About our Dojo
The Shin Gi Tai Dojo
The Shin Gi Tai Dojo are martial arts clubs teaching Karate-Do, Goshin-Jitsu, and Tai Chi. The term Shin Gi Tai refers to the harmony of spirit, mind, and body through technique. Instruction emphasizes the physical and mental aspects of traditional discipline based martial arts training, while ensuring practical application of self defense techniques. Students may participate in tournaments. However, the emphasis for their training will be personal growth.
Classes are taught under the guidance of Sensei Brad Wells, Rokyu-dan Renshi,
a sixth degree blackbelt under the late Hanshi Larry Williams of Independence,
Missouri. . Master Williams studied not only karate but also Okinawan Kempo
kubodo under Bill Marron and the lateSeikichi Odo. He also held significant rank
in Shin Shin Jujutsu, Eagle Claw,and Pai Lin Kung Fu. Mr. Williams’ teachings and
support continueto inform and guide the instruction of Karate-Do and Kobudo
oue dojos.
Before he passed away in October2007, Master Williams held the title of Hanshi
and served on the board ofMidori Yama Budokai, a non-profit organization for martial arts instructors.Midori Yama Budokai’s mission is to provide the highest
level of lifelongtraining opportunities for martial arts instructors.
Sensei Wells began formal training in martial arts in 1967, and studied a variety of
style sduring his career, obtaining black belts in Shorin ryu,Wado ryu Tae Kwon Do and Shotokan. He has more than 25 years teaching experience and is
certified by the late Master Williams to promote students up to fifth degree black belt. Sensei Wells has taught in a variety of nonprofit organizations, parks and recreation programs, and universities (including UW-Whitewater, Murray State University, Madison Area Technical College, and the University of Kentucky system). He has a background in therapeutic recreation, and has done thesis research on integrating the “psychology of optimal experience“ (pioneered by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi, University of Chicago) into karate training. The other major influence in Sensei Wells’ life was his maternal grandfather, Ken Corcoran, who was a Golden Gloves competitor in the 1930s and athletic director at Boys Town, Nebraska in the mid 30s and early 40s. During his tenure at Boys Town, he coached all major sports including football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. Like his mentor, Father Flanagan, Coach Corcoran believed that sports and combative arts could be powerful tools for character development. He was Sensei Wells’ first instructor. He taught not only how to learn, but also how to teach.
