Self-Defense
Why 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 MoreRequirements for Awesome Karate Instructors
Different karate schools can vary greatly, however there are some basic and universal things required that make awesome karate instructors at any age, regardless of rank.
Read MoreMartial Arts Teach Peace
The statement that martial arts teach peace may sound self-contradicting. Martial arts are, literally, arts of war. They teach how to fight. But when the teacher of a martial art is following a moral path, they also teach how to prevent conflict and how not to fight.
Read MoreKarate for Children: 10 Reasons to Invest
Kids’ karate classes provide a lot of awesome benefits. One is confidence in navigating the world. this alone is a great reason for all girls and women to train in martial arts. But male students also benefit from this type of training.
Read MoreKarate 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 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 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 MoreKarate For Girls and its Benefits
The benefits and offerings of traditional Okinawan karate apply to all genders and ages. However, I can speak from the female point of view when I say that karate for girls is exceptionally powerful. My first exposure to martial arts was a recreation center’s aikido class. Then I started ongoing training as a young woman…
Read MoreGround Fighting at Our Dojo
Our dojo offers ground fighting classes as enrichment to training. Not all traditional karate schools do. However, rolls, falls and take downs were part of many ancient Okinawan styles. We continue to preserve some of these basics in our curriculum of karate classes. Plus, many of our students appreciate rounding out their training with the…
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