plaza Shopping Center
  •  +1-850-838-5339 - Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate-Do
  •  dojo@fairpoint.net
  •  2023 REGULAR SCHEDULE: January 2023, Regular Classes Resumed on each Tuesday & Thursday at 4:30pm for Beginner Kids under age 13 & 5:30pm for Novice to Advanced Teens & Adults. PINAN CHI, similar to Tai Chi, may resume if at least Twelve to Thirty students enroll. Private Lessons may be available.....
  • Perry Dojo - 1713 South Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32348, USA
  • The Dojo is located in the Perry Plaza Shopping Center
  •  +1-850-838-5339 - Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate-Do
  •  dojo@fairpoint.net
  •  2023 REGULAR SCHEDULE: January 2023, Regular Classes Resumed on each Tuesday & Thursday at 4:30pm for Beginner Kids under age 13 & 5:30pm for Novice to Advanced Teens & Adults. PINAN CHI, similar to Tai Chi, may resume if at least Twelve to Thirty students enroll. Private Lessons may be available.....

Revised Edition, June 21, 2022
Chief Instructor / Owner
      Authorized by:  International Shotokan Kenkojuku Karate-Do Association, Hachioji, Japan
DOB: Nov 9, 1939, Perry, Florida 32347 USA.
Married:  Gerry Ferns Bowden, December 1965.
Children:  Chandra Elise Bowden, MS Elem Ed, Kerri Lynn Bowden, Paralegal
Grand Children:  Grant W Williams, Jimmy A Fenno
Parents:   A.C & Adell McCall Bowden, deceased.
Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate-Do: 1974-Present, 7th Dan Shichidan, July 30, 2020.
Registered Member:  
  • International Shotokan Kenkojuku Karate-Do Association, Hachioji, Japan, 1st-7th Dan.
State, National and International Competitor:
  • National & International Medals, 20 Gold, 10 Silver & 15 Bronze.
  • Numerous State and Regional Gold-Silver-Bronze Medals
  • USAKF, AAU Karate, USANKF & JKF Shotokan-Kenkojuku.
  • AAU Karate All American, 6 times, 1997-2005.
  • National Level Karate Referee Courses AAU Karate & USA National Karate Federation.  Kata & Kumite - 8 Courses, 1997-2009.
Military:  
  •  E-7 US Army, US Coast Guard Reserve, 1962-1970, Veteran Honorable Discharge.
Education: 
  • Taylor County High School - 1957.
  • North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Ga - 1962 BS, Business Adm., Minor Military Science.
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl. - 1965 M.Ed., Math Education.
  • Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fl. - 1972, M.Sc, Educational Leadership-Principal.
Profession: 
  •  Perry Hardware Company, Manager, between college & military years.
  •  Taylor District Schools, Perry, Florida.
  • Certification: 7-Jr College Mathematics, Business Administration, K-12 School Principal. 
  • 7-12 Math Teacher, Jr High Principal & District Personnel Director, 1965-2002.
  •  Retired from School District, May 2002.
Volunteer Service:
  •  Florida Forest Festival, Perry, Florida USA.
  •  Parade Chairman 1967 & 1968, Festival Chairman 1969.
  •  Tree Capital Credit Union, now FSU Credit Union, Perry, Fl.
  •  Director Tree Capital Credit Union, 1977-1987, President, 1987-1989.
  •  First Methodist Church Men’s Club, Perry, Fl., President 1985.
  •  Member Teacher Education Union, Taylor County Florida, 1965-1977, President Teacher Union, 1974-1976.
  •  American Shotokan Karate-Do Kenkojuku Alliance, Vice President and Founding Member of ASKKA 2013-Present.
Awards: 
  • Taylor County Florida Teacher of the Year 1969.
  •  Perry Jaycees Distinguish Service Award 1970.
  •  Perry Jaycees Outstanding Educator Award 1972.
  • WHO's Who in Karate.
=====================================
Other Instructors:
  • Joseph Butrim, Sensei, 8th Dan, International Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Wayne Wickizer, Sensei, 7th Dan, International Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Ted Raitch, Sensei, 7th Dan, International Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • John Hinken, Sensei, 7th Dan, International Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Charlie Parker, US Army Colonel Retired, Sensei, 7th Dan Shotokan
  • Pedro Alfonso, Sensei, 5th Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Leon K Bennett, Sensei, 5th Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Dr Sean Padgett, Sensei, 3rd Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Jackie Koeller, Sensei, 3rd Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Miles Owens, DVM, Sensei, 3rd Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Daniel Simpson, 3rd Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Joaquin Trujillo, PhD, 2nd Dan, Shotokan-Kenkojuku
  • Nathan Frazer, 1st Dan, Perry, Fl Dojo
  • Nicole Gibson Ernst, 1st Dan, Perry Fl Dojo
  • Mitchell Worthy, 1st Dan, Perry FL Dojo
  • Trey Regar, 1st Dan, Perry FL Dojo
  • Lynesey Jones, 1st Kyu, Perry, Fl Dojo

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Tora No Maki Challenge - Cancelled

The Tora No Maki Challenge which was held each year during November at the newly renovated Forest Capital Hall in Perry, Florida for 17 years. The event was cancelled for November 2020 due to the COVID-19, has not been rescheduled until further notice


  • Date: 11/6/2021 09:30 AM
  • Location: 203 Forest Park Drive, Perry, FL, USA (Map)

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