NOW CELEBRATING OUR 36th YEAR IN DOWNTOWN NORTH ATTLEBORO.   CALL OR STOP IN FOR SPECIALS.

In 1974, Ed DeCosta opened the original dojo, which remains the oldest established martial arts school in North Attleboro. Jean DeCosta joined shortly after and together they have trained children and adults in the Okinawan-Chinese style of Uechi Ryu and Shohei Ryu Karate.

The dojo offers three class divisions:  Tiny Tots (5-8 years), Juniors (9-13 years), and Adults (14 years+).  Although Ed and Jean are the primary instructors, they are often assisted in the class by high ranking, senior students, allowing all to receive personal instruction and correction in execution of katas (a set of pre-defined self-defense movements) and basic techniques.

Specific class schedules are as follows:

Tiny Tots (5-8 years)

Wednesday            6:05 - 6:50PM
Saturday                  9:00 - 9:45AM

Juniors (9-13 years)

Monday                   5:00 - 6:00PM
Tuesday                  5:00 - 6:00PM
Wednesday            5:00 - 6:00PM
Thursday                 5:00 - 6:00PM

Adults (14 years+)

  Monday                  6:30 - 8:00PM
  Tuesday                 6:30 - 8:00PM
    Wednesday           12:30 - 1:30PM
  Thursday                6:30 - 8:00PM
Saturday                10:30 - Noon

The Dojo is closed on: New Year's Day; President's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day*; Halloween**; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve & Day.
* check here for confirmation.
** Adult class held

TINY TOT classes are held once a week and are designed to teach youngsters the fundamental karate movements and terminology and how to follow directions, develop self-respect and confidence.

JUNIOR classes (i) teach more intermediate karate techniques and terminology; (ii) provide increased emphasis on refining kata and kumite (pre-arranged sparring), and (iii) are more structured and demanding classes.

ADULT classes cover (i) early thru advanced movements, kata, and techniques; (ii) mind, body and strength conditioning combined with speed, control, timing, and accuracy; and (iii) knowledge of Shohei-Ryu's history and lineage.

Our Philosophy

The main focus of the dojo is to teach karate in the way it has been taught for decades in Okinawa.  A student's training consists of applying the discipline of conditioning, warm-up exercises, and refinement to better one's karate form. 


Students are expected to arrive on time, demonstrate verbal and physical self control, maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness of gi (karate uniform).  Entrance into the dojo should be in a respectful mind frame, open to correction and instruction by higher ranks.  Responsible conduct is expected and conversation should be minimal. 


Physical limitations due to injury or strain should be noted to avoid additional injury.  Students participate in classes at their own discretion and the dojo cannot be liable for injuries.

Belt Promotions
Advancement of rank through belt promotions are strictly based on the instructor's evaluation of student's attitude, ability, understanding of techniques and class time.  Students should not ask to be tested.  Promotions are certified by the Okikukai Organization of Okinawa.

Dojo Lineage and Senseis

Grand Master Kanbun Uechi
Founder of Uechi Ryu, 1877-1948. Studies the art of Pangainoo in Fukien, China. Upon returning to Okinawa, he developed the Uechi Ryu katas. His son, Kanei, continued his father's legacy and in 1995, the style's name changed to Shohei Ryu, which means "to shine brightly" and secondly, "fairness, equality and peace."

Ed DeCosta, 8th Dan
As owner and senior instructor of the dojo for over 34 years, Ed has traveled regularly to Okinawa for training and testing before Shohei Ryu's highest ranking board members.  His advisor is Master Takara and his sensei is Master Nakahodo, both 10th Dans of the Okinawa Karate Association.

Jean DeCosta, 8th Dan
Jean has practiced karate for over 33 years and co-teaches the Juniors and Tiny Tots classes.  She has trained in Okinawa and was the first woman in the U.S. to achieve 7th Dan in the Shohei Ryu/ Uechi Ryu style.    In 1986, Ed and Jean visited Okinawa and received an Intensive Training Certificate from the late Master Kanei Uechi.

Phillip DeCosta, 5th Dan
Phillip (Ed and Jean's son) has practiced karate since he was a boy and was promoted the 5th Dan on a recent trip to Okinawa.  He teaches the Wednesday night Tiny Tots class and is a firefighter with the Attleboro Fire Department.