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KARATE - This Japanese word usually conjures up images of bricks and boards being broken by knife-hand strikes, accompanied by wild screaming. Well that is a very minute part of this art. It is never actually part of an every day Karate class.
Through a correctly balanced Karate training program you can get fit while learning a unique method of self-defence. You can train your mind to become more alert at what is happening around you. Your memory will improve and you will find that you can concentrate for a longer period of time.
We have found that people who have trained in the martial arts develop a strong motivation towards work and study. In fact, Karate can be used, not only in a fighting situation but also in all types of confrontations that affect our daily life.
The style of karate that we teach in our school is called GOJU RYU or Hard-Soft Style. This is based on the universal principle of – YIN and YANG – (Positive and Negative, i.e. Mental Power and Physical Power). One does not have to be big and strong to be effective in karate. Through correct training, one can learn to develop inner power and how to use it to ones advantage in any situation.
The name “Goju Ryu”, stems from the “Eight Precepts” of Traditional Chinese Kempo:
1. The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon.
3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
4. Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. The ears listen well in all directions.
I believe these Eight Precepts are the essence of the martial arts. They are the elements, which we are trying to achieve in our training in Goju Ryu Karate. One should always be in harmony with training and try to be a person who serves society. I hope such training will finally lead us to rediscover our natural instincts and capabilities.
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