Busho Kai Martial Arts and Fitness Karate Arlington Texas

"When we enrolled our son at Busho Kai our goal was to help him improve his ability to focus and provide him an outlet for his energy. From the very beginning ...

"My experience with Busho Kai has been very positive. The dojo is very family oriented...

The Founder - Shihan Lewis

Shihan Lewis is the founder of Busho Kai Martial Arts & Fitness and is a former Kumite and Kata Grand Champion. Shihan Lewis is one of the most respected martial arts instructors in the United States. He has over 40 years experience in the Martial Arts and is presently a sixth degree black belt and certified Shihan (master instructor) in Shito-Ryu. He also holds a 6th degree in Goju-Ryu, a black belt in Shotokan and a black belt in JuJitsu.

Shihan Lewis began his martial arts training in the U.S. Virgin Islands under the direction of Grandmaster Frank Ruiz, the founder of the Nisei Goju-Ryu Karate System. He later moved to New York City to instruct classes at the Nisei Goju-Ryu Headquarters. In 1995 Shihan Lewis received his 6th degree black belt, the same year his instructor, Master Frank Ruiz passed away. In 1997 Shihan Lewis turned to Hanshi Del Saito, a Shito-Ryu Master and Director of the Traditional Karate-Do Organization for instruction. His other instructors include Sensei Toyatoro Miyazaki and Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan.

Shihan Lewis is currently the President of the Southwest (AAU) Amateur Athletic Union of the United States and District Chairman for the AAU Karate Program. Shihan Lewis has an International Degree from the Ministry of Education, Culture and sports at the Budo Academy, Certified Coach for the American Sport Education Program and holds a National AAU Referees license. Shihan Lewis is a is also a member of the AAU Hall of Fame committee and holds a Martial Arts Congress teaching license.

Shihan Lewis most memorable accomplishments include:

2000-2005 - Traditional Karate League Instructor of the year
1998 - Inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame
1991 - Inducted into the USA Martial Arts “Who’s Who” Elite
1989 - Inducted into the Nisei Goju-Ryu Hall of Fame
1989 - Nisei Goju-Ryu Instructor of the Year

About Our Style

Definition: Shito-Ryu is the blend of Naha-te (hard/soft) and Shuri-te (quick/light).

Shito-Ryu, along with Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu and Shotokan, is one of the four major karate systems of Japan (the Japanese islands excluding Okinawa). It was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1899-1952), who, like most of karate’s old masters, was descended from Okinawa’s so-called warrior (bushi) class or aristocracy. Members of his family served Okinawan lords for hundreds of years. Mabuni started karate training at the age of 13 under Anko Itosu (1830-1915), the man who organized early karate in the Okinawan school system.

From Itosu, he mastered the quick and light-like (Shorin) techniques. Itosu was not Mabuni’s only teacher, however, while still in his teens, Mabuni was introduced by his friend, Chojun Miyagi (the founder of Goju-Ryu karate) to Kanryo Higoanna (1853-1915). From Higaonna, Mabuni learned Naha-te, a Chinese-influenced karate style. Here he mastered the slow (Goju) techniques emphasizing dynamic breathing and muscular control.

Mabuni also trained under Arakaki Kamadeunchu (1840-1918), who taught a style similar to Higaonna.