Sparring is a training activity frequently used in just about every martial art style or system. While there are many different approaches to martial arts sparring, generally all of them follow a predefined set of rules and unique customs. . Unfortunately, many martial artists think their sparring skills are a good indicator of their ability […]
Sparring is NOT real fighting. Read More »
“When you practice karate of course you train the body, but it’s not just about doing techniques, it’s also about training your heart and character to be kind to people.” – Takehiro Gaja 9th dan Uechi-ryu . . The practice of martial arts is deeply rooted in philosophy, tradition, and culture. It teaches not only
This week we were asked if we could grade someone to “Shodan” (a non member), who was a fighting champion, won many awards and championships, but did not want to do kata. . Kata is a library of self-protection techniques in Karate. Each kata creator encoded their specific knowledge into the motion of the kata
“Kata without bunkai is like a ‘shamisen’; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.” Read More »
“Karate is not something so simple as to teach only fighting.” – Kanei Uechi 10th dan Uechi Ryu (1911-1991) . . It is important for every student to be a good listener in the dojo. Much of what you will have to learn will be presented verbally, as well as demonstrated by your teachers. .
“Karate is not something so simple as to teach only fighting.” Read More »
Okinawan Karate Pioneers: Meitoku Yagi (1912-2003) learned Goju-ryu from its legendary founder Chojun Miyagi. . In 1963, Meitoku Yagi (often referred to as Dai Sensei Yagi), most senior student of Miyagi Sensei, was chosen by Miyagi Sensei’s family to receive the Menkyo Kaiden (naming him official successor of the system) along with the masters karate
Oku myo zai ren shin. “Practice with a good heart.” Read More »
“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.” – Bruce Lee . . But there’s a huge problem—finding enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated students is not an easy task! . Most students quit. And students who don’t quit usually hold back. When I see a student giving half-hearted effort in class, I ask
“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.” Read More »
“Traditional karate does not depend upon youth and speed for its effectiveness; its strength comes from experience and hard training. In traditional (dento) karate people get stronger as they get older.” . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . . People in Okinawa live longer than almost anyone on earth. This Japanese region
“Traditional karate does not depend upon youth and speed for its effectiveness.” Read More »
YOU’VE GOT YOUR BLACK BELT! GREAT……. . Now what? . You see, the day after you get your black belt, when all the partying and celebrations have stopped, you undoubtedly came to a pretty disturbing realization: . Nothing changes…. Let me repeat that…. Nothing changes. . You may have a few more bruises. Maybe even
YOU’VE GOT YOUR BLACK BELT! GREAT……. Read More »
Okinawan Karate Pioneers. Chibana Choshin (1885-1969) . The great master Itosu Anko studied Karate very hard. He was not only a great Karate expert, but a scholar and excellent calligrapher. I first visited Anko Itosu in 1899 and asked him to teach me Uchinan-no-te [old name for Karate]. . Twice he refused me, leaving me
The great master Itosu Anko studied Karate very hard. Read More »
The martial arts have been my way of life, sometimes my profession, for many, many years. During that time, I’ve often been asked how a person can stay motivated. How does someone get up every morning and continue their training routine? How does a practitioner avoid becoming part of the majority, the people who give
Do it Now! Sometimes later becomes never. Read More »
Sanchin (三戦) is a kata of Southern Chinese (Fujianese) origin that is considered to be the core of several styles of traditional karate. It is the basic form of “Tanren – 鍛錬” (training) that Goju-ryu (Uechi-ryu and Isshin-ryu too) basically is built upon, and is the foundation of their karate training. . The name Sanchin,
“Sanchin is the basic and also ultimate Kata of Goju-ryu.” Read More »
“Practicing karate improves your lifestyle through health and mental stability. Okinawan karate focuses on developing mental strength and willpower. There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.” (End quote) – Ippei Yagi 8th dan Meibukan Goju Ryu . . Learning anything requires commitment and the ability to push through the uncomfortable feeling
“Okinawa traditional karate is budo.” Read More »
