In last week’s article I explored some of the history of the development of Karate and of Budo culture in Japan.
In part 2 I hope to get to the point in why I began writing such a body of text by exploring the matter of what we understand as "traditional" karate practice, where it fits into the changes made in Okinawa, and what we perceive as being Japanese.
But firstly, a little clearing up to do.
Read MoreThe Bu in question is the term for Warrior, as in Budō - Way of the Warrior. If you have trained in a Japanese style of Karate, even some Okinawan styles you will have heard this term at some point.
It is often associated with a sense of learning “traditional” Karate. I use these quotation marks for reasons that I will go into.
But first, let us take a step back in time….
Read MoreAre you the type that must break a sweat, get out of breath, slump to the floor and crawl out of class? When your Sensei says "Ten more!" do you muster up every last ounce of muscle fibre to push it out? What about turning up to class sick, tired and injured... feeling drained but grateful for the supplements to get you through?
Well, if you haven't yet follow my advice regarding rest in last weeks blog, perhaps I can give you some thoughts on what I consider to be giving Maximum Effort!!
Read MoreThe tree has been packed away, the cards removed, the tinsel hanging from every doorway no longer catching in my hair. All the rich foodstuffs, cheeses, chocolates and meats have been consumed - well almost - and I am now blowing the dust off my neatly folded Gi. Let's see if I remember any Kata!?!?!
You could say it’s been a while, almost 3 weeks in fact. Where have I been? Taking time off of course.
Read MoreI had been in Okinawa for 7 months since March, and throughout that time I had experienced big winds, heavy downpours and blistering hot humid days.
However, on the 24th October, the temperature had cooled to a mild 26 degrees and the humidity had peacefully rescinded to the low 60s, the conditions couldn’t have been better for the 100 Kata event organised by James Pankiewicz of Challenge Okinawa.
Read MoreThere I was, living in Edinburgh under the grey wintering skies, and whilst nestled at my mum’s in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, a place I had known well all my life and was frequently awed by the scenic beauty; it was Christmas and I was still mulling over a big decision.
A month previously an Email had zipped through from Jesse of Karatebyjesse.com giving details about a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity
Read MoreI spent over 20 years practicing Shotokan at various Dojo across the UK and Australia, and many were similar in their breakdown of practice. Line-up, bow, warm-up, Kihon, Kumite, Kata, warm-down/stretching or simply sit, meditate and bow to finish.
Having experienced a few different Dojos I'd like to give you my experience of practice in an Okinawan Dojo.
Read MoreIf you’ve commonly practiced Karate outside of Okinawa or Japan, like myself, you may be familiar with attending classes in a church hall, a gym hall space, a YMCA, a converted garage/spare room/ loft space complete with floor mats and wall hangings.
What did I notice when coming to Okinawa and stepping inside the Dojo space?
Read MoreDo you wish to change? Do you wish to live your path and accept all the lessons that Karate teaches us?
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