Isshinryu Karate - Madison

05/30/2021

May 30 is a day that we who study Isshinryu take special note of. We honor the founder of our style in different ways but we reflect on what Isshinryu Karatedo has meant to each of us.

Every class begins and ends with a show of respect to those who have preceded us and paved the way for us to begin our journey. Shimabuku Sensei provided the tools for self-exploration and self-improvement to those who were interested. We know some of his thoughts through his kihon, kata, kumite, some through his words and some by how he expressed himself in other ways. Shingitai.

When you bow in to your dojo, or to begin class, or to a training partner take an extra moment to think about Isshin. Think about how “All bottles are good” might apply to our everyday lives. Think about the Kenpo Gokui and how important that was to Shimabuku Sensei and why, especially the first verse. That is how we can truly show respect to Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei and Isshinryu Karatedo.

On this day it is also especially important to remember that without the dedication of Advincula Sensei much of what we sometimes take for granted would have been lost.

03/14/2021

10/22/2020

I was standing at my desk, getting my plan ready for today’s Zoom classes and I started to think about how difficult is to teach karatedo this way. You are really attempting to teach a 3-dimensional contact activity in 2 dimensions. The biggest limitation is the lack of partner training for all of the kumite drills, bunkai, shime testing, etc. that require contact to be taught/learned correctly.
It was at this point that I started to think about how much more difficult it is to learn Karatedo online. The students have to follow an instructor who is usually a reverse image and who is trying to talk them through movements that can often be difficult to learn in person. Many of these students are also on their computer for much of the day for school or for work. Heading down to the dojo after a tough day at school or work is always a great way to clear your mind and reset your body, mind and spirit. Logging onto Zoom for an extra hour or two just isn’t the same.
To all of my students, and all of you in other dojo who continue to push on in this environment – you are amazing in your dedication and attitude! To all of you who continue to find ways to teach and help us grow– you have my utmost respect and personal gratitude.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”
Confucius

10/01/2020

Karate is about health and fitness...

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed enormous numbers of lives, many of them elderly adults. But children and young adults are not immune to COVID, nor is it so rare in children that we can ignore the possibility that they’ll catch it. So here are a few reminders