The concept of “Kara” (空) or emptiness, holds significant philosophical and cultural importance in various contexts, particularly within Japanese Buddhism and traditional arts. Here’s a detailed exploration: Philosophical Significance: Buddhist Perspective: In Buddhist philosophy, “kara” represents the concept of emptiness … Continue reading
Etiquette and Respect (Rei 礼)
REI (礼) One of the most important things in Martial Arts is the Bow as you need to show Respect, especially when you enter the Dojo or when you encounter others before you begin. Always Bow to your Sensei! The … Continue reading
Kaizen 改善
“Kaizen 改善” In the Japanese language the word Kaizen is derived from two Kanji, the first ‘Kai’ 改, meaning ‘change,’ and the second ‘zen’ 善, meaning ‘good. ‘ Hence the literal meaning of the word being ‘change for the better’ … Continue reading
Senshin (先心)
Senshin (先心), can be translated as “compassionate heart” or “mind of compassion.” Also means “purified spirit or enlightened mind”. In the context of martial arts, Senshin represents a mindset that combines strength and skill with a deep sense of compassion and … Continue reading
Fudoshin (不動心)
Fudoshin (不動心), fudoshin can be translated as “immovable mind” or “unshakable heart.” This concept has its roots in martial arts philosophy, particularly in the samurai tradition. Fudoshin is characterized by a mental and emotional state of perseverance, calmness, and resilience, even … Continue reading
Mushin 無心
Mushin (無心), Mushin is often translated as “no-mind or empty mind” or “mind without mind .” Through this stage and mindset, you will learn how to not let thoughts and emotions cloud your judgement or actions. It is a state where … Continue reading
Shoshin (初心)
Shoshin (初心) The first kanji character, 初, is begin. The second kanji, 心, means heart (mind). When two characters are combined, it is literally translated as “beginner’s heart” or generally translated as “beginner’s mind.” This refers to the kind of attitude … Continue reading
Zanshin (残心)
Zanshin (残心) First kanji 残 means remain or attach. Second kanji 心 means heart or mind. When two characters are combined, it is generally translated as “lingering mind.” Zanshin refers to a mental and physical state of attentiveness, awareness, and … Continue reading
Shin Gi Tai 心技体
心 = SHIN heart, mind, mindset, spirit技 = GI skill, art, craft, ability, technique体 = TAI body, physical, substance, object SHINGITAI = is a principle that defines the complete Karateka. It describes a delicate balance between Mind, Technique and Body. … Continue reading
Philosphy behind candle blowing with karate punch
The philosophy behind blowing out a candle with a karate punch is rooted in the principles of Karatedo, such as discipline, focus, and control. In martial arts, practitioners strive for perfection in their technique, and the act of blowing out … Continue reading
Tenugui (手拭い)
A Tenugui (手拭い) is a thin Japanese hand towel made of cotton. It’s usually around 3 feet (90 cm), plain-woven and is sometimes dyed with some pattern. It can be used for virtually anything, as a washcloth, dishcloth, but often as a headband, souvenir, decoration, or for wrapping items … Continue reading
Damatte Keiko 黙って稽古
“Damatte Keiko” is a Japanese phrase that translates to “Quiet Practice” or “Silent Training”. It is a concept that emphasizes the importance of focusing on the task and avoiding unnecessary distractions or chatter. In traditional Japanese martial arts, such as … Continue reading
Sanchin – Abdominal Breathing – Core and Tanden
Sanchin – Abdominal Breathing – Core and Tanden “In Karate, Seika Tanden or using Hara is literally bracing your core or creating IAP (Interabdominal Pressure).”
Mitsu no sen, “三 つの 先” (three initiatives)
Mitsu no sen, “三 つの 先” (three initiatives) refers to the three ways or timing in which we can disrupt our opponent and create an opening and/or opportunity to strike or attack or respond or react to our opponent’s intentions. … Continue reading
Go no Sen, 後の先 (post-initiative)
After the attack, block/evade and counterattack. The ‘Go’ (後) in ‘Go no sen’ means ‘after’. Quite literally, immediately after you’ve been attacked, let’s say with a punch, or indeed a flurry of punches – which you have effectively blocked/evaded – … Continue reading
Sensen no Sen, (先先の先: Superior initiative)
Seizing the initiative by attacking first. Sensing your opponent’s intention to attack, you take the initiative, immediately launching a pre-emptive strike. “Also called 懸の先 Ken no sen”. This strategy prescribes creating an advantage over your opponent by taking the initiative … Continue reading
Sen no Sen, 先の先 (To anticipate an attack)
To anticipate an attack and to take the initiative. “Sen no Sen” is that you know what your opponent is going to do so you will strike before your opponent moves. Sen means “before”. It is also a shortened form of sen-te (literally … Continue reading
Sanchin – Abdominal Breathing – Core and Tanden
“In Karate, Seika Tanden or using Hara is literally bracing your core or creating IAP (Interabdominal Pressure).” Sanchin Kata is an isometric workout that has been passed down via the Nahate system over the ages. In Sanchin, Fukushiki Kokyu, or … Continue reading
Karate (空手)
Karate (空手); Japanese pronunciation: [kaɾate] is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It developed from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts (called te (手), “hand”; tii in Okinawan) under the influence of Chinese Martial Arts…