The Way of the Swallow

         The Kata name Enpi means “Flying Swallow”. It is because of the movements in the Kata that resembles the up and down flight of Swallows. The light and fast movements of the Shorin style katas are very much evident in Enpi.  As the title suggests, we can base the application of this Kata on the qualities of the Swallow. The Swallow has great maneuverability, speed and endurance. They catch their prey on a wing or while it is in flight. Though occasionally, they can snatch their prey while on the branch or on the ground.

The Swallow is very elusive and can evade a Falcon’s attack. Just like the Swallow, speed must be used to overwhelm the enemy. One must be able to attack high and low and be able to strike while on the go, which means you are able to strike while moving. To have maneuverability means to be able to change direction or execute tactics that will break the opponents cohesion and gain advantages in battle, whether offensively pursuing the enemy or defensively getting away or evading the enemy. Your team's movement is always faster than the enemy. In a one on one fight, your speed depends on your agility. Your speed should overwhelm and break your opponents balance. Be elusive, explosive and confusing to your opponent. We should consider these principles when we practice the "Oyo"; the practical application of this Kata.

The Swallow has speed and
 maneuverability for attacking its prey
 and evading predators.

One must have the endurance to see the battle through. Often, a protracted war will drain resources, lower the morale and lead to heavy casualties and losses. On a one on one fight, one must end the fight quickly but if it goes the distance then one must be able to sustain and finish strong. 

The original name of Enpi is Wanshu which is believed to be the name of a Chinese emissary to Okinawa who was also a martial artist. Either Wanshu created the Kata or the Kata was just named after him to honor him. The Kata however, is widely known as “the Dumping Form” which is because of the kata guruma or the shoulder wheel throwing technique near the end of the Kata.  

Applying the tactics of Enpi or the flying Swallow in our activities, we must use speed; finish our tasks quickly so that we can accomplish more. Also the longer we take to finish a task the more energy, time and other resources are wasted; the project or endeavor becomes costly and morale and interest

The Swallow can outmaneuver the Falcon.

goes down. If the tasks require a long time to finish one must have endurance to sustain and see the project through. If things are not going as it should be one must be comfortable in changing directions, apply a different approach or take another position to solve the problem. These are characteristics of the Swallow that we can use for success.

"I can through Him who gives me strength"

KARATE-DO: The Way of the Modern Warrior

 

           Most if not all students of Karate started because they wanted to learn how to defend themselves. They wanted to learn how to fight. As the student progresses he gets to learn all the other aspects of Karate. He or she learns the discipline, culture and philosophies. They develop interest in performing Kata and to fight in Kumite. The student will continue to train because he learned to appreciate every aspect of Karate-Do, but there will be one aspect that he would appreciate the most and it will serve as his main motivation to stay committed to his training. He may be hooked to joining tournaments and become an athlete. He may become a good leader in his organization, as he practices his understanding of Karate-Do principles. He may seek spiritual growth as he deepens his knowledge through his training. So the Karate practitioner is a philosopher, an athlete or a leader. But today’s Karate-ka should be a modern day warrior who posses all of these qualities and more.

           

        A warrior is healthy and fit to be able to fight in combat. We should have the endurance to last in a fight, the strength to grapple, move or throw opponents, the agility, speed and power to fight effectively. We are always at awe whenever we see old masters that can execute technique excellently despite their age. “In the past, masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles.” (Anko Itosu)

            Even if one is not an athlete he or she should acquire the habits of an athlete like living a healthy life style, eating healthy and exercising or training. No matter what our age is, we should be at our best condition to do our daily activities and tasks effectively. We should be able to walk or run a distance if needed to, to be able to lift or move heavy objects or body weight, climb hills and flights of stairs. It is important to do strength and conditioning exercises known traditionally as “Hojo undo” and of course to practice regularly.       

