The Okinawa Kenpo
Dharma-Ryu dojo was the last dojo that Master Odo visited in the United States before he passed away. We had the greatest privilege of taking care of him while he was at Straub
hospital and at our home during his recovery. Thanks to the support of Julian (Butch) Spain and many other students and friends as well as all the prayers,
Master Odo miraculously survived bilateral
pneumonia and congestive heart failure and finally recovered and was able to go home to his family in Okinawa. He told his wife that he was
treated like a king in Hawaii and was very grateful to all the people who helped him.
Master Odo passed away on March 24, 2002 and is survived by his wife Yoshiko and son Susumu who are presently controlling the
Ryu-Kyu Hon Karate Kobujutsu Federation (RHKKF) with the aid of Julian Spain. He was a
great Sensei and a great man. We dedicate this website to
Master Odo and express our utmost gratitude, respect and admiration. He was one of the finest weapons masters from
Okinawa, Japan. He will always be in our hearts. His legacy will live on forever as long as we continue to preserve his kata and kobudo by teaching the same way
Master Odo taught it. The Dharma-Ryu dojo takes great pride in preserving
Master Odo's tradition and legacy.
Sensei Ortino is in the process of reorganizing the Dharma-Ryu dojos welcoming all black belts who supported Master Odo that would like to belong to a traditional organization, recognized by the
Hawaii Karate Kodanshakai and the Hawaii Karate Congress. Master Ortino is
a lifetime member of both the OKKKF AND RHKKF. Hanshi Ortino is also a
member of the ISKU (International Seishinkai Karate Union) and MACI (Martial
Artists For Christ International).
All active black belts under the OKDR
organization need to register in order to
remain active and receive the benefits. Any former OKDR black belts who wish to become active
members, please contact us through e-mail or see the black belt registration
link.
We presently have DVD’s with katas performed by both Sensei Ortino and
Master Odo that represents the way Master Odo taught them prior to his passing.
THE KARATE CREED
(Master Ed Parker)
I come to you with only karate…empty hands.
I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself,
My principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death,
or right or wrong, then here are my weapons.
Karate my empty hands.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To teach traditional Okinawa Kenpo Karate/Kobudo as taught by the late Hanshi Seikichi
Odo.
OUR FOCUS:
To be of outstanding character at all times, to carry the sword of Pride, the shield of Humility, the armor of Gratitude while riding the horse of Righteousness.
OUR PHILOSOPHY:
Never forget our roots and those who helped us to get to where we are today, to be respectful to our Sempai as well as our Kohai, to seek perfection of character through our loyalty, dedication, honor and sincerity to our God, family and teachings of the
Dharma-Ryu Dojo.
OUR GOAL:
To give back to others willingly and with kindness what our teachers and mentors have given to us.
"THE SPIRIT OF KARATE"
(Sensei Paul Ortino, Jr. - 6/20/86)
The "Spirit of Karate" lies within.
It has no race - no religion
Starts in the Dojo - wherever that may be
Goes on forever - throughout eternity.
It can't be bought and it can't be sold.
It lives in the humble and not in bold.
It lives in the sweat as it runs off your face,
While you practice your basics,
With power, yet grace.
You train and train through the strain and the pain
and you'll be back tomorrow - to repeat it again.
Some say it's crazy - some say insane
others call it Karate on the brain.
But beyond all the punches and all of the kicks,
and after the Katas and Self-defense tricks,
If you look in their eyes - you can see their soul
The Bridge to Budo - The Heart - The Toll
The Strive for Perfection - Their Only Goal.
Yes it's true that the "Spirit of Karate" is within
The doorway is practice and self-discipline
and a winner never quits - and a quitter never wins...
Sensei Ortino can be contacted at
paulortino@yahoo.com or
call us at (702) 494-8740
WELCOME