Posts Tagged ‘traditional Okinawan karate’
The 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!
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…
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