Technically Correct, Physically Fit, and Self-Desciplined
A. J. Moreno
Technically Correct-
Technically correct is the way everything is supposed to be. Everything is important. Even little details matter; from the way you bow in class, to the way you do katas, and to the way you stand at attention. Shotokan karate is a good way to learn to be technically correct because it's a traditional karate that emphasizes the details. People who do Shotokan karate focus on posture, correct breathing, preparation, correct form, and footwork. To be technically correct, your mind has to be completely focused on the very next move you are going to do, on every movement you make. Making sure your feet move exactly as they should to get from one stance to another, while your hands are making the right preparations and movements, and you use correct breathing. - Andrew M rank 5th kyu age 16.
Technically correct is the way everything is supposed to be. Everything is important. Even little details matter; from the way you bow in class, to the way you do katas, and to the way you stand at attention. Shotokan karate is a good way to learn to be technically correct because it's a traditional karate that emphasizes the details. People who do Shotokan karate focus on posture, correct breathing, preparation, correct form, and footwork. To be technically correct, your mind has to be completely focused on the very next move you are going to do, on every movement you make. Making sure your feet move exactly as they should to get from one stance to another, while your hands are making the right preparations and movements, and you use correct breathing. - Andrew M rank 5th kyu age 16.
B. J. Edwards
Physical Fitness-
Physical Fitness is generally achieved through exercise, correct eating habits, and adequate sleep time. Physical fitness is an important part of life. Without fitness in your life you would become unhealthy and you could become overweight. Fitness was commonly defined as the capacity to carry out the days activities without undue fatigue. These days, physical fitness is considered a measure of the body's ability to function. It is one of the main aspects of karate, or any form of Martial arts. If you are not fit you cannot perform or train correctly. Physical fitness is also an attribute requires for service in virtually all military forces. - Bruce. J. E rank 5th kyu age 14.
C. E. Luna
Self-Desciplined
Being Self Desciplined can be just as important as being Technically correct and physically fit to any karate-ka. Karate training can make physically powerful and extremely focused people. With allot of emphasis on Zanchin (mental focus), karate has made an art of mental and physical concentration. People have become very good at thinking about things in quick instances, yet, easily become sick, lazy, weak and distracted with short attention spans. People lack confidence and are more prone to depression and anxiety and develop low self esteem because they are mentally weak and out of shape. Karate-ka learn to stay focused and in full control of themselves in any situation by rigorous training. Throughout all training a karate-ka has to learn to put 'mind over matter' to use and ignore physical discomforts and distractions. Without being mentally sound, you cannot focus enough on anything to go far in many aspect of life. - Clarissa L. rank 6th kyu age 18.
Being Self Desciplined can be just as important as being Technically correct and physically fit to any karate-ka. Karate training can make physically powerful and extremely focused people. With allot of emphasis on Zanchin (mental focus), karate has made an art of mental and physical concentration. People have become very good at thinking about things in quick instances, yet, easily become sick, lazy, weak and distracted with short attention spans. People lack confidence and are more prone to depression and anxiety and develop low self esteem because they are mentally weak and out of shape. Karate-ka learn to stay focused and in full control of themselves in any situation by rigorous training. Throughout all training a karate-ka has to learn to put 'mind over matter' to use and ignore physical discomforts and distractions. Without being mentally sound, you cannot focus enough on anything to go far in many aspect of life. - Clarissa L. rank 6th kyu age 18.
SHOTOKAN KARATE – IT’S GREAT FOR EVERYONE
"The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants"
The Corpus Christi Downtown Karate school training program combines the mental and physical disciplines necessary to improve one’s strength, flexibility, speed and mental alertness. All karate training begins and ends with courtesy.
Anyone can do it. One of the unique features of karate training is the fact that it may be easily practiced either alone or in groups, at any time or place, by young and old, men and women alike. Flexibility in training is provided such that, one who is physically and spiritually weak can develop one’s body and mind so gradually and naturally, that he or she may not even realize his or her own great progress.
Calligraphy by Gichin Funakoshi (Shoto)
Anyone can do it. One of the unique features of karate training is the fact that it may be easily practiced either alone or in groups, at any time or place, by young and old, men and women alike. Flexibility in training is provided such that, one who is physically and spiritually weak can develop one’s body and mind so gradually and naturally, that he or she may not even realize his or her own great progress.
Calligraphy by Gichin Funakoshi (Shoto)
The Value of Karate Do by Gichin Funakoshi Founder of Shotokan Karate-Do
Those who follow Karate-do must never forsake a humble mind and gentle manner. The tremendous offensive and defensive power of Karate-do is well known where one can defeat enemies with a single attack. The value of the art depends on the one applying it. If its application is for good purpose, then the art is of great value, but if it is misused, then there is no more harmful art than karate. One who truly trains in the art of Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight. Karate is used only in those rare occasions in which one must really defend one’s self. This situation is experienced possibly once in a lifetime by an ordinary person, and therefore there may be an occasion to use karate techniques only once or not at all. In Karate-do, one’s individual goal might be improvement of his or her health or training of his or her body to function efficiently. One might wish to develop total body strength and coordination or to attain poise and spiritual fortitude. One who trains in Karate-do strives internally to train his or her mind to develop a clear conscience enabling him or her to face the world truthfully, while externally developing strength.
Master Gichin Funakoshi