Functionally translated, karate-do means
"empty hand way of self-defense."
The word "way" can be interpreted
in many ways but usually indicates a constant
striving for attainment of understanding
of oneself, about others, about martial arts,
and about living in harmony with others.
The Traditional Karate-Do Center
is a dojo
(training hall) which provides
traditional
training in the ancient ways
of Okinawan
Goju-Ryu Karate-Do (Okinawan
"hard and
gentle style" of karate.)
The Goju-Ryu style was created
from the life
long work of two great Okinawan
karate teachers,
Kanryo Higashiona (1853-1917)
and his student
Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953.) Since
the style
was developed on Okinawa and
in China, it
reflects a blend of techniques
from such
martial arts as Okinawa-te and
several kung-fu
styles. As a result this style
contains a
variety of techniques, ranging
from powerful
and explosive punches and kicks
to more subtle
and gentle blocking and evading
techniques.
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The physical training of Goju-Ryu is rigorous,
with an emphasis on strength, endurance,
flexibility, speed, and breath control. To
properly prepare for the training there are
exercises for warming-up, stretching, conditioning,
strengthening, toughening and breathing.
On another level there are many techniques
for standing, blocking, punching, striking,
kicking, restraining, throwing, falling,
rolling, shifting and evading. These are
assembled into a series of more advanced
level techniques known as kata (formal exercises.)
Various types of kumite (sparring)
drills
are also practices, some cooperative,
some
competitive. Kumite exercises
are very structured
in the introductory stages.
The technical heritage is supplemented
by
the presence of cultural elements
derived
from centuries of blending of
Eastern philosophies.
For centuries these philosophies
were passed
with an oral tradition down from
teacher
to student along with the self-defense
skills.
The transmission of these philosophies
are
important to ensure that karate
exists as
being much more that just fighting
skills.
The ancient masters were insistent
upon making
karate an art that would build
society up,
not tear it down. |
The philosophy of Okinawan Goju-Ryu
is best
summarized by its code of ethics, known
as
"Dojo Kun":
Be humble and polite
Train considering your physical
strength
Practice earnestly with creativity
Be calm and swift
Take care of your health
Live a plain life
Do not be too proud or modest
Continue your training with patience |
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