            Master Anko Itosu also said that “Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding a fight should one be confronted by a villain or ruffian." So the Karate-ka as a modern warrior must have the capability to defend not just himself but also to protect his family; love ones, other people or strangers as well. Karate is not intended for consensual fighting, you versus a brawler or another martial artist. This is the misconception about self-defense. “Ruffian” means a violent criminal or trouble maker. The modern warrior must have the ability to respond to violence. A fight with ruffians increase the danger to you or the one you are protecting. To avoid a fight is to be able to put the ruffians out of action and escape or survive the situation. To avoid danger one can also de-escalate. You can be more effective to de-escalate if you have confidence in your ability to respond to violence and not out of fear. You can also avoid danger by being aware of your surroundings, people, danger zones or choke points and situations. The Karate-ka also uses his awareness to be sensitive to others, to recognize opportunities and to be creative. The modern day warrior is truly a man of peace.

           

        One of our Dojo Kun is “to foster the spirit of effort” or “be purposeful”. A Karate-ka always strives to do his best in training and in anything he does. He has an excellent work ethic. He works hard to achieve his goals. He continuously learns and improves his skills and knowledge. He not only works hard but works smart. Over training results in injuries and prevents you from progressing physically and technically. It also prevents you from being effective in your other roles in life, like work and relationships. It is the same if we over work or over extend ourselves, doing so many things. Our health, relationships and productivity suffers. If we work smart, we can also have more time to practice Karate. We must maintain excellence and effectiveness in combat, work, training and our roles.

            One of the Niju Kun states “Be aware at all times that you have millions of potential opponents”. This does not mean that we should be paranoid. It means that we have to always be vigilant. As a modern warrior, one must always have security, strategic and tactical consciousness. Always be prepared for a calamity, a break in, fire, form of harassment, violent attack, accidents or unfortunate events. It is better if you are the one to give rations/donations than to be getting donations in case of disaster. It is better to be a survivor than to be a victim of violence. The attitude of being prepared is also applied to travels or road trips, presentations at work, fulfilling requirements and documentations. This does not only mean that you know what to bring to the occasion but also what is your strategic and tactical plan. It means that you have gathered all necessary information or intel about the place you will go to or the event that you will encounter. Your travel plans and strategies not only concerns maximizing time and resources but also safety concerns.

             Aside from Physical and personal security, Document or data security, the modern warrior should also strive for Financial security. This means that one has the discipline and knowledge to save and grow money. Money is a resource or tool when it comes to battle. For example, you need money for a good lawyer, investigators to build up your case if needed, or to provide extra support to law enforcers handling your case. The quality of your home and personal defense set up will also depend on your budget. Also, knowing how to grow your money makes it a lot easier for you to part with it, like in case of robbery. In a car accident it is easy for you to negotiate a settlement rather than argue and escalate the situation. For you the saying that “money can easily be earned back” really holds true. As a modern warrior, having knowledge and skills to earn and grow money makes you an excellent provider for your family. If their current needs are provided and future needs are addressed then you have secured them. It is important for a warrior to have financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit.

             The warrior is also a good leader. He can communicate and work very well with others. No matter what rank or stature, the warrior finds his way to lead. A student (Kohai) or a teacher (Sensei) can both lead by example. By setting an example to juniors and peers, like being excellent in training and observing Karate etiquettes is already leadership. A good leader is a good follower. The Kohai does what the Master asks and adhere strictly to etiquettes that apply between senior and junior in order to build a strong sense of propriety, discipline and humility. He should strive to become better than the Master. One day the Kohai will also become a Master and having learned humility, he will be of service to his Kohais or his constituents. The warrior leads with integrity, responsibility, accountability and compassion. 

             The modern warrior with a dangerous skill and mind in the art of war should be guided by a moral compass. Whatever your faith, ideals or belief is, Karate-do philosophies will help make it stronger. As we strive to follow the teachings of our faith, our ideals for a better society and apply the principles of Karate-do in our lives, we become a better person; a better human being. The warrior cultivates virtues and good values (Seek perfection of character). Without spiritual growth and wisdom, the warrior becomes a ruffian or a thug, who will make bad and dangerous decisions with very bad consequences. The warrior should make his world a better place. He is an instrument of peace.

