Shuto Karate Sellersville

Shuto Karate Sellersville Japanese tradition guiding modern application of karate for children and adults. It is the Philadelphia area's first and longest-running Japanese karate school.

In 1959, Louis Rabouin, then a second-degree black belt (“Ni dan”) in Shotokan Karate, founded the American Self-Defense Karate Association (ASDKA) on Rising Sun Avenue, the first Japanese karate school in Philadelphia and the first Shotokan school on the east coast of the U.S. A year later, he moved the dojo to a larger space on Chelten Avenue in the city’s Germantown section, and re-named it the Shuto Karate Club. From that time, the school, through many relocations, has been continuously active. Presently, the head of both the ASDKA and the Shuto club is Master Lawrence Flournoy (8th dan), who also runs the Shuto club’s main branch (near Skippack). Sensei Michael Lapreziosa (4th dan) runs the Sellersville dojo.

01/28/2026

We practice regularly with the Escrima sticks as a complement to our "empty hand" training. The sticks are made of unfinished rattan wood, and they give off a pleasing aroma when you're working vigorously enough in pairs training!

01/19/2026

Some things from Saturday's class: Solo kata practice and pairs Escrima ("sticks") work.

12/26/2025

Today's technique: "Age uke" aka "rising block" part 2 of 2

12/13/2025

Today's technique: the "rising block". This video argues that it's actually not practical as a block. Part two will look at a couple of practical applications.

12/06/2025

Some raw footage from class today, for an upcoming short video on the so-called "Rising block" of karate. Stay tuned for that! And call (805) 850-3656 to try out some classes.

12/04/2025

Free-sparring training led by Mr. Gentry has resulted in big improvements in everyone's kicking and body shifting ("tai sabaki") skills!👊

10/31/2025

TODAY'S TECHNIQUE: Part 3 of 3 on "gedan barai".
Meaning of the words, then how to do it, and now some applications of the technique

10/27/2025

An oldie video from 5 years ago. The Japanese word "uke" does not mean "block" in karate. What DOES it mean?

10/16/2025

TODAY'S TECHNIQUE: Part 2 of 3 on "gedan barai".
Any questions? :-]

10/06/2025

The meaning of "gedan barai" (down "block") in Japanese karate

Mr. Gentry has been leading free-sparring sessions with our club since the spring, each week during the latter part of c...
10/02/2025

Mr. Gentry has been leading free-sparring sessions with our club since the spring, each week during the latter part of class on Wednesdays. Not only are the students loving this training, and their sparring skill leveling-up significantly, but I have noticed a positive crossover effect in their basic karate skills -- particularly, the improvement in kicking range and power across the board is very impressive. Domo arigato, Mr. Gentry!!

Monday in the park。Hard training capped by pumpkin pie & apple cider!
10/01/2025

Monday in the park。Hard training capped by pumpkin pie & apple cider!

Address

700 N. Main Street
Sellersville, PA
18960

Opening Hours

Monday 4:30pm - 8pm
Tuesday 5:15pm - 6:45pm
Wednesday 5:30pm - 7pm
Thursday 4:15pm - 8pm
Saturday 9:30am - 1pm

Telephone

(805) 850-3656

Website

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Club History

In 1959, Louis Rabouin, then a second-degree black belt (“Ni dan”) in Shotokan Karate, founded the American Self-Defense Karate Association (ASDKA) on Rising Sun Avenue, the first Japanese karate school in Philadelphia and the first Shotokan school on the east coast of the U.S. A year later, he moved the dojo to a larger space on Chelten Avenue in the city’s Germantown section, and re-named it the Shuto Karate Club. From that time, the school, through many relocations, has been continuously active. Presently, the head of both the ASDKA and the Shuto club is Master Lawrence Flournoy (8th dan), who also runs the Shuto club’s main branch (near Skippack). Master Robert Trotta (7th dan) has recently opened the newest Shuto branch in Kutztown, while continuing to run the Sellersville branch of the club in conjunction with Sensei Michael Lapreziosa (3rd dan).