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Traditional martial arts at Tsuru-do Kan

Welcome to Tsuru-do Kan, the home of traditional budo, the way of martial arts, in Utrecht. Our dojo, our sensei (teachers), and our students help to create an authentic experience.

 

Our discipline is Wado-Ryu Karate-Do, a traditional form of karate that aims for harmony between body and mind through martial arts. The name wado literally means 'the way of harmony'. We aim to improve your strength, balance, and self-confidence in our classes, all in a safe and supportive environment. Wado classes are taught by Kevin Chao-sensei, the highest-ranking JKF Wadokai black belt in the Netherlands.

 

Alongside karate, we also offer classes in Ryukyu Kobujutsu (Okinawan Kobudo). Kobudo is an armed martial art built on Karate foundations using weapons such as the bo (staff), sai (small tridents), and tonfa (baton) among others. Kobudo classes are taught by Carl Möller-sensei, 3rd dan black belt.

 

Tsuru-do Kan is a member of the Karate Bond Nederland (KBN) and is certified by the Japan Karate-do Federation Wadokai.

Classes

See below for our class schedule and fees.

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Wado Ryu Karate

We practice Karate on Mondays and Thursdays from 20:00 to 21:30.

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Costs

2 times per week: €45 per month

1 time per week €35 per month

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Kobudo

We practice Kobudo on Thursdays from 18:30 to 20:00.

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Costs

1 time per week: €35 per month

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Discounts

Students and U-Pas holders are entitled to a 20% discount on all classes at Tsuru-do Kan

Our team

Kevin Chao-Sensei
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Kevin Chao-Sensei

5th Dan - JKF Wadokai

Kevin-sensei brings a wealth of experience with over 50 years of martial arts practice. With a background in Shotokan Karate as well as some Wing Chun and Tae Kwon Do, Kevin eventually fell in love with the Wado-Ryu style of Karate after accidentally visiting a Wado-Ryu dojo when looking for a new place to train after moving to the Netherlands. He is now the highest ranking JKF Wadokai black belt in the Netherlands and a certified JKF Wadokai 3rd Kyu Instructor.

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For Kevin-sensei, the the most important reason to practice martial arts is the passion and mental development that that comes from Karate training. His unique teaching style embodies a strict adherence to Japanese traditions, techniques, and thought processes learned as a student of Takagi-sensei, a direct student of Hironori Otsuka, the founder of Wado-Ryu. Kevin-sensei's attention to detail doesn't stop him from bringing his own light-hearted sense of humor to every class.

Ranks:

  • 5th Dan Black Belt - Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF) Wadokai

  • 3rd Dan Black Belt - Karate Bond Nederland (KBN)

  • Black Belt - Shotokan Karate

Certifications:

  • 3rd Kyu Instructor - JKF Wadokai

  • Dan Grade Examiner - JKF Wadokai

Carl Möller-Sensei
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Carl Möller-Sensei

3rd Dan - KBN

Carl-sensei has been practicing martial arts since 1974, and his experience shows in his teaching style. Carl-sensei has trained extensively in Wado-Ryu Karate since he started training. Carl-sensei's interest in armed martial arts started with his practice in Kendo, also known as Japanese fencing, which saw him join the Dutch National Kendo Team. In the last 15 years, Carl-sensei has specialized in Ryukyu Kobujutsu, also known as Okinawan Kobudo, which he teaches every Thursday at Tsuru-do Kan.

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For Carl-sensei, the most important part of martial arts training is the journey of discovering yourself. In order to discover yourself, you must be constantly willing to get out of your comfort zone, and as a result, your comfort zone will get bigger. This is clearly reflected in his challenging and fun Kobudo classes.

Ranks:

  • 3rd Dan Black Belt - Karate Bond Nederland

  • 1st Dan Black Belt - Ryukyu Kobujutsu

  • 1st Dan Black Belt - Kendo (Japanese Fencing)

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