Karate
Yabu Kentsu
At Jikaku-do school of martial arts, we teach the “Shorinji-ryu” style of Karate, as taught by the legendary Master, Richard Kim. Master Richard Kim passed away in 2001 and while alive was a living legend of the martial arts. He had been training in the martial arts since he was four years old and was 84 when he passed away.
Sensei Kim with Yoshida Kotaro
His teachers included some of the most famous masters in martial arts history such as Yoshida Kotaro and Yabu Kentsu as well as many others. I am very fortunate to have trained under Richard Kim and continue to train with his top students
There are more than 100 Katas in the shorinji-ryu system and all are traditional Katas passed down over the centuries. Most martial art schools today don’t understand the true meaning of traditional kata or their purpose. You will hear most instructors refer to them as a set of prearranged fighting moves which barely scratches the surface of the depth of KATA.
There are three aspects to our karate training:
- Physical
- Mental (mind)
- Spiritual
Physical Training
Our physical training focuses on strength and endurance through Kata and physical exercises.
Some of the attributes of the training include:
- Strength
- Stamina
- Balance
- Co-ordination
- Flexibility
- Body dynamics
- ROM…Range of motion
Our training regiment develops external strength and power but also, more importantly, internal strength and power by cultivating Ki.
Mental Training
The Mental or mind aspects to martial arts training begin with intellectually training the mind to understand the philosophy of the martial arts. It is extremely important to understand the philosophy so that it can be incorporated into the physical training.
What is the philosophy of the martial arts?
Well, that question is only answered through training. The philosophy of the martial arts is something that has to be experienced to know it. This is why understanding the philosophy intellectually, is only the beginning.
A much higher level of focus, mindfulness, concentration, stillness and awareness, is gained through the mental training of the martial arts.
Spiritual Training
Spiritual training in the martial arts is probably the least known aspect of the martial arts and is the MOST IMPORTANT element to the training. This spiritual training should not be confused with Religion, which it is not, but is more clearly defined as being, “in harmony with the natural law of the universe”.
With the physical and the mental training you may become a good fighter, but that is all. You will not become a martial artist. The words martial artist and spiritual are synonymous.