Karate is a luxury, not a necessity. We can do it because we have time and money. It is a (ugh!) hobby; like bowling or album making. There are karate schools on every corner, next to the Nail Parlors, the Taco Shops, and the Sushi Bars. It's capitalism. We're consumers; its buy and sell. Why should karate be any different.
Some people have capitalized on this concept and have become very successful. They've created a business based on kicking and punching, sprinkled it with some basic psychology, added a dash of metaphysics, wrapped it up in a nice package tied with a black belt, and there you go. There's nothing wrong with that, it's what the market will bear. If a person comes away feeling better about themselves, has more confidence and self-esteem, is more physically fit, even happier, then a successful transaction has occurred.
Its a big world and there is something for everyone. Karate purists (traditionalists) tend to frown upon the big box concept of karate training. It can be viewed as shallow and ineffective karate; a rip off. I think that's mostly true, but so what. Let the buyer beware.
Purists dig deep. Traditionalists hold that the Black Belt represents the beginning of training, and is not the pinnacle of achievement. Unfortunately, that is a hard sell to the general public who've been raised on instant gratification. The masses are not to be faulted. Its just business.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
In The Beginning
There are many reasons to begin karate practice. You've probably heard them all; self-defense, flexibility, self-esteem, confidence, physical fitness, balance, and fun. Just to name a few.
I started in order to pursue a woman. A girl I liked was taking ju-jitsu lessons, so I followed her there. We got married, she quit ju-jitsu, we divorced, I stayed married to the martial arts.
I was initially attracted to the lessons by the physicality of practice. I had always been athletic, but the karate and ju-jitsu classes were unique. I had power, speed, and co-ordination. I hit the mat running, but quickly learned that there was a method to the madness.
In order to succeed, I had to control my assets, learn technique, become disciplined. This was an individual endeavor; the emphasis on 'me." There was organization, a clear line of progress, and results that could be seen quickly. There was power to be gained, and recognition for the efforts.
Karate was a good fit for me. The timing was perfect. My physical abilities, my immature character, and my crazy emotions were being harnessed and redirected. I didn't recognize it at the time, but the practice would help me grow. It would become the 'way' for me to govern my life.
I may have never entered that world had it not been for that woman.
I started in order to pursue a woman. A girl I liked was taking ju-jitsu lessons, so I followed her there. We got married, she quit ju-jitsu, we divorced, I stayed married to the martial arts.
I was initially attracted to the lessons by the physicality of practice. I had always been athletic, but the karate and ju-jitsu classes were unique. I had power, speed, and co-ordination. I hit the mat running, but quickly learned that there was a method to the madness.
In order to succeed, I had to control my assets, learn technique, become disciplined. This was an individual endeavor; the emphasis on 'me." There was organization, a clear line of progress, and results that could be seen quickly. There was power to be gained, and recognition for the efforts.
Karate was a good fit for me. The timing was perfect. My physical abilities, my immature character, and my crazy emotions were being harnessed and redirected. I didn't recognize it at the time, but the practice would help me grow. It would become the 'way' for me to govern my life.
I may have never entered that world had it not been for that woman.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Internet Opened My Eyes
I once thought that my practice was the center of the karate world. Of course I was aware that countless schools of karate were in existence and that thousands of students practiced a variety of martial arts, but I was smug in feeling that what I practiced was unique, true, and best. Funny thing, I still feel that way; however, I now recognize that others are permitted to feel that way too.
I'm reminded of a scene from the movie "The Magnificient Seven." You know, it was a western remake of the great "Seven Samuari." A group of rough gunslingers are hanging around, bragging, telling tales, harmlessly inflating their egos. A quiet and distant James Coburn claims his knife throwing can beat the draw of a gun. A friendly competition ensues; a mock duel, no deadly aim is taken. Coburn is fast, his knife penetrates a wooden post next to the gunman's head while the gun too, is quickly drawn. "I won," Coburn simply states. The gunman is incredulous, and he refuses to believe he was beaten. "Let's do it for real" the gunman demands. A reluctant Coburn steps up, unwilling to back down from challenge. Tthe he gunman slaps leather, and Coburn throws the knife into the gunman's heart. Arguement ended.
Neither participant represented a school or a style.
I'm reminded of a scene from the movie "The Magnificient Seven." You know, it was a western remake of the great "Seven Samuari." A group of rough gunslingers are hanging around, bragging, telling tales, harmlessly inflating their egos. A quiet and distant James Coburn claims his knife throwing can beat the draw of a gun. A friendly competition ensues; a mock duel, no deadly aim is taken. Coburn is fast, his knife penetrates a wooden post next to the gunman's head while the gun too, is quickly drawn. "I won," Coburn simply states. The gunman is incredulous, and he refuses to believe he was beaten. "Let's do it for real" the gunman demands. A reluctant Coburn steps up, unwilling to back down from challenge. Tthe he gunman slaps leather, and Coburn throws the knife into the gunman's heart. Arguement ended.
