Karate For Kids

Having taught sports for quite a number of years I find that karate has no match as one of the best activities that children should participate in. The more reason is that, Karate provides the basis for a solid foundation for children to form their personality and attitudes. However, one of the most important factors for this setup is providing the right instructor. Children are easily impressed and can be misled to confuse martial arts with aggression, especially if the training consists of dangerous applications intended to hurt others. Clubs that embrace such practice have a high rate of injuries Read more…

Translating the Dojo-Kun: the meaning behind the Japanese characters

一、人格 完成に 努める こと hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto Exert yourself in the perfection of character 一、誠の道を守ること hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto Be faithful and sincere 一、努力の精神を養うこと hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto Cultivate the spirit of perseverance 一、礼儀を重んずること hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto Respect propriety 一、血気の勇を戒むること hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto Refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour The Dojo-kun is a very important part of understanding what karate is all about and it is also one of the things that sets karate apart from many other disciplines. Karate is not a sport, it Read more…

Rei

One of the first things anyone will notice when training karate is the custom of bowing, called the “REI”. The custom of bowing in karate is traced back to its origins, which includes both the fact that it originates in Japan and due to it being a martial art which has foundations in budo. The Japanese word for “rei” 礼 literally means “an expression of gratitude” but its use in martial arts has deeper levels of meaning. Bowing is an integral part of Japanese culture which relies heavily on showing respect in the appropriate situations. The importance of this can Read more…