About Us
Founded in 1970 by Skipper Ingham, 10o, Bermuda Karate Institute (BKI) focuses on the gojuryu (hard/soft style), one of the major branches of Japanese karate, which originated in Okinawa.
BKI karate training has integrated self-defense and elements of judo and jujitsu (ukemi) into study of the classical goju kata as practised in the Okinawa Gojuryu Karatedo Kyokai.
Sai and iai exercise is available to those who have developed a good foundation in the empty hand aspect of the arts. The karate curriculum follows the kata emphasis of the Okinawa Gojuryu Karatedo Kyokai formed by students of Eiichi Miyazato, with karate specific warmups and basics; it does not include hojo undo (karate weight training) and extensive makiwara, although makiwara are available in the dojo.
Starting from the beginner level of white belt, grades of advancement used are green, purple, brown and black belt - which is considered a new beginning, rather than the end of training.
The introduction of Muay Thai in 2006 under the direction of Ray Sillar has added an exciting complementary training emphasis to the BKI curriculum.
Classes are conducted by the following instructors
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Skipper Ingham, 10o, founder
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Kristina Ingham, 8o, head instructor
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Gladwin "Roots" Phillips, 8o, senior instructor (Boddhidharma Zenjiryu Karatedo)
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Geoffrey Rothwell, 8o, instructor
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Zenji Ingham, 8o, kata no bunkai instructor
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Deondre Morris, Muay Thai Kru