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Our Approach
Tempering Iron
The name of our school, Tantetsukan (鍛鉄館), translates to "Hall of Tempering Iron."
It calls to mind the rigorous training methods of the traditional schools of martial arts. The habitual practice of these exercises are used as a tool to condition the body and mind of an individual to shape them into a better martial artist, just as what the repeating blows of a hammer do to hot iron. They facilitate the development of proper structure and alignment, efficient body mechanics, and overall robustness.
These conditioning exercises also inform the proper execution of basic techniques, which in turn, feed into drills and forms that help illustrate certain strategies, tactics, principles, and concepts.
All of this is pressure tested through sparring and self-defense applications in a safe learning environment.
About Goju Ryu
We offer guidance in the Okinawan martial art of Goju Ryu, a middle to close range style of karate that uses striking / kicking, joint manipulation, and throwing techniques. It also emphasizes the development of a strong body, mind, and spirit.
It is one of the major schools of Okinawan martial arts derived originally from Naha-te; the other two being Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Collectively, they were known as Tode (唐手) or "Chinese Hand" due to the close trade relations and martial influences of Southern China mixed with influences of other Southeast Asian countries, Japan, and the indigenous wrestling arts of Okinawa. Okinawa was a major hub for trading goods and commerce with official envoys assigned to neighboring countries to maintain peaceful relations. It was because of this that martial techniques, ideas, and traditions were also traded.
The underlying principle of Goju Ryu (剛柔流) lies within its name which means "Hard / Soft Style." The practitioner seeks to maintain a balance between being supple / yielding and aggressive / steadfast when executing an effective method of conflict resolution.
Instructor Background
Eric Testen has been training in the martial arts since 1998.
He began his journey learning the art of Daishizen Goju Ryu Tode, an interpretation of Goju Ryu that explores the Chinese influences of the art from its early conception. It's an endeavor he continues to uphold to this day.
In 2005, he started training in Fushan Kuntao, an "old-fist" style of traditional Chinese martial arts as it was practiced in China and Indonesia. It is a cohesive blend of arts originating from the Fujian and Shandong Provinces with the internal styles of Tai Ji Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, and Xing Yi Quan.
From 2008 - 2010, he formally studied the sport of Judo with the Penn State University Judo Club.
Throughout the years, he also had some exposure to other arts such as:
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Filipino Martial Arts - Modern Arnis, De Kadena Arnis, Serrada Escrima, and Pekiti Tirsia Kali
Indonesian Silat - Pukulan Pentjak Silat Kendang and Pentjak Silat Petjut Kilat
Modern Army Combatives Program
Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing
Our Schedule
Train with us
Every Saturday: 10 AM - 12 PM
Private Classes are available by appointment.
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Contact Us
Address:
1616 Woodruff Road
Greenville, South Carolina 29067
