Karate training combines a mix of low intensity exercises (stationery basics, breath relevant kata, partner block and counter scenarios) and high intensity work (timed pad drills, full speed kata, sparring, etc.) for an all-around fitness regiment. This kind of exercise training adapts to the cellular structure of muscles fibers (slow-twitch, fast-twitch) which enables you...
Congratulations! You’ve finished the introductory program, completed the paperwork and received a new crisp white gi. You’re a full-fledged karateka. Welcome to the path/way of the empty hand. Btw, it’s not really “empty”, but vast, infinite, large enough to fill the sky. So let’s focus on a few things that will help maximize your...
‘Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.’ –Funakoshi Gichin, The 20 Precepts The study of bujutsu (martial arts) is no temporary effort. Though some benefits of practice manifest quickly, true mastery is a lifelong quest. Early in our practice, we’re taught that the body, mind and...
There is a dual ranking system in martial arts: Koryu (traditional, battlefield-ready methods with kepan or blood-oath); and Gendai Budo, sometimes called Shin Budo (skills of personal development acquired through martial practice). While the latter was tied to a membership price or sizeable donation, it shouldn’t be misconstrued as teachers compromising their standards, but...
‘The first five years have so much to do with how the next eighty turn out.’ – Bill Gates Barely out of diapers, precocious pre-schoolers using iPads is an all too familiar sight, as tech-savvy toddlers enjoy a remarkable comfort level with even the most sophisticated 21st century communication devices. By the age of...
What is a martial art? A. A practice that incorporates blocking, punching, kicking or throwing a partner using bare hands and/oresoteric weapons. B. A physical discipline encompassing time-tested personal protection techniques and regimens to improve strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular capacity. C. Recreational pastime or sport. Answer: all of the above, however none completely defines what really constitutes a martial art and more importantly, how a classic combative system...
Karate’s Connection to Happiness While the pursuit of happiness may not be the primary reason for choosing a martial arts program, it might very well be a by-product of your practice, and budo “bliss” could be be closer than you think. At the risk of stating the obvious, the body, mind and spirit are...
Grappling with the idea of grappling? Want a ‘kick’ out of life? Need to get energized or decompress? Looking for the PERFECT martial art? Spoiler alert – there isn’t one, because despite what many martial arts teachers and combative experts say, each style and system has its pros and cons. So before you...
Northern Karate Schools started in 1972. Since that time, we have seen a dramatic shift in children beginning their martial arts training. ‘Back in the day’ classes were much longer, and the intervals of skill learning and repetitions lengthy, but well-received. Students of all ages often stayed after class and did additional practice on...