Koyasan Karate Group
Every Saturday 10am~12pm – All Styles and Levels Welcome
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
Karate Class News
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 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 Sensei Ken shared a story of his journey with the art of Karate. Starting at about age 13 with a 12 year break, studied the Okinawan...
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 Te. The photo below is Yoshimatsu Akamine Sensei, age 76. He is a direct student of Hohan Soken Sensei. Click Here to Open the Article in Google Docs, or read the embedded article below:
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.
Escrima Training with Rick Ishikawa
Today, we had the good fortune of having Rick Ishikawa present some basic Escrima and Knife training. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbThdI4JlSk Basic defense against a knife, armed with a stick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7QPllAJuRA Knife block with counter #1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DVLDiFOpME Block knife and counter - armed with a stick. Rick said one of the closest targets is...
Visit from Ken Yamada – Practitioner of Wado Kai
Sensei Ken traveled from Berkeley CA (Live Oak Park Karate) to train with us. Class time was set aside for Sensei Ken to demonstrate and discuss Pinan Shodan and Naihanchi Shodan katas. Sensei Ken stepped through the Katas and explained some components such as stances and applications. Group Kata - Pinan Shodan The photos below demonstrates "Sen no Sen" response to an attack. The speed and body...
Class Photo – December 23rd, 2017
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.
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