The External Techniques of Karate
Bunkai Bunkai is far more important than kata, but they tend to run hand in hand. To learn all of the bunkai you typically need to evaluate the kata repeatedly to find all of the hidden meanings in it. If…
Karate-Do Begins and Ends with Rei
Respect in Karate This stems off the idea that Bu makes a nation prosperous. Karate-Do is as much philosophical, if not more so, than it is combative. One of the first things all students are taught in the majority of…
Karate Prohibits Violence
Defining Violence Continuing from our topic of mutual respect, Karate-do also prohibits violence. It is often confusing to someone new to karate-do to understand why so many people who know how to fight and take life are constantly telling their…
Bu Makes People and a Nation Prosperous
Roots in Bu The essence of Karate-do, which draws its roots from Bu, will always make people and their communities prosperous. Over the past twelve years I have seen hundreds of people sign up for karate classes and then eventually…
Mentality Over Technique
Karate vs Karate-Do This final concept is the embodiment of the first half of this paper. Karate-Do and Karate are two different things. While the contemporary use of Karate is synonymous with Karate-do, it is important to know which of…
Discipline – Part II
My intent was to give purpose to kata immediately. I wanted students to use it as a tool to remember the application, rather than to learn it.
Discipline – Part I
The decline of discipline in the dojo over the last 15 years has been dramatic and widespread throughout American culture.
Contact – Part II
Kata is the foundation to karate, but you cannot move up without understanding what it feels like to do actually defend yourself.
Contact – Part I
I think there is a lot to gain from actually making contact starting at about 5th Kyu, or earlier if working with a sensei.
Japanese – Part II
Few instructors in Okinawa or Japan will offer you instruction in English. My first seminar in Shorinkan was with two Kudan instructors who spoke little English.
Japanese – Part I
The first traditional value that all Karate schools should incorporate is a basic knowledge of the Japanese language.
Ethical and Mental Aspects
The Way It is a common misconception that Karate is something that you do only with your hands and feet. This is true, but few schools teach Karate. Almost all “Karate” schools are teaching Karate-Do. “Karate-Do” translates to “The way…
The Importance of Contact
As student progress through the ranks, they should become more comfortable with making contact when working with other students.
Follow OKI
Partner