 

  for HIS Glory and Honor.

 

 

           

 

           

 

Achieve Peace of Mind

 

            The possible meanings for Heian as presented by Rob Redmond in his book “Kata the Folk Dances of Shotokan” are easy, basic, calm and peaceful. Although there are many speculations as to what meaning should be applied, each meaning is appropriate. The Heian Katas build the foundation or the basics. It is believed to have been made by Master Anko Itosu to prepare students for the

Pinan Kata created by Master Anko Itosu

more complex Katas so therefore, they are easier compared to what are considered as advance Katas. Master Itosu originally called it Pinan which is the Chinese pronunciation of its Kanji or characters. It means “safe” or “free from harm.” As a student of Master Itosu, Master Gichin Funakoshi may have had the same principle in mind when he renamed the Katas to Heian. Master Funakoshi has specified Heian to mean “Peaceful mind.” These five forms contain fundamental self defense techniques which as he has mentioned in his book Karate-do Kyohan that “having mastered these five forms, one can be confident that he can defend himself competently in most situations”. 

A lot of people question where Master Funakoshi got the word “mind” and added it to peaceful because there is no Kanji for mind in the Kata's name. For one thing Peaceful mind does make more sense than just “peaceful” when you want to convey confidence in self defense. It may also be  appropriate to interpret it as having "peace of mind". Also, to effectively use Heian techniques in a self defense situation will require a strong but calm and clear state of mind.

          To have peace of mind does not mean that our environment or surroundings have to be peaceful and quiet. We should be able to have peace of mind amidst the chaos and the noise that exists in our world. Amidst terrorism, violence, stressful work, traffic and many other bad circumstances, we should be able to live our lives to the fullest. The mastery of the Heian Katas can develop a cool calm spirit. In order for someone to have confidence in a fight one must be able to handle stress and pressure. In Kumite you should not think about winning or losing; instead your mind is focused on your opponent and on the ongoing fight. In self defense, we should not think about dying or living, getting victimized or not but rather we should be focused on what is happening in our surroundings (Awareness), when attacked our mind must be in the fight or  escaping from danger. So one must be totally aware of the situation he is in. We do not think of the past or the future, no judgement; so we live in the moment with a clear and open mind, at peace with what is, hence “peaceful mind”. 

          In the tournament your mind is in your one minute Kata performance or in the three minute Kumite bout and not anywhere else. You do not think about how you lost or the injury you got from the previous tournament or even the point he just got seconds ago because those are in the past. You do not worry about losing, getting hurt or even getting excited thinking you can easily win, because those are in the future. This kind of mind causes anxiety, stress, fear, complacency and it hinders proper action. The mind should be exactly where you are which is in the fight. I once joined a minor competition in conclusion to a Karate camp in the U.S. it was a traditional tournament so my

Heian Nidan

 opponent and I performed at the same time, side by side. After shouting the Kata which was Tekki Shodan I remembered glancing at my opponent who was much older than me; I moved and started at the wrong side. I realized my mistake and very quickly decided to continue and did not disrupt the flow of my Kata. I ended facing the opposite side. I lost and I was embarrassed. My mind was seconds ahead from the present moment and got so distracted. I learned from my mistake. 

         In our lives our present takes on different forms. Our present is our current circumstance. When the lock downs because of the pandemic started I experienced anxiety because I was thinking about how long before everything gets back to the real normal, I could not accept the "new normal", I was also thinking about what was going to happen to my kids (uncertain future). I was also missing friends, dojo training and my normal routine (fixated in the past). We have to have acceptance of our current circumstance and be able to act on the things that we can control. I accepted the "Pandemic life" and no longer resisted. I exercised and trained Karate on-line and by myself. I was grateful for  the positive things like having more time for family, being able to fix the house, there was no traffic and I connected to others who were experiencing depression due to the pandemic. So I learned that when we accept our present circumstances we will not miss out on the good things that come our way and the good things that we can provide others even at a very difficult time of our life, we will be thankful and when we are thankful we are happy. 

