THE KARATE-DO
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. The word "karate" is derived from two Japanese characters: "kara," meaning empty, and "te," meaning hand. Thus, "karate" translates to "empty hand," reflecting its focus on unarmed combat. Karate emphasizes striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, as well as open-hand techniques like knife-hands and spear-hands. It also includes various blocking, parrying, and evasive maneuvers.
Winning is not the prime objective of the study of KARATE-DO. Intensity of exertion in practice serves to mould perfection in character. This represents the traditional Martial Art (BUDO) philosophy.
The Way of Life (DO) – To seek the ultimate techniques. In ancient times, techniques existed as self-defence and practices in the form of KATA. This has been perpetuated until now.
BUDO
Daily, realistic practice of focused techniques will be a determinant of the initiation, completion and alert state of mind and body. This process requires the utmost self-control and frame of mind that is filled with a substantial quantifying content that is the foundation on which rests the tradition of Martial Art (BUDO). Its spirit is a symbiosis between mind and body. A fist is a sword, a reality that sets such profound attention, fostering the development of character that now can aim for a victorious technique for each technique that is practiced.
The practice of the tradition of Martial Art (BUDO), is a lifetime of achievement. There is a saying that it starts with a bow and ends with a bow. One must reflect the ideals applied in the Dojo to the every day life. That is the Way.
Mastering this Way of Life is a long journey that transcends all nations. Japanese values and principles deriving from the diligent pursuit of this Way of Life wish to present an invaluable contribution to all populations.
IPON
These modern times are also seeing additional benefits such as physical fitness, integrated in sports as an activity, educational as well as research, thus enticing a popularity world-wide. However, it is of importance to spend profound research time with each technique. The essence of KARATE-DO resides in its art form, using the body as a whole to reach a perfect height in the ability to focus in the performance of techniques, as well as forming weapons that have paramount accuracy, thus will lead to creating a practical opportunity for total effectiveness. In this can be observed a technique that is victorious, IPPON, as in a tournament.
THE SPORT KARATE
The fundamental idea of modern Sport Karate resides in how many points are scored within a certain time. This results in determining a winner, making it easy for the spectator to understand this process.
This presents an interesting dilemma: the pursuit of the Art of cultural tradition (BUDO) or the practice of Sport Karate. Whereas the goals, objectives and structural frame for instruction and practice is quite different. Thus, the pursuit of one excludes the pursuit of the other.
The apotheosis of a Victorious Technique of IPPON in the Art of KARATE, lies in the strength within a continuous practice of basics (KIHON), pattern movements (KATA) and sparring (KUMITE).