In the meantime, we’ll start adding new content, which is what we hope you’ll appreciate.

The existing site maybe found at the alternative address at www.ClassicalKarate.com.  I anticipate we’ll be back up and running shortly.

Please bear with us as we rebuild the site!

I’ve been a member of the IRKRS for many years now, and can thoroughly recommend membership in the Society for all interested in learning more about the origins and foundations of the arts they study.

I am late to the party here, but issue number 2 of the fantastic Jissen magazine published by Iain Abernethy sensei (guest on Episode 9 of the Applied Karate Show podcast) is now available for download.

Issue 2 contains a variety of great reading for the martial artist interested in the pragmatic aspects of their arts, penned by a range of wonderful authors including Iain Abernethy, Lawrence Kane, Kris Wilder (guest on episode 3 of the Applied Karate Show), John Titchen, Chris Denwood, Jamie Clubb, Dan Redmond and many more.

I highly recommend Jissen magazine, and as a free download, its got to represent the best value in martial arts media.

A must see video for all who practice tameshiwari techniques.

&;

Kaicho Watanabe of Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate is also making a cameo appearance in the movie.

I am not sure of any other details at this time, but will post when I hear of the release dates, etc.

Here is one interesting form, with a first level application very evident from the performance.

Sign the petition.

http://www.whalesrevenge.com/index.php

In this post, Mario talks about his experiences in Japan (and Canada) of removing shoes before entering the dojo, as well as homes, temples, etc.  He gives a great summary of one of the excellent reasons for removing shoes

… a dojo is a place for studying not simply combative technique, but for training in a way of life. The “do” of “Karatedo” implies a path for us to follow and comes with a host of traditions and behaviours that we must observe. For that reason it requires a level of purity of intent both mentally and physically. This tradition of removing our shoes reminds us of the path we pursue, as does the simple white dogi (training uniform)

I know many contemporary karateka who follow some of the traditions reservedly, and others that avoid them.  They don’t like to wear a gi, and remove many of the traditions of the dojo.  But the dojo is an important environment for the cultivation of your karate mind, body and technique (shin-gi-tai), and the dojo traditions, although not the only way, are an excellent way to help the process.

Mario sensei’s insight into Okinawan karate and kobudo, and the Japanese way of life are wonderful.  You should subscribe to his blog!

Okinawa Karate & Kobudo Blog: Dosoku - Dirty Feet.