This week I'm perfecting my Kanku Dai. It is said to be Sensei Gichin Funakoshi's favorite kata. It's also one of the longest and hardest to master. It means "looking to the sky, long/hard version", has 65 moves and should take ~90secs to complete. #karate #martialarts #combat
The traditional Karate style Wado-Ryu is known for its fluid movements, body shifting and incorporation of Jujutsu principles using the opponent's energy. It has ~2 million practitioners worldwide and is mostly found in Japan, UK and Northern Europe. #karate #martialarts
The traditional Karate style Shito-Ryu has the largest repertoire of kata, combining elements of Shuri-Te & Naha-Te, the ancient martial arts that predate modern Karate. It has ~4 million practitioners worldwide & is mostly found in Japan, South America and Europe. #karate
The traditional Karate style Goju-Ryu balances hard & soft techniques, close-range combat & breathing control. It has ~7.5 million practitioners worldwide and is mostly found in Okinawa, South America and Europe. It keeps strong ties to its old-school roots. #karate #martialarts
The traditional Karate style Shotokan is renowned for deep, linear stances & powerful long-range techniques. It's the most widely practiced style globally & used in competitions, with ~25 million practitioners. Famous in Japan, Europe, North & South America. #karate #martialarts
Most people aren't aware that there are different styles of Karate, and that these are the only ones officially recognized by the World Karate Federation: Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Wado-Ryu. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Master Gichin Funakoshi once wrote that "Karate training requires a lifetime." I've trained with some of the most renowned and respected Masters in the world and I've realized that I need a second life. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
A warrior's greatest weapon is not the sword or fist, but the unyielding resolve to rise after every fall. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
In the silence before the Kata, find the wisdom that echoes louder than any battle cry. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
As Master Gichin Funakoshi put it: "Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo". I admit it's not always easy, but I strive to follow the principles of Shotokan, Bushido (Code of the Samurai) and Budo (Way of the Warrior) in every aspect of my life. #karate #martialarts #combat
True mastery in martial arts lies not in the power of your fist, but in the restraint of your anger. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Karate will strengthen your body and mind, while also mending the fractures in one's soul. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
A single kata performed with heart outshines a thousand techniques executed without soul. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Contemplating that century-old Karate precept that taught us that "trouble is born of negligence". I'll strive for more awareness, alertness, observance and respect in life. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Every Karateka: "My style is the best one, the correct one!" 🤣😉 Don't forget that we are all martial artists and we all have the same passion for Karate-do. It doesn't matter how deep your stance is (dachi), or if you have a different form (kata). #karate #martialarts #combat
The 4 main styles of Karate-do:
- Shotokan, by Gichin Funakoshi;
- Goju-Ryu, by Chojun Miyagi;
- Wado-Ryu, by Hironori Otsuka;
- Shito-Ryu, by Kenwa Mabuni.
#karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
The art of the empty hand reminds us that true power comes from within, not from what we grasp. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Some people take pride in how quickly they got their Black Belt. It took me 35 years to earn mine after starting to train Shotokan Karate-do. I guess you must be much better than me, and that's okay. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
In the dojo of life, every strike teaches humility, for the hardest opponent is the ego within. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Always remember: life's battles are won not with brute force, but with the subtle art of adapting like water. This concept has always been applied in Karate and most martial arts. No one knows who said it first, but it was made famous by the great Bruce Lee. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
In Karate it is said that "the art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique". I just realized this applies to everything in my life. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
Martial arts reveal that control over others is an illusion. Mastery begins with commanding oneself. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
One precept of Karate is to "first understand yourself, then understand others". I'm still struggling with the first part. Perhaps one day I'll feel ready to tackle the latter. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense
