Karatedo Doshinkan
Training
Kata
Kata means “a model, a form, or a pattern”. It is a formal, prearranged sequence of movements that are ingeniously put together by the foremost masters of the art. Kata has been the main component of training in most traditional forms of Chinese and Japanese martial arts for centuries.
Intellectually, kata serve as a database of the principles of Karate movement, fighting strategy, etc. However, kata are designed so that they develop us physically, emotionally and mentally, whether we intellectually understand them or not.
Each kata, in its own unique way, develops our basic technique and instills in us the right patterns of breathing, timing, etc. Kata training leaves us refreshed and intensifies our spirit. Kata done with the right understanding and practice methods fosters a high degree of health.
Karatedo Doshinkan has an exceptionally rich kata curriculum, which originates from and includes most of the traditional Okinawan Karatedo kata of all types. In addition, many other kata have been developed by the founders of Karatedo Doshinkan and represent a new and powerful era of Karatedo development.
Self Defense Skills
Basic self defense skills are taught from the beginning level in Karatedo Doshinkan. These skills are gradually developed until self defense is no longer a concern.
The Doshinkan practitioner can then share this opportunity to learn with family members and friends. This is a valuable service to the community, to the security of families, and to the individual’s growth and development.
Modernized sport Karate is of questionable value in providing effective self defense skills because it has been stripped of these techniques, but traditional Karatedo has always provided effectiveness in this area.
Throwing, Falling, and Grappling
When Karate became popular in Japan in the early 1900s, the throwing, falling and grappling techniques were discarded to make Karate a distinctive new sport that emphasized striking and kicking techniques, so this is how the general public usually views Karate.
Traditional Karatedo is a more complete martial art, however, and has always included throwing, falling and grappling techniques. Karatedo Doshinkan has continued this tradition and has never been practiced as a sport.
Doshinkan students first learn safe falling methods and are used to falling on various surfaces, such as mats, grass, floors, etc. This is very practical and takes away the fear of falling. Then they begin simple throwing and grappling techniques and gradually develop these skills.
Note: Many women and girls feel that grappling is not a very appealing activity for them. However, self defense situations commonly end up on the ground and a woman should have the skills to deal with this situation.
Training Places and Schools
A dojo is a “place for learning the Way”; in this case the way of Karatedo. It can be at the training hall itself, or an open field, or in the mountains, in a river, in our back yard, or our private room; anywhere we practice Karatedo.
In Karatedo Doshinkan, we go out of our way to hold practice in all these kinds of dojo and in all weather conditions. Each environment has its own enjoyments and valuable benefits and brings the training alive and makes it more interesting.
The dojo is a special environment in which we learn the formal principles of Karatedo movement, reigi (courtesies, mannerisms) and dotoku (positive character traits). We learn how to train our bodies and minds, develop positive relationships with our teachers and training partners, care for our weapons, our uniform and our training place. These patterns and relationships are meant to be carried outside the formal dojo setting and practiced less formally, though intensely, in our daily lives. Traditionally, the dojo was considered as one part of a three part educational system of home, school and dojo.
The term dojo also refers to the group of people with which we share Karatedo training. Sharing an intense and thoughtful training experience together fosters deep friendships.