      Our present is also in the form of who or what we are and where we are right now. I used to think that someday when I become rich I will be able to help the poor. Then I learned from church that we can serve where we are right now. So now I have a better understanding of this principle of being in the "now". Whatever our roles are right now  we have to "endeavor"; be the best in that role as we can be. For the religious serve Him and serve others, if not then serve humanity. As a student serve there, as a father serve there; as a lawyer, doctor or teacher, as a Sensei, as an employee or an employer, live and serve where you are right now. We do not hold the missed opportunities in the past and do not wait for what we can do in the future, because if we do our best in our present

Knee kick from Heian Yondan

ordinary life. the small things make a huge difference. We will also grow our relationships which is also a part of our now. Because having developed awareness, we will not only be able to recognize dangers and intuitively detect threats; we will also be able to be humble and compassionate. We will be able to understand the needs of others and recognize opportunities. A practical example is when we listen to people with empathy. You should be in the moment never preparing for what you are going to say or let your mind wonder off, not being biased in your opinion or not passing judgement right away. One lets go of pride and tries to put himself in the other's shoes. Then we can truly have an understanding. Lastly, our present is today. We can waste it or live it. Just like a duel to the death there are no second chances. There might be a tomorrow but today is gone forever and it can never be brought back. If today is so bad or full of challenges, we do not have to lose. Always end today with a win.

      The Sensei initiates the principle of peaceful mind (Heian) to beginners. On a beginner's very first day he learns mokuso or seated meditation. Mokuso is how the student learns to put his mind to the here and now; to clear one's mind for training. He sets aside his problems from work or any distractions from outside the dojo. He sets aside any expectations or worries about training. The mind should be in the moment which is Karate practice. Then the student is taught a Heian/Pinan Kata. He first learns the technical skill (Kata sequence and details of techniques), then the effective use of the technique for self defense (Bunkai) and finally what most of us instructors neglect is to teach the Kata as moving meditation. We should allow the student some time to practice his Kata without thinking about whether his stance has correct weight distribution or without him constantly checking his form in the mirrors. But instead let him just feel every movement he is making, his mind is in the doing of the Kata. Explain and guide the student's mind to handle stress and pressure. Make the beginner perform alone in front of the whole class. This will prepare his mind before taking his kyu exam or joining a tournament. By developing "Peaceful mind" it will enable us to not only cope but to thrive in life. 

"You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." -Master Oogway Kungfu Panda

           

 

The Artist within the Martial Artist

        Merriam Webster defines an artist as one who creates art and is a skilled performer. Google dictionary defines art as "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing work to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power". Also as various branches of creative activity such as dance, music and literature. Karatekas and Martial artists know that Karate-do and other Martial Arts (Budo) are an art form no matter what other people might say. Bruce Lee says that " Ultimately Martial arts means honestly expressing yourself". Just like other performing arts such as Dance, Theater or Music, it requires creativity and technical skill to express one's self and move others. The Kata is a very important training tool to develop techniques.  

Folk dancers preserve tradition
 and show case culture. 

