Thoughts on Karate & Training

BASICS ...

Basics place one in the right mind set for the rest of the workout and develops three key elements of Karate Jutsu ... breath, balance and timing.

The basics are used as a tool to assist in teaching proper technique and form, resulting in instinctive reaction. Techniques become more fluid and elaborate. The basics are consistent and important with all styles; without them karate would not exist.

These techniques were practiced repeatedly until they became instinctive. In practice the full range of motion is imperative. Proper technique and mechanical advantage are not only learned but encoded into the students reaction process.

CLASSICAL Karate Jutsu

Change has been minimal over a great period of time. Like an antique or an heirloom, after a while you cannot put a price on tradition. Classical Karate Jutsu must adapt to new situations and it may even be necessary to incorporate new techniques or view points. This position is taken because, change is the law of the universe, and failure to adapt may mean extinction. Yet, the fundamental way of classical Karate Jutsu, it's beauty and philosophy, will hopefully always recontent.

KATA ...

• is a collaboration of ideas passed down from generation to generation to be practiced with the human spirit and an opened mind.
• is a physical, mental and spiritual exercise. A bringing together of the three life forces that help keep us in balance and harmony with the universe.
• has been described as "flowing zen".
• is the very basis of karate
• is a specific pattern of movements, that while done gracefully, precisely and fluidly can be very destructive and lethal if used in deadly earnest.
• is the life blood of all forms of Martial Arts.
• builds true character.

• In the performance of kata, while the student will demonstrate boldness and confidence, humility and gentleness are it's rewards.
• Through mindful repetition of the kata, the body learns to move smoothly as techniques become more natural, while the mind recontents empty and unrestricted.
• Visualizing yourself in a real situation while performing kata helps you build effective and instinctive responses.
• In kata, karate is an auxiliary of justice.

By Hanshi Gary Legacy