About the Dojo

Two martial arts traditions. One school. A community built on respect, discipline, and growth.

Goshin Jutsu Karate

Goshin Jutsu Karate is a complex and sometimes disputed history, shaped by strong personalities, evolving influences, and internal conflict. The style was developed by Grandmaster Gerard "Jerry" Durant in the early 1960s in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later carried forward by Grandmaster Stephen Capela. Durant trained alongside practitioners of Shotokan, Shorin-ryu, Judo, and Liu Seong Kuntao (Indonesian Kung Fu), synthesizing these influences into a practical self-defense-oriented system. While many exaggerated or fabricated stories surrounding Durant's background circulated—some intentionally for marketing purposes—the core development of Goshin Jutsu emerged organically from cross-training, testing skills through challenge matches, and codifying what proved effective. Durant formalized the system's kata and training methods, emphasizing partner drills, realism, and adaptability, laying the foundation for what would become a distinctly American martial art. Following Durant's death in 1991, Stephen Capela—one of Durant's most senior and influential students—continued to teach, refine, and preserve the system with integrity. Capela played a key role in formalizing curriculum, gaining competitive recognition, and maintaining the art's emphasis on realism and evolution. Over time, he was formally recognized as Grandmaster of his branch, later promoting trusted senior practitioners to carry the system forward. Goshin Jutsu Karate today remains rooted in traditional principles while encouraging continued cross-training and adaptation, producing well-rounded practitioners and earning recognition internationally for its legitimacy, effectiveness, and enduring impact on students' lives.

Tsuyoki Ryu

Matsubayashi-ryu is a traditional Okinawan style of Shōrin-ryū karate founded in 1947 by Grandmaster Shōshin Nagamine (1907–1997) in Okinawa, Japan. Its name—often translated as the Pine Forest School—honors two of Nagamine's principal influences: Sōkon Matsumura of Shuri-te and Kosaku Matsumora of Tomari-te, whose teachings shaped the techniques and principles of the style. Nagamine developed Matsubayashi-ryū by blending these indigenous Okinawan traditions with broad martial arts experience, including study under masters such as Ankichi Arakaki, Chōtoku Kyan, and Chōki Motobu. The result was a comprehensive system emphasizing traditional karate techniques, 18 kata (forms), pre-arranged kumite (sparring) routines, and kobudo weapons practice, with a focus on personal development, self-defense, and the cultivation of spirit and character. Since the 1980s, Nate Saunders, a 6th-degree black belt in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, has been integrating his experiences in kickboxing, Wing Chun, and other martial arts to refine his own approach. Drawing on what has proven effective in both training and real-world application, he developed a version of Shorin-Ryu focused on simple, efficient movements, strategic manipulation of an opponent, and optimal control of one's own body to maximize effectiveness. While the techniques of Tsuyoki Ryu are rooted in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, its essence lies in cultivating a strong spirit, emphasizing character, resilience, and personal growth alongside martial skill.

Our Teachers

All our teachers have years of extensive training in technique and pedagogy. You can be confident that when you learn with us, you have both a partner and a guide in your own development.

At Savannah Okinawan Chinese Karate our martial arts and wellness center blends traditional martial arts training with modern wellness and social-emotional development. Mike is a certified teacher and special educator with over 25 years of martial arts experience, as well as extensive work supporting individuals with disabilities and those experiencing mental health crises. He is trained in Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI), Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI), Handle With Care, and is a certified trainer in R.U.L.E.R., Yale University's social-emotional learning program. Mike is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goshin Jutsu Karate—a comprehensive system combining traditional karate, Chinese and Indonesian Kuntao and Silat, and Judo—and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tsuyoki Ryu, a derivative of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu under Soke Nate Saunders. Our programs emphasize discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, personal safety, and lifelong well-being in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For For Nate Saunders, martial arts has been a way of life since early childhood. Beginning in 1967 under his father, Robert L. Saunders — a USAF Vietnam Veteran — Nate trained in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan karate and went on to experience many styles of martial arts. He has trained with the likes of Eihachi Ota Sensei, 9th degree black belt in Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu. He has also coached the American karate team during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and has many years of experience tournament fighting and kickboxing. Nate has taken his decades of experience and formed his own branch of Shorin Ryu, Tsuyoki Ryu, or Strong Spirit style.