Kensho-Ryu Cumberland has been a landmark of karate excellence since 1984. We are Cumberland's original pro-family karate school; developing the mind, body and spirit of students of all ages.

All instructors are Black Belt and licensed Sensei certified by Grandmaster Mark Sheeley. Our head instructors train directly with Grandmaster Sheeley on a weekly basis. Our curriculum is clearly mapped out using concise and traditional kenpo which includes kata, self-defense and weapons training.

When choosing a martial arts school for your family, here are some things to consider:

Are rank promotions based on merit or merely by attendance? Our instructors understand that each student's growth is a very individual thing. There is no "schedule" to achieve rank. Rank is earned, not purchased. Our students and Black Belts are well respected in the martial arts community.

Are there tuition contracts and does the school use professional payment collection agencies? Our pricing is affordable and we have no contracts, no huge jump in tuition after a few months, no "black belt clubs", no mandatory automatic bank deductions; you deal only with our own staff on financial matters. Do not get hooked by a seemingly low price that will raise dramatically once your child has begun to acheive rank.

Our students stay with us because they want to, not because of a financial obligation.

Are there hidden costs such as certain equipment required at each rank? We offer a full disclosure of all costs.

What kind of ranking system is implemented? The ranking system for our Regular Program and Karate Kid is for the benefit of our students, not a multi-tiered money making structure. Karate Kids have a belt system to encourage their learning goals until they are old enough to enter the Regular Program.The Regular Program uses a kenpo belt system that has been used for many years and is easily recognized by other traditional martial arts systems.

Are promises to make your child a better person part of a sales pitch? At KSR Cumberland there are no gimmicks, just the finest in martial arts training for the entire family. Focus, confidence and character development are the result of great training by caring yet authoritative instructors; this is no "secret". Self-discipline and self-esteem are achieved through structured guidance and reward based on merit. Everyone can benefit from the martial arts training offered at Kensho-Ryu in Cumberland, RI.

Is a mature and experienced martial artist running the school? KSR Cumberland school owner and head instructor Sensei Linda Lane began training with her son Erik in 1993 at what would be considered a "commercial" karate school. Feeling this was not right for her family, she soon began traditional training in Nick Cerio's Kenpo with Sensei Maryanne Weeden where she earned her Shodan rank. Upon the passing of Professor Cerio, Sensei Linda tranferred to Kensho-Ryu in Walpole MA under the instruction of Shihans Eric Kearns and John Rietz. In 2003 with her instructor's recommendation, she began training with Grandmaster Mark Sheeley who at that time owned Kensho-Ryu in Cumberland. Sensei Linda taught at and helped manage the Cumberland dojo before purchasing it from GM Sheeley in 2006. A Yondan (fourth degree Black Belt), and the parent of a martial artist (who is now also a Sensei at KSR), she conducts her business remembering what it is like to be a parent, a student, and most of all a customer.