Karate

The dojo might be the basement of the Eagles Club, but every Wednesday night, residents of Bethlehem, NH are being transformed from beginners to black belts.

White Mountain Martial Arts is an independent Shotokan Karate Program that puts “martial arts in its proper perspective in today’s world.”  

Sensei Leon Currier, fourth degree black belt, teaches students of all color belts.    

“We’ve been open since November of ’97,” Currier explained. “I’ve taught some before, but mainly here.”

Shotokan is the most widespread and influential style of karate. It was developed from various martial art styles by Gichin Funakoshi.

The first official dojo Funakoshi built was named Shotokan, which is how the style received its name.  This dojo was destroyed in an allied bombing.

Funakoshi is credited for the popularity of karate clubs throughout the West because of the public demonstrations he would give. 

Today there is no leading organization guiding the way Shotokan is taught, but almost all styles include Funakoshi’s influence.

Currier teaches eleven forms of Shotokan depending on the level of ability his students have. To see the different forms and their explanations, click here.

Some of Currier’s students have been studying with him for as long as 8 years. 

“Sensei Tristan Emerson, second dan, eight-ish years,” student Tristan Emerson proclaimed. “Second dan” means that Emerson is a second degree black belt.

Currier describes the style of WMMA as “heavily dependant on the three K’s of karate.” This means there is a mixure of drills, forms of self defense, and sparring.

“We call our style ‘Tae-Sho Shotokan Karate,” explained Currier. The group has incorporated some Taekwondo into their style.

Classes are $10 per month and meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m.