       Performing Kata allows us to preserve tradition; culture and   present it to the world. Every organization has their own   standard way of  executing each Kata; so does JKS. As   students and practitioners  we should be obedient in learning   the standard because it will build our strong foundation. The   standards will also provide us understanding on how our organization interprets each Kata. To exercise one's creativity and self expression in Kata is to be able to give one's own rendition or interpretation of the Kata, but only when one has reached maturity, have strong foundation and has reached an advanced level of skill. Also to become an artist we should be able to find our own style within the Shotokan style like the famous Tatsuya Naka, and even go further and follow the example of our founder Master Tetsuhiko Asai, like him we can express our creativity by making our own Kata. A Karateka should be like a painter. The painter is given a photograph by his client and he paints a portrait. The portrait is not an exact replica of the photo but is done with the artist's own rendering. He also of course paints his own original work, exhibits and sells his paintings even if their paintings do not become locally or world famous. The artist is not content with just painting replicas of     others' original work, they create their own master

Kata is a Performance art as well
 as a Sport. It is the core of Karate 
tradition and culture. 

  pieces. Once a Karateka has reached a level of expertise and     has been training and honing his craft for many years then he   should follow the path of Master Asai and the other artists who   have gone before him like Master Itosu who created the Pin-ans,   Master Funakoshi and his son who created Shotokan, Master   Nakayama who created sports Karate and published the Best   Karate series. We hold ourselves back from becoming an artist.   Even though we have practiced diligently for many years. We do not consider ourselves experts in our craft. The" beginners mind" or the saying that we are forever students who still have a lot to learn is a state of mind that we should adapt when we are learning, so we can keep our egos in check and keep improving. But it does not mean that we should deny that we have become experts. Students may express themselves through "Shitei" or what is required (standard) but when one becomes a Senior; no not a senior citizen, don't wait that long. In my opinion 3rd Dan and above who practices regularly can start making innovations not only in their Kata but in their Karate as well. Because by this time they should have acquired technical proficiency. Another reason  is that we feel we are not authorized to make such innovations or maybe some feel that if they make such radical innovations their Karate will no longer be authentic. To be a custodian of Karate history and culture and an advocate of our organization's system is our commitment because we are part of the community. But being an artist is more personal. A Karateka can be both. We can conform; preserve tradition but we do not lose ourselves. Not being able to be true to one's self is weak but not being able to respect the ways of the organization and learn from it is prideful. Even those who practice their own Martial art without a formal organization had sought teachers, mentors and groups to learn from and strengthen their foundations.

      Self expression is not only when performing a traditional form or Kata but also in sparring or Kumite. Millions of people watch Boxing or MMA and are entertained by the brutality of the sport. They see who has more points, they see who is getting beat up, who 

Kumite is an expression of movement
as your opponent is moving

 got knocked out but Martial artists or even real fight enthusiasts   would see "a beautiful uppercut", an excellent arm bar or a great   footwork. A Kung-fu teacher once watched a Kumite event and   at the start of the bout he predicts the winner and he guessed   right. He was asked how he knew and he said he looked at the   footwork. We see the timing, precision and the quality of the technique executed by the players or fighters. The fighter or player's expression of himself is when he moves as his opponent moves. 

       Lastly, the artist may express himself through Bunkai or applications of the Kata. I think it is great that the WKF included Bunkai presentation in its tournaments. Sports Karate Bunkai is a great performance art itself. It demonstrates the creativity of the choreographer, 

Two different creative
expressions of Bunkai

the skill and talent of the performers that excites and thrills the audience. It is more theatrical, acrobatic and athletic which makes it so spectacular to watch. The other type of Bunkai is the practical applications of Kata for self-defense. Self defense Bunkai has only one criteria to follow and that is, it should work in a real- life scenario. So the beauty of Karate and other traditional combat arts is that there are several ways to express yourself as an artist; not just through sparring or consensual fighting but also in Kata and its application. But the most excellent expression of Karate-do is when it manifests in everything we do. Life is art. 

His gift our skills.

