Authentic Japanese & Okinawan Karate — In Fontana, CA
Lineage-Driven training in the traditions of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Wado-Ryu and Shito-Ryu.
🏯 Welcome to the True Spirit of Karate
At Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts, we believe that Karate is more than just martial arts — it is a discipline of character, respect, and lifelong growth.
In today’s world, the term Karate is often used loosely by schools and programs that lack any authentic connection to its roots.
This section of our website exists to educate students and families about what true Karate really is — where it came from, what it stands for, and how it should be preserved and practiced.
Karate is Japanese and Okinawan.
It is not Taekwondo, not Kenpo, not a hybrid, and not a performance-based imitation.
It is a traditional art, passed down through lineage, discipline, and respect.
At Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts, we believe that Karate is more than just martial arts — it is a discipline of character, respect, and lifelong growth.
In today’s world, the term Karate is often used loosely by schools and programs that lack any authentic connection to its roots.
This section of our website exists to educate students and families about what true Karate really is — where it came from, what it stands for, and how it should be preserved and practiced.
Karate is Japanese and Okinawan.
It is not Taekwondo, not Kenpo, not a hybrid, and not a performance-based imitation.
It is a traditional art, passed down through lineage, discipline, and respect.
⚔️ The Journey of Authentic Karate
True Karate traces its origin to Okinawa, a small island that became the cultural bridge between Japan and China.
Over centuries, Okinawan masters developed an empty-hand fighting system that emphasized humility, control, and spiritual development.
When Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate to Japan in the early 20th century, he transformed it into a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement — known as Karate-Do, “The Way of the Empty Hand.”
His students later formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA), which carried authentic Karate across the globe.
Today, traditional schools like Claycomb Academy uphold that same legacy — focusing on discipline, character, and precision, rather than spectacle or shortcuts.
True Karate traces its origin to Okinawa, a small island that became the cultural bridge between Japan and China.
Over centuries, Okinawan masters developed an empty-hand fighting system that emphasized humility, control, and spiritual development.
When Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate to Japan in the early 20th century, he transformed it into a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement — known as Karate-Do, “The Way of the Empty Hand.”
His students later formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA), which carried authentic Karate across the globe.
Today, traditional schools like Claycomb Academy uphold that same legacy — focusing on discipline, character, and precision, rather than spectacle or shortcuts.
🥋 Learn What Karate Truly Is — and Is Not
Before beginning your training, it’s important to understand what defines authentic Karate.
Explore the following pages to deepen your knowledge of the art we proudly preserve at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts:
🥋 What Is — and Is Not — True Karate
Learn the difference between authentic Japanese/Okinawan Karate and modern Americanized versions.
Understand why only systems with direct lineage — such as Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, and Shorin-Ryu — are true Karate.
🏯 The History and Philosophy of Karate
Discover the origins of Karate from Okinawa to Japan, and how Gichin Funakoshi’s teachings shaped Karate-Do into a moral discipline rooted in respect, humility, and self-mastery.
⚡ The Five Major Styles of Karate
Explore the five authentic systems of Karate — their founders, philosophies, and key differences — from Shotokan’s powerful precision to Goju-Ryu’s harmony of hard and soft.
Before beginning your training, it’s important to understand what defines authentic Karate.
Explore the following pages to deepen your knowledge of the art we proudly preserve at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts:
🥋 What Is — and Is Not — True Karate
Learn the difference between authentic Japanese/Okinawan Karate and modern Americanized versions.
Understand why only systems with direct lineage — such as Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, and Shorin-Ryu — are true Karate.
🏯 The History and Philosophy of Karate
Discover the origins of Karate from Okinawa to Japan, and how Gichin Funakoshi’s teachings shaped Karate-Do into a moral discipline rooted in respect, humility, and self-mastery.
⚡ The Five Major Styles of Karate
Explore the five authentic systems of Karate — their founders, philosophies, and key differences — from Shotokan’s powerful precision to Goju-Ryu’s harmony of hard and soft.
🌎 Preserving the Legacy of True Karate
At Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts, we are dedicated to preserving the authentic Japanese traditions of Karate.
Every class, every bow, and every kata we teach connects directly to the lineage of Okinawa and Japan — not imitation, not entertainment, but the real art of Karate-Do.
We teach our students to live by the same principles passed down through generations:
Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior.
These are not just words — they are the essence of true Karate.
Whether you are new to martial arts or continuing your journey, we welcome you to experience authentic Karate training in its purest form, right here in Fontana, California.
At Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts, we are dedicated to preserving the authentic Japanese traditions of Karate.
Every class, every bow, and every kata we teach connects directly to the lineage of Okinawa and Japan — not imitation, not entertainment, but the real art of Karate-Do.
We teach our students to live by the same principles passed down through generations:
Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior.
These are not just words — they are the essence of true Karate.
Whether you are new to martial arts or continuing your journey, we welcome you to experience authentic Karate training in its purest form, right here in Fontana, California.