About the Dojo

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

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.

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.

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.

Nate Saunders has dedicated his life to martial arts since the age of five, beginning his training in 1967 under his father, Robert L. Saunders — a USAF Vietnam Veteran — in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan karate. Over more than five decades, he has trained under distinguished masters including Eihachi Ota Sensei (9th Degree, Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu), Hanshi Moses Colon (10th dan of Shorin-Ryu Karate Do), and Kyoshi Anthony Ferguson (8th Dan of Shorin-Ryu Karate Do), and served as a coach for the American karate team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Nate holds extensive experience in tournament fighting and kickboxing, competing and winning at national and international levels. In 1982, he developed his own branch of Shorin Ryu — Tsuyoki Ryu, meaning "strong spirit style" — a system built on the belief that martial arts training must develop the whole person. In 2018, he was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and named Martial Artist of the Year. Nate has long extended his mission beyond the dojo, bringing martial arts training and its values to the greater Savannah community through partnerships with the Metro Savannah Police Department's New Recruits program, youth-at-risk initiatives, and Rape Crisis Centers. He has also served Teen Leadership Clubs, the Young Males School of Readiness Camp, and the Savannah-Chatham County School System — reaching children, families, and first responders alike with a consistent message: strong spirit builds a strong human being.

Mike is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goshin Jutsu Karate under Kyoshi Jose Otero and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tsuyoki Ryu, a derivative of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu under Soke Nate Saunders. He has has the privilege of training directly with Hanshi Steven Capela in various capacities, but trained weekly with him in 2008-2009 at Sensei Lana Lyle's dojo in Union City, PA. He has also trained in Brazilian JuJitsu (VT BJJ), Aikido (Southern Maryland Aikido & Vermont Aikido), Shito Ryu (DISKA VT), and Uechi Ryu karate (TOMA Dojo NC). Mike has carried his passion for the art into underserved communities, including teaching karate to Bhutanese refugees in Burlington, Vermont. He 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. His unique background in special education and crisis intervention has also led him to develop programming around the meditative aspects of martial arts, specifically for young adults navigating emotional regulation disorders. Mike emphasizes discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, personal safety, and lifelong well-being into his instruction.