Okinawa
How to Introduce Young Kids to Karate
The younger the student, the more they need their parents’ support and help in getting the most out of training. Here are some ways that parents can help young kids who are not sure about starting karate.
Read MoreOkinawa Shuri Castle Photo a Favorite
This photo at Shuri Castle is one of my favorite group photos and general karate pictures. For me it symbolizes Ryukyu no shin – the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, or the heart of karate from Okinawa in current times.
Read MoreKarate helps you Lose Weight: Top 5 ways
Karate training is not a cure-all for obesity, yet if you have weight loss as a goal, there are many ways that karate helps you lose weight. Here are our top five.
Read MoreWhy Traditional Okinawan Karate?
In its early development, traditional Okinawan karate was strictly a way to protect one’s self and one’s family, as well as the community. Good traditional schools preserve that tradition so that modern practitioners are well able to do the same.
Read MoreWhat About Adults’ Karate?
When karate first came to America after WWII, it was primarily an activity for adults. The karate kid movie helped usher in the age of karate for children and we are still in that age. But adults’ karate is important and valuable.
Read MoreHow to Be a Good Karate Student
Although each dojo is unique, there are many universal ways to be a good karate student. I bring this up because I know a lot of karate students who greatly appreciate being a part of a dojo. Their training has changed their lives and they would like to give back and support their dojo. The same goes for appreciative parents who have children benefiting from karate.
Read MoreSymbol for Ryukyu on Karate Book Cover
The name for this symbol for Ryukyu is the mitsudomoe. Mitsudomoe has a literal meaning of “three comma-looking shapes.” The Ryukyu island chain makes up what used to be an independent country called the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Read MoreKarate Teaches Respect
Karate teaches respect by requiring listening to the instructor and focusing on yourself doing your best. In classes students are required to keep their hands to themselves. When working with partners, students are expected to follow the rules of conduct.
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…
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