I come to you with only Karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter or life or death, or right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate, My empty hands.
Words from Shorin-Ryu Karate Association – The Soul of Karate
Thoughts from Sensei Gary
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Martial Arts begins and ends with courtesy. It is practiced by virtuous Men and Women.
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Avoid physical conflict if possible. If an aggressor wants personal belonging such as money, car keys, shopping bag; give these material items up. “What is important is that you survive the confrontation for your family’s sake”. Also, if there is a potential for conflict over a parking space or auto accident: Say “I am sorry” or “I don’t want any trouble.” Don’t engage unless forced to. But if conflict is unavoidable – then there are no rules in the street.
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Karateka Spirit – To always seek improvement through committed effort.
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Three areas for constant improvement – The three legged stool (Strength + Flexibility + Endurance)
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Movement and Space are your ally.
Conflict Situations and how it affects Mind and Body – Conversations with Class Members
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The 4 Second Rule – To calm yourself – Inhale for 4 seconds and Exhale for 4 seconds
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Calming the Vagus Nerve – According to Wikipedia, The Vagus is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system in the human body and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart and digestive tract. “When your ever-vigilant sympathetic nervous system revs up the fight or flight responses – pouring the stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline into your body – the Vagus nerve tells your body to chill out by releasing acetylcholine” Source Mental Floss “Deep diaphramatic breathing – with a long, slow exhale – is key to stimulating the Vagus nerve and slowing heart rate and blood pressure, especially in times of performance anxiety”. Source Psychology Today
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Stalling – When Joe has to testify for work, he often pours himself a glass of water to buy time and collect thoughts.
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You don’t have to focus on winning a contest, but just don’t give up – Nick
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Practice your art – Constant correct practice trains the body and mind to deploy skills learned in our Katatedo.
Class Updates
Promotions – July 1st, 2023
Promotions to Yellow Belt - Benjamin, Dean, and Savannah. Congratulations!
Class Photo – April 8th, 2023
Spring Session!
Promotions – December 10th, 2022
Eric H. receives his Black Belt and David S. jr (Shota) receives his Green Belt. Well deserved!
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 acute way. In his conversation, there were 3 daily practices that can help with mitigating these adverse forces.
2nd Visit from Sensei Ken Yamada of Wado Kai
Today, we have an enlightening visit with Sensei Ken Yamada. During the 1st half of Sensei Gary 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...
Class Photo – October 21st, 2021
After a period of zoom-only classes, we resumed training with appropriate precautions as COVID-19 restrictions lifted
Promotion – August 6th, 2021
Congratulations, Melia!
Class Photo – January 11, 2020
Still Training!
Training with Akamine Sensei – Okinawa 2019
In 2019, David Baldridge spent several months in Japan, Tibet, and Okinawa. The link below are notes from David's 4 week journey to Okinawa to study Okinawan Tae. The photo below is Yoshimatsu Akamine Sensei, age 76. He is a direct student of Hohan Soken Sensei.
Promotions – November 24th, 2018
Eric H. received his Brown Belt, Joe C. received his Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu, David B, Steve M, and Stuart N. received their Black Belts.
QUESTIONS?
Come train with us! Please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at koyasan.karate@gmail.com (or use the contact form below) if you have any questions