Karate Classes for Adults
Finding a regular physical activity that you enjoy is essential for adult fitness and health. Not only do karate classes for adults get us moving, they help in many specialized physical areas. Strength training exercises in karate include push-ups, jumping jacks, rolls, stances (both static and moving), and striking heavy bags.
Read MoreBeing a Karate Teacher: Top 5 Favorites
Being a karate teacher makes me be a better person. I take my responsibility as a role model seriously. And that includes the constant knowledge that I am setting an example. But it’s not all serious responsibility. Being a karate teacher is a lot of fun!
Read MoreKarate Dads are the Best
Karate dads are essential to the success of a dojo, just as they are to the success of their kids. Here are many of the shining moments of our dojo dads.
Read MoreWhat are Ryukyu Kempo’s Core Principles?
Our dojo, East Valley Martial Arts, is a member of the international United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance (URKA). The URKA is a unique martial arts organization for many reasons. One of the things that makes us unique are the Core Principles taught by our instructor Amor Kaicho. He learned them from his teacher Oyata Taika who…
Read MoreCobra Kai needs the Dojo Kun
The “Cobra Kai” web TV series came out in Spring of 2018. It’s a more mature, modern continuation of the “Karate Kid” movies. The second season came out early this month. After watching it, I’m more convinced than ever that Cobra Kai needs the Dojo Kun. Cobra Kai Appropriate? While the “Karate Kid” movies may…
Read MoreU.R.K.A. Summer Camp Favorites
The biggest event of the year for the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance is the Summer Camp at the Headquarters dojo. I attended the U.R.K.A. Summer Camp for the first time in 2002 and I was totally impressed. Here are my top five favorite things about it. U.R.K.A. Summer Camp and Camaraderie The people, the brotherhood…
Read MoreWhat We Value at our Dojo
I recently started listing out what we value at our dojo. It’s because I was thinking of Sei Shōnagon. She was a writer who lived in service to Japanese royalty. Even though Sei Shōnagon died nearly a thousand years ago, we can get an idea of her personality, intellect, life and values due to her…
Read MoreKarate Moms: We Love Them So
Our dojo would be a sad place if karate moms were not an active part of it. Not only do they support their kids in getting to class. They facilitate making sure karate tuition is paid. And they try their best, even when it’s a hectic day, to get their children to the dojo on…
Read MoreParents Want Karate to Teach Valuable Lessons
I have learned what parents want karate to teach their kids. Several things come up repeatedly. The good news is that their expectations are very realistic if their child trains in traditional Okinawan karate regularly and consistently.
Read MoreJapan’s Children’s Day
Because we teach Okinawan martial arts, and because our kids’ karate program is popular, our dojo takes an interest in Japan’s Children’s Day. A friend visited Japan recently and spoke about the carp flags flying in preparation of this holiday. It takes place as the third and last national holiday in Japan’s Golden Week. May…
Read More