Why Learn Just Half of Karate?

There is a path in traditional karate - a path that will take you through life - so why not begin now - its a life long path. A path that will lead most people to be calmer and more peaceful.

"There are many paths to the top of Mt Fuji, but it only has one summit"

For those who follow this path find there is not only a lifetime of learning, but also there is no end to learning. There are so many aspects in traditional martial arts, that it takes a little more than one lifetime to learn them all.

"One must embrace a do mu gen proverb", "there can be no end to learning and that karate begins and ends with the study of kata” ~ Soke Shoshin Nagamine, Okinawa Japan


And if you are only training in kara te (empty hand), you missed out on the other half of karate known as kobudo.  Kobudo uses tools as weapons, and each discipline in kobudo is an extension of karate.

"Karate and Kobudo can be likened to tires on a bicycle. Both are needed to make the bike move".

Soke Hausel, grandmaster of Seiyo no Shorin-Ryu
karate kobudo kai at the Hombu dojo in Mesa, Arizona.

So, check out your dojo, and if you are not following a path that leads to self-improvement and an understanding of martial arts, we recommend that you search for a new school. After all, you only have one life, so you better get started before you miss it.

“The purpose of karate lies not in defeat or victory, but in the perfection of its participants.” Gichin Funakoshi (Okinawa, Japan).

Daniel san, “All right, so what are the rules here?”
Miyagi, “Don't know. First time you, first time me”.
Daniel san, “Well, I figured you knew about this stuff. I figured you went to these before. Oh great, I'm dead. I am dead. You told me you fought a lot”.
Miyagi, “For life, not for points”.