Turn your disadvantage into an advantage

     The Kata Bassai is believed to have been created by Master Sokon"Bushi" Matsumura. kJust as in any Kata, we do not know the purpose and the application that was intended by its creator. But with bits and pieces of information gathered by such authors like Dr. Bruce Clayton; his theory about the Shotokan fighting system, Master Funakoshi himself and from our knowledge of Karate history both from digital source and oral traditions, they have provided hints on the "probable" purpose and application of the Kata. We can use these information to help us come up with our own expression and practical interpretation of the Kata. The original name of the Bassai Kata is Passai. Master Gichin Funakoshi changed the name into Bassai which is the Chinese pronunciation because it would be pronounced Batsu-Sai in Japanese. The Kanji character for Batsu means “to extract” and Sai means to “to block”.  In Bruce Clayton’s book "Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins" he theorizes that in military strategy this could mean to extract the principal away from danger or become a blocking force preventing capture of the principal; with this theory Bassai would be similar to Tekki Kata which can be used as a strategy for body guarding or third-party defense, by defending and extracting the person of importance away from harm. 

Third-party defense, VIP protection

            Master Gichin Funakoshi used the title “To penetrate a fortress”. He opted to use the Chinese pronunciation, where in “Ba” means “to seize” or capture and Sai meaning “a place of strategic importance” or fort. He also said that in the Kata, the shifting of the blocks represent the feeling of turning the disadvantageous to advantageous and that the Kata implies the will of breaking through the enemy’s fortress. Dr. Clayton in his book interprets this teaching as penetrating through a violent crowd or mob. Being at a disadvantage facing multiple attackers, you use weakened opponents as cover or shield just as in Tekki Kata and therefore the mob becomes your tactical advantage. In a one on one fight with a formidable opponent, you must first break his will to fight not just through strong or superior technique but by gaining tactical advantage and having the stronger will or spirit. 

The military or police would conduct raids to enemy strong holds with speed and shock elements. They would breach fast, shouting loudly, employ flash bangs, smoke and fragmentation grenades. Their tactical maneuvers can turn their disadvantage into an advantage, like if they are up against a larger force or if the fight is in confined spaces (Close quarter battle). They would attack the enemy hideout hard and fast with overwhelming force. Such is the essence of Bassai. 

Raiding a stronghold is fast and with
 overwhelming force.

Turning the disadvantage to an advantage is to have the mind develop “Tactical awareness”. In self defense we must educate ourselves of the different tactics or modus of criminals so as to avoid being a victim. Counter criminal tactics and be a hard target. Know where we should sit or position ourselves so that it is safer, what are possible weapons within your surroundings, who are your connections in case you’ll need help, where do you run to when you escape (exit points), where can you hide (cover and concealment). This is the mind of Bassai.

These principles of combat in Bassai can be applied to one’s daily activities. Be creative and turn a disadvantage to an advantage, turn your weaknesses into strengths. If you make mistakes or fail, make it an opportunity to learn; use your failure to become better and stronger. If you had a bad or painful experience, heal your wounded heart and use your scars to help and to heal others. Acknowledge your weaknesses so you can focus on your strengths. Employ your will to overcome difficult tasks or challenges with the same spirit as a warrior breaking through a fortress. Seize or capture opportunities that would eventually lead to the accomplishment of your goals. In our business dealings we must have tactical awareness such that we would not be fooled or taken advantage of. 

       Control the pace of your activities, finish your work early if not on time and surprise them, deliver shock and awe; always make an impact. The high ground is an advantageous position. Always do your best and aim for that high position in your organization.

             Master Funakoshi says that the

             combination of blocks conveys 

        the feeling of turning the disadvantage 

        to an advantage.

Practically it will be harder for people to mess with you when you are in a high position but more importantly being in a high position means you have more responsibilities, more resources and power to help others, to do more for your community or organization, to empower your people and to serve. The high ground is not about pride but of humility and benevolence. Strive to have a strong mind and spirit that overcomes the fortress in your life.

   

He is our advantage.