Neither participant represented a school or a style.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Whew!
Okay, as usual I was in deep thought about karate - and I regurgitated.
This is my first attempt at blogging. I'll attempt to boil down this crazy world of karate. I'm an Isshinryu practitioner. Been around a few years. Worked my tail off. Became obsessed. Survived. Feel fortunate. I love the art that made me crazy. I love those who practice. I think I can help someone. If only by offering my humble perspective. Drop me a line. I'll be back.
This is my first attempt at blogging. I'll attempt to boil down this crazy world of karate. I'm an Isshinryu practitioner. Been around a few years. Worked my tail off. Became obsessed. Survived. Feel fortunate. I love the art that made me crazy. I love those who practice. I think I can help someone. If only by offering my humble perspective. Drop me a line. I'll be back.
How Does It Work?
Entering a training hall is like crossing a bridge into an unknown world. Is this where you want to be? What do you seek? Everything is taken on faith. Value cannot be immediately determined. You can kick the tires, or take a test drive, but that doesn't mean a car will serve you well. A sample taste won't tell you what a ten course meal is like.
Martial arts are an investment of time, energy, and money unlike any other endeavor. Outside of the military or law enforcement, it is the only place to learn how to fight and use deadly force. Skills cannot be accomplished painlessly, but injury can be kept to a minimum.
It is pseudo-survival. You can be taken to within inches of your life - that is the skill. It is a line that can be crossed at will. That is where the journey takes you - one step at a time, cautiously. The instructor is the guide. He shows you how to make your way; safely and responsibly.
Martial arts require internal and external skills. Physical, psychological, and emotional ones. The rigors of training nourish, cultivate, and refine your natural abilities. That is the reward; that is what you pay for. Develop skills, acquire knowledge, elevate your consciousness, transcend ordinary thought, gain insight, increase power, be prepared - for life.
Martial arts are an investment of time, energy, and money unlike any other endeavor. Outside of the military or law enforcement, it is the only place to learn how to fight and use deadly force. Skills cannot be accomplished painlessly, but injury can be kept to a minimum.
It is pseudo-survival. You can be taken to within inches of your life - that is the skill. It is a line that can be crossed at will. That is where the journey takes you - one step at a time, cautiously. The instructor is the guide. He shows you how to make your way; safely and responsibly.
Martial arts require internal and external skills. Physical, psychological, and emotional ones. The rigors of training nourish, cultivate, and refine your natural abilities. That is the reward; that is what you pay for. Develop skills, acquire knowledge, elevate your consciousness, transcend ordinary thought, gain insight, increase power, be prepared - for life.
Crazy Isshinryu Karate
Best Karate. Supreme Grandmaster. World Champion. Real Training. Top Rated School. Learn Self-defense. Gain Confidence. Build Self-Esteem. Develop Self-Discipline. Become a Black Belt. Win Trophies. Wear Pajamas. Scream. Lose Weight. Gain Weight. Do a Thousand Pushups. Break Boards. Do a Full Split. Kick Above Your Head. Count to Ten in a Foreign Language. Learn to Kill. Memorize the Creed. Use the Force. Bow. Stretch. Meditate. Focus. Barefoot. Bleed. Boredom. Fustration. Anxiety. Fear. Sensei. Sifu. Dojang. Dojo. SahbumNim. Ki. Kiai. Kihap. Poomse. Kata. Kumite. Aikido. Judo. Taekwondo. Kung Fu. Ultimate Fighting. Sparring. JuJitsu. Throws. Takedowns. Ippon. Knockout. Submission. Wrist Lock. Leg Sweep. Death Touch. Steal the Peach. Harmony. Inner Peace. Flow. Smile. Relax. Chi. Redirect. Disappear. NonViolence. White. Orange. Purple. Blue. Yellow. Green. Red. Brown. Red White. Stripes. Patches. Fist. Dragon. Tiger. Ninja. Rising Sun. Divine Wind. Samuari. Tsunami. Warriors. Tiny Tots. Tuition. Class. Session. Studio. Contract. Monthly. Promotions. Equipment. One Hour. Two Days. Unlimited. Six Months. Tournaments. Certificates. Seminars. Sleep Over. Shiai. Family. Community. State. National. International. World. Universal. Inner-Galactic. Black Gi. White Dobok. RedWhiteBlue. StarAndStripes. TShirt. Sash. Obi. Combat Shoes. Bruised Ribs. Broken Toe. Dislocated Finger. Bent Nose. Black Eye. Contusions. Pain. Exilaration. Endorphins. Sweat. Panting. Success. Victory. Growth. Masochism. Sadism.Control. Achievement. Grok. Reflex. Grasshopper. Expert. Wisdom. Apply Yourself. Give One-Hundred Percent. Just Show Up.
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