Style Highlight: Kudo

Style Highlight: Kudo Article by David B, June 2025 Since its inception in the 1960's, Kyokushin Karate has gained notoriety as the "full contact" karate. Its founder, Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama, was a fascinating figure who deserves an article of his own. He promoted...

Happy Birthday, Sensei Gary!

We just wanted to take a moment to recognize Sensei for his 70th birthday, and thank him for bringing us together and keeping us tough for nearly 50 years--and still going strong! Sensei was 22 when he first approached the Koyasan Temple to use their new social hall...

NHK Documentary – The Spirit of Okinawan Karate

It was first aired 10 years ago (produced 3/17/2015), but this documentary is an excellent look into the multi-faceted karate culture in Okinawa, and the magnetic force that brings karateka from around the world to visit and train....

Thoughts from Sensei on Cumulative Effort

When doing static stretches, take 8-10 breaths for each stretch and try to sink deeper with each breath. Relax and breathe into the stretch in order to lengthen the muscles. Stretching and training is a cumulative process, and consistency is what cements your results....

Thoughts from Class – 6/18/2022

After our meditation period of our Karate practice, Sensei Gary shared a conversation of a friend in reference to the daily stresses brought about by interations of work, family, and current events. These stresses can affect the mental health of in a cummulative and...

2nd Visit from Sensei Ken Yamada of Wado Kai

Today, we had an enlightening visit with Sensei Ken Yamada. During the 1st half of Sensei Gary's class, we trained in our usual ritual that includes: Cleaning the floor of the Dojo Stretching Calistenics Strengthening Blocks Strikes Kicks For the 2nd half of class...