NIJU KUN No.9

            “Karate takes a lifetime of practice”. This statement can be very daunting not just for our students or Beginners but for Black belts as well. Karate practice requires commitment. To continue to pursue this path is a choice that each of us has to make. Some students when they’ve reached a certain level quit because they’ve lost interest or they stopped for a time and they feel they are far behind, comparing themselves to their peers who have advanced both in rank and in skill, thinking they could never catch up; so they quit. Those of us who made it to Black belt Sho Dan rank had to renew 

Practice to become the best athlete 
that you can be.

  that commitment to the path of Karate-do. Earning a Black belt signifies another beginning where one starts to truly learn what Karate-do is all about.     But life catches up with our passion. Got married, started a family, busy with     studies, busy with career. Priorities change, time for Karate and our     organization had been cut down and for some; there seem to be no time at all.   There are some Black belts who lost interest in the art of Karate and found   another passion. Should they decide or find their chance to go back to training,   the JKS-KDA doors are wide open; let them know that we are more than glad   to welcome them home. For those who leave because they lost interest in   Karate and found other passion, we wish them luck on their new path and we are happy to know that their knowledge of Karate will greatly help their lives; also we are glad that they have been a part of our journey as well.

           Those whose passion for Karate still boils like hot water, who choose to continue on the path and those who go even farther and choose to be a teacher of Karate-do, you must remain faithful. Our daily lives challenge our commitment and it is even more challenged during this time of Pandemic.

Master Tetsuhiko Asai is
 one of the greatest Martial
Artist of our time.

 To overcome your challenges you have to stay motivated to practice. We must make the time to practice on our own and to practice with our Karate family. Practicing with our family by attending Dojo practice or Black belt practice enables us to learn from our chief instructor David Lay Sensei and from each other. It also fosters our camaraderie. During this Pandemic we have to adapt. On line classes and Black belt practice is the best that we can do at this time. I myself could not practice as often as when I was still single, I am not as active in our organization unlike before I started a family. I do understand how hard it is to maintain commitment to Karate as a way of life. Can I share with you how I stay motivated to practice? When I was young, competing in Sport Karate motivated me. I wanted to excel as an athlete; now Karate as a Martial art motivates me to practice. Just like other masters of the arts like Levi  Celerio of music or Fernando Amorsolo of  painting, I want to be an excellent artist through Karate-do. Second motivation is self-defense. I want to keep my mind and body always ready to defend myself and the people around me. Third motivation is I want to  be healthy and physically fit to face daily

The journey is personal but its great to have
people travel along with you.

challenges and to have longevity. And there is not a better time to be healthier both mentally and physically than in this time of Pandemic. Fourth motivation is being a teacher. Teaching students entails a greater responsibility. I know I can teach     Karate but I have to keep attending Black belt practice because I   have to keep up with technical updates and for my lessons to be aligned   to our system; also to develop both my teaching and Karate skills   further. Lastly I’m always excited to practice because of the fellowship.   I want to constantly build my relationship with you guys. You are   family. The more we grow our relationship the better we can appreciate one another. We will be more understanding of our differences, we can appreciate each other's negative traits as well as the positive. Our friendship entails mutual trust and respect. 

                For our Karate family members to continue to have a place to come  home to, to continue supporting those who embark on this long journey and to promote this wonderful martial art are my motivation to share time and talent to Dojo service. I hope these can help whenever you face challenges to practicing Karate-do. Do not let it turn cold.

Deeper relationships promote harmony

As One for His Glory.

“It’s not a Gym it’s a DOJO”

Shomen also known as Kamiza

      Every Karateka would know that the word Dojo means “a place to learn the Way”. However, There are many who do not know the different parts of the Dojo, except for the Shomen or the front wall of the Dojo, which is often a part of the formal bowing done at the start and at the end of training. In order to fully grasp the attitude, the discipline and the conduct by which to train in “budo” or martial arts like Karate, it is important to know the different parts of the Dojo for it can help those who enter in their quest to truly learn budo, or in our case Karate-do.       

