LOYALTY IN KARATE

For those of us that practice Karate, as a way of life "Fidelity" is an essential desirable attribute that we live by. In Sansei it is considered that ungratefulness is the most unforgivable sin. We are concerned with the attitude of man to his fellow man.
Apart from the small monetary consideration involved in joining the organization, the member incurs a responsibility of “high-quality human”. In terms of loyalty, this means avoiding anything, which might comprise a defamatory account about other members, or otherwise do anything to lower a member in the eyes of others. Each individual student is a show window of the organization, and slander of the student is slander of the organization and the art. We in the organization should be more than generous in our desire to help each other progress. To treat each other with less than deep consideration would be ungrateful.
The statements also apply to the dojo sensei, but in a very special way, since he is a direct link in the centuries-long chain of masters who have transmitted their knowledge and ethics to their students, now passed down to the students of his dojo. I expect all the members of the organization to embody their own integrity, ethics and accomplishments, as well as those of the masters through which you can trace your lineage, and these in turn become Karate tradition for the present day member. The student who runs his teachers down in the face of his heritage is an ingrate indeed.

The Legacy of the Dojo and a Karate Class

The Legacy of the Dojo and a Karate Class More a temple than a gym, the dojo (do-way/jo-hall) is the martial artist’s sanctuary for training, meditation, and self-realization. The dojo can consist of nothing more than a room with a smooth floor. It is the place where one trains in karate. The value of the dojo is reflected in the spirit of its students and their instructor and not in the dojo’s fixtures. If the sensei (instructor or teacher) by example encourages hard training and enthusiasm, the sensei efforts are reflected in the excellence of the students. The sensei accepts nothing less than the full development of each student’s potential; otherwise, the quality of the student’s performance will suffer. The student, however, retains the ultimate responsibility for progress in karate. When first entering the dojo one should bow. Bowing is a ritual in which one shows respect for the dojo and humbles in a spirits of emptiness and openness. After changing into the karate gi (uniform) students clean the dojo voluntarily and then begin to limber up or practice techniques until the lesson begins. The training session begins with the students sitting or standing in formal posture aligned in neat rows with higher rank students towards the front. The sensei sits or stands in the front center alone facing the class. First, everyone meditates silently, emptying his or her minds to permit total concentration on training. Then, the instructor and students bow to each other and the lesson begins. The first exercises are calisthenics to limber, stretch, and strengthen all body muscles. After the first exercises, beginners spend most of their time learning basic techniques while advanced students practice kata and limited kumite (sparring). The student must concentrate in order to get the most out of training. If the student allows his mind to wander, the student’s attention will be divided and the value of the training will decrease accordingly; but, if the student maintains concentration on the training, even strenuous workouts leave the student refreshed and revitalized. The power of mind and body harmony can only be achieved through conscious effort. Admiration is the foundation of a good dojo: the junior’s admiration for senior students; the senior student’s admiration for the junior’s effort, and their mutual devotion and admiration for their teacher. The teacher inspires much of the training of a student. If admiration for the teacher is not present or is lost, the student cannot hope to learn much karate. Without mutual admiration in a dojo, a current of distrust and dislike may affect all and obtaining respect from anyone would be difficult. If not corrected, the dojo may die in a short time. A dojo has a life of its own during a class and unfortunately is as strong as its weakest link. The teacher must therefore always be on guard so the dojo ‘s total life will be strong. The teacher fosters admiration among the lower ranks by giving senior students the admiration in class that they deserve. Through such Sure such respect does not disintegrate at any level.

Kata

Moving Zen



Analysis of kata



A kata is an arrangement of movements, which contains a series of logical and practical attacking and blocking techniques. In each kata there are certain set or prearranged movements, which the student can practice alone, without a partner. These Katas have been shaped after many years of research, training, and actual combat experience.The applications of the techniques in these kata have evolved from and have been tested in actual conflict. In this way each kata has been improved and refined, and has advanced into the kata we practice today. Because of the time and the Kata’s complex evolution it is impossible to trace the exact development that the kata underwent, but it is known that the masters studied the combative techniques and movements in the fighting between animal and animal, animal and man, and man to man. They also studied the composition of the human body and its relationship to combat, taking into account such factors as the circulation of the blood in a twenty-four hour day, the vulnerability of the vital points in relation to the time of day, and other cyclic laws of nature such as the rising and setting of the sun, and the rise and fall of the tides. All of these fundamentals are incorporated into the kata. The reason for developing kata also varied with the period and with the people who developed them. For instance, in China over 1600 years ago kata was developed and practiced for the purpose of self-defense, whereas the Buddhist monks would practice kata for the purpose of strengthening the spirit as well as the body.

