Category: Northern Karate Schools

Phoenix rising, the reconstruction of Shuri castle. The highest point of Shuri elevation holds historical significance for the Ryukyu Kingdom, and indeed modern day Okinawa. The location was first seized upon as an ideal strategic location by regional warlord Shun Bajunki, in early 13th century. It should be noted that it was Urasoe that...

As a former internationally ranked competitor, I understand the benefits tournaments provide. Sport karate can help us prepare for life as we develop discipline, confidence, and resilience, and recognize the importance of time management, goal setting, individual achievement, teamwork and a positive mindset. Competition, however, is often a double-edged sword. Winning feeds the ego,...

The kanji character 祖 “so” means ancestor, pioneer, founder, innovator, and grandparent. If you’re of Asian origin or have Asian friends of a certain age, you will hear them say “our ancestors are always with us.” We owe a debt of gratitude to blood relations who gave us our DNA and characteristics. Great, good...

Legend* tells us that Kensei 剣聖 or sword saint (honorary title given to a warrior of legendary skill in swordsmanship) Tsukahara Bokuden (1489-1571) was crossing Lake Biwa in a small boat (maruko-bune 丸子船) crowded with fellow passengers. Bokuden a swordsman of incredible renown, always kept to himself. Yet his reputation of being a founder...

The concept is simple: if you are using a dojo, equipment, or use any adjacent areas, (yes washrooms) it is your duty and responsibility to ensure that you leave that space clean. It helps people to learn the importance of cleanliness – an important life skill that millions haven’t mastered around the world! Karate...

We are now learning and practicing martial arts outdoors. Fresh air is a wonderful detoxifier. As long as we take small cautions, outdoor training is healthy and fun. Taken from Muscle and Fitness magazine. Sunburn  What it is?  A sunburn is damage to the skin caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns...

Perception, the ability to become aware through the senses is limited by a person’s ability to understand what they see or hear. It’s not only what you read but how you read it that matters. Order of writing. Frequently, Japanese is written in a format called tategaki (縦書き), which is inspired by the traditional...

Most Japanese to English dictionaries list Yakusoku as – Noun. やくそく 約束: a promise, an arrangement. A simple word that has extensive and profound meaning in methodologies of Budo and Bujutsu. A physical, practical term as well as a social contract. In karate, yakusoku kumite are prearranged exchange drills between the defender Tori (the taker or...

True Humility Is Not Thinking Less of Yourself. It’s Thinking of Yourself Less. C.S. Lewis Although humility and ego might initially appear contradictory, like good and evil, they are in fact dualistic elements to be balanced through martial arts growth. If self-effacement aligns with respect, restraint, kindness, patience, diligence, honesty, decency, charity, and temperance,...

Seated quietly, you pause and think about the time you should have done something but didn’t or remember a situation where the outcome fell short of expectation. At the other end of the spectrum, you stop and contemplate the steps that led to success. Assessing your shortcomings or appreciating your achievements are acts of...