    The Kamiza, more commonly known as Shomen meaning “upper side” is the Dojo’s front wall where the Shinto shrine; sometimes an offertory altar or simply a picture of the style’s founder is placed. It does not matter what religion one has because the Kamiza simply guides students  and serves as inspiration to pursue not just physical goals but spiritual goals as well. The Kamiza should give the Dojo that spiritual atmosphere. Such is why a true Dojo is temple inspired; It is a place to cultivate virtues like respect, humility, patience, perseverance, self control, fortitude and compassion. 

          The Shimoza is the “lower area” where the entrance is located. Associated on this side are intellect and human interaction. Humility, discipline and awareness are associated on this side. At the entrance students enter with the desire to learn. As they enter, students must leave behind their preconceived ideas about what the training will be, about their own strengths and weaknesses or expectations. One must have a clear and open mind to learn the art of Karate-do or any martial art (Budo). The student should also leave behind whatever problems or distractions he may have like problems at work or school, over excitement with someone or something.To just be in the moment, so that he or she may have focus and concentration in training. At the entrance the students bow before they

Parts of the Dojo

enter the training area not just to honor the place of learning but to enter it with humility and leave the ego behind. Once inside, the students must develop trust with one another and because of humility they should be able to train safely and be sensitive to fellow students. Discipline is initiated at the Shimoza. They learn to conduct themselves with dignity by following the principles of etiquette. The discipline and proper mental attitude must continue even when one exits the Shimoza door. 

          The Joseki means “upper lateral” and it is the senior members’ side which is at the right side of the Dojo. The values like virtue and charity are associated in this side. There should be a sense of commitment for the senior members to lead and be responsible in helping the junior members learn. They are obligated to be good examples to the juniors. The seniors’ side must have a high level of intensity during practice. At the Joseki, the juniors are able to observe and emulate the seniors. The Shimoseki is at the left side of the Dojo and it is the side of junior members. This side is characterized by integrity or rectitude because the junior members are expected to always give their best. From this side, the juniors can observe the seniors and learn from them; also to see if the seniors have the integrity to give their best too. 

           The center of the Dojo is where all the members of different levels meet. This center space is known as “Embujo”. Em means “to act”, bu means “martial” and jo means “place”. At this space everyone is expected to train hard and always do their best. The essence of the center of the dojo is the attitude of being in a life or death situation wherein there are no second chances; no next time. One has to seize the moment and bring out only one’s best. Specially on an ordinary day like when you attend the usual Saturday practice. You were off and you felt you have not been able to do very well. You're thinking that you will just make it up next Saturday training. Yes there will be many more Saturdays to come but that Saturday, that day itself is done and gone forever. The Embujo is a place to do martial training. Actions are the only thing that matter and not talking or theorizing. At the Embujo there should be no excuses, no complaining and whining. 

    Knowing the values represented in each part of the Dojo are vital not just to aid the Karateka to develop his technique but to improve his character as well. The discipline and the attitude that we acquire in the Dojo which help us to learn and hone our skills should also be applied once we step out of the Dojo. Human interaction requires correct etiquette, virtues of humility and compassion initiated at the Shimoza. Be inspired and get motivated by the Kamiza to seek spiritual growth, to perfect one’s character through everyday life. Be observant and emulate those who succeed and always bring out the best in one’s self just like being in the Shimoseki. Be able to always do your best, to have integrity, lead by example and empower others as if being at the Joseki. Avoid making excuses for one’s short comings or failures and just do what is needed to be done, accept responsibility and be accountable. Live as if there will be no tomorrow. This does not mean to indulge in an irresponsible, hedonistic and care free living. We must seize the moment.  At the Embujo it is life or death; there are no second chances. Be grateful and happy; we must grab the opportunities that bring us closer to our goals, be the best that we can be, to be great at what we do; to live one’s life to the fullest and have no regrets. Such is the attitude learned at the Embujo. By understanding what each part of the Dojo represents, we can practice Karate outside the Dojo.

Source: “In The Dojo” by Dave Lowry

The World is our Dojo.