Posts Tagged ‘traditional Okinawan karate’
A Peaceful and Free World: An Okinawan Ideal
This Guiding Principle contains some of the most powerful words in Nakamura Sensei’s instructional document. Especially considering the tumultuous struggles of Ryukyu history. Even after all of the turbulence, Nakamura O Sensei still held high the ideal of a peaceful and free world. In fact, he instructed his students (and by extension, traditional martial artists in current times) to build such a world.
Read MoreMartial Artists Together in Brotherhood
As one of very few female karateka in our dojo, and (at that time) the only adult female, I wondered what exactly it meant “to bring sincere martial artists together in brotherhood.” It was that word brotherhood that made me curious. Did it mean that I was excluded? Was this a man’s thing?
Read MoreThe Ryukyu Kingdom and Freedom
I love training in traditional karate for many reasons. One of those is the culture of the Ryukyu* people. These island dwellers have strong values that are worth learning about and promoting. One of those things that they value, and have valued highly for hundreds of years, is freedom. A History of Freedom George H.…
Read MoreTraining Inspiration: Quotes for Karateka
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. …” -Mohandas Gandhi. I’d like to add to the Gandhi quote that the only one who can change me is me. That’s because the only one…
Read MoreHow do I Love Karate? Let me Count the Ways
Here, I share my passion for traditional Okinawan karate! After over two decades of karate training, here is my countdown list of the things that I love.
Read MoreConfidence is Number One in Karate
I felt as if a weight had been removed from my shoulders and I didn’t have to be afraid anymore. Later, I realized confidence is number one on my list.
Read MoreWhy Young Karate Kids Benefit from Training
“At what age can a child start karate?” That is one of the most common questions I’m asked about karate, as an instructor in a Little Dragons early childhood karate program. I’m asked that question by potential dojo parents as well as acquaintances making conversation.
Read MoreKarate Teaches Focus: Here’s How
Karate teaches focus with goals such as belts, stripes, great job tickets, and instruction in goal setting. When students learn to target specific goals, this helps build a focused foundation.
Read MoreKarate Meets Kids where they are
Karate meets kids where they are by giving a fun and challenging physical activity that uses their energy in constructive ways. That’s just one facet of it.
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!
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