The true meaning and spirit of karate are imbedded in the kata and only by the practice of kata can we come to understand them.

In karate there is no first attack. Every kata begins with a defensive movement, which exemplifies this spirit. Not only is there no first attack, but also the best defense is to avoid the fight altogether. That is why it is said that karate is the art of a sensible man.

To practice the kata correctly every movement must be repeated over and ever again. Only through steady repetition can the techniques become reflex action. Beneficially to that end, an important aspect of kata is that it can be practiced alone, anytime and anywhere. When a well-trained person performs kata, its dynamic power and beauty of movement become almost aesthetic in quality. There can be no boundary placed upon kata training. Moved by the kata, our attention is drawn within so deeply that inner-confusion gradually dissolves to where it no longer exists at all. By regulating the flow of air from within the body and synchronizing it with muscular expansion and contraction, the kata becomes a powerful vehicle of introspection through which internal thought and external performance are harmonized. Both external and internal disturbances fade away until they are no more disturbing than the distant sound of rolling thunder. Slowly but surely an immunity to life’s trivia and detachment from illusion becomes easier and quicker. Here again, Buddhist thought, as applied to kata, as "Moving Zen" is very appropriate. Beyond Tiredness and despite aching muscles, one experiences a sense of peacefulness within Kata. It is through this peace that our quest of fulfillment is realized.

Kata is not without its difficulties, it contains theoretical and symbolic movements, and it is not always easy to figure out what is happening without proper guidance. In fact, it is said that the Ancient Master used to hide meanings and special techniques within a kata in such a way that only the worthiest students would ever discover these meanings. For this reason, Bunkai (Analysis of kata) becomes very important to the sincere student.

World Tiger and Crane Goju Ryu Karate-Do

Tiger and Crane Goju ryu

Master Joe Anon

Presents

The 2009 Bushido Open

Karate Championship

 

Saturday, April 25, 2009

BARBARA GOLEMAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

14100 NW 89th Ave Miami Lakes, FL 33018

FBBA BB - NASKA BBB

This Event is open to all systems, Styles & Organizations Divisions to be held in:

Classical Forms, Classical Weapons, Xtreme, Forms, Sparring and Point Fighting

 

Registration Will Begin at 800 A.M

Per-Registration also available by Mail

Send registration forms to:

Tiger and Crane Dojo

1550 West 84^th Street Suite #23-24, Hialeah, FL 33014

Attn: Master Joe Anon

 

For more information please contact Master Joe Anon at:

786-380-9455 of Email: tigerandcranegoju@gmail.com

 

Organization Home Dojo

World Tiger and Crane Goju-Ryu Karate Do Organization

Home School

Hanshi Joe Anon

1550 West 84th Street ste 23-24

Hialeah, FL 33014

Phone: 786-380-9455

email: tigerandcranegoju@gmail.com

Tiger and Crane dojo New Black Belts

World Tiger & Crane

Goju Karate-Do Organization

1550 W 84 Street, Hialeah, Fl 33014

(786) 380-9455

 

 

The membership due’s structure for 2009 will be as follows:

 

 

Adult Black Belts …………. $ 100.00

Black Belts 17 and Under…. $ 75.00

Kyu Belts …………………. $ 50.00

 

 

All dues and fees are due no later than March 15, 2009. Dues paid after the above date will be subject to a $25.00 late fee. Over the last few years payment of dues has become very lax with more then one member not paying their dues while still using the World tiger & Crane name and reputation.

This practice is no longer acceptable.

Accounts more then 30 days past due will have their Dojo and or names removed from the Organization’s active member list

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Anon, Hanshi

* Make all Checks payable to World Tiger & Crane Goju Karate-Do Organization. No Cash

World Tiger & Crane Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Organization

 

 

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