Okinawa Archives - East Valley Martial Arts

Benefits of Private Karate Training

By Evma | July 29, 2020 |

There are benefits to both the instructor and the student in private martial arts training. Here are the top five benefits of private karate training.

Perseverance Picture Revealed

By Evma | April 28, 2020 |

This is a picture of perseverance. Despite many varied obstacles and constraints, it was time for this kyu rank to test. So she tested, and she passed.

How to Introduce Young Kids to Karate

By Evma | March 10, 2020 |

A Little Dragons' young kids' karate class lined up.

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.

Okinawa Shuri Castle Photo a Favorite

By Evma | March 3, 2020 |

karate practitioners at Shuri Castle, Okinawa, Japan

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.

Karate helps you Lose Weight: Top 5 ways

By Evma | January 21, 2020 |

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.

Why Traditional Okinawan Karate?

By Evma | November 5, 2019 |

applying traditional Okinawan karate skills

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.

What About Adults’ Karate?

By Evma | October 30, 2019 |

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.

How to Be a Good Karate Student

By Evma | October 16, 2019 |

portrait of what it feels like 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.

Symbol for Ryukyu on Karate Book Cover

By Evma | September 10, 2019 |

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.

Karate Teaches Respect

By Evma | August 6, 2019 |

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.