Lake City Articles

1). Wado ryu Karate Principles for Self Defense By : Owen Johnston
The Way of Peace School of The Empty Hand We should seek unity, harmony, and peace within ourselves and the world around us. Do not look to one way of doing things or one technique. Instead, internalize all you have learned, to become water that takes the shape of the situation, and the path of least resistance. Do not meet force with force, but avoid attacks with body movements, footwork, and deflection.
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2). A Brief History of Karate - part 2 of 2 By : Owen Johnston
While Karate was primarily organized in Shuri and Naha, Tomari originally had little direct influence. This is because, at that time, Tomari was inhabited by a simple people; it was a working class city of fishermen. Tomari had its share of notable masters, however, with Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898), Kokan Oyadomari (1827-1905) and Gikei Yamazato (1835-1905) the most notable.
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3). Wado ryu Kata: Part I of II By : Owen Johnston
"A kata may be regarded as an integration of offensive and defensive techniques, but it is more than that. One should try to understand the spirit of the master karateka who created the kata, for it has a life of its own and requires five or six years to be mastered." - Hironori Ohtsuka, Wado-Ryu founder Kata - "Formal movements"; in the context of Japanese martial arts, an "imaginary fight".
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4). Wado ryu Kata: Part II of II By : Owen Johnston
Pinan Shodan This kata helps movements become stable, efficient, and intimidating. The first technique, "c block", sets up for a redirection. Even the sword hand blocks can become attacks. ***** Pinan Nidan This kata instructs further on timing, distance management, body shifting, consistency of stances, and redirection of attack. The first half may be interpreted in various ways.
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5). A Brief History of Karate - part 1 of 2 By : Owen Johnston
Karate-do, in all its various forms, finds its origins in one place - the Ryukyu islands off the coast of Japan. What we know as one of the most widely practiced systems of self defense and discipline in the world is the result of centuries of development. While Karate-do was introduced as a code of ethics to a peacetime America only a few decades ago, it began through the need of Ryukyu natives for better methods of fighting.
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6). On Teaching Martial Arts By : Owen Johnston
"True karate-do is this; that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility; and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice." - Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-do Kyohan This article will concern itself with the business of teaching martial arts. The teaching of martial arts concerns itself with helping others.
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7). Karate Precepts and Principles By : Owen Johnston
Karate Precepts Perfect one's character: Do not harbor hatred and bitterness. Negativity breeds negativity. Love one another. Enough cannot be said on this. Dedicate oneself to others: And not just to oneself. Selfishness leads to hate, which leads to anger. Anger consumes all in its path and is never quenched, except by effort, which rebuilds. This may be one's own effort, or the effort of another, changing your nature and your life from the inside out.
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8). Strategy as applied to warrior-citizens - Part 2 By : Owen Johnston
I will here attempt to be non style specific in discussing fight strategy. Simply remember to train your reflexes for the proper use of body mechanics. Prepare your mind for a self defense mindset, rather than hostility. Remember "zanshin" - remaining mind. This is your most powerful weapon. Prevention is better than cure! When faced with a heavy handed puncher, his or her hand speed and upper body defenses may be hard to match or get past.
Article Related to: wado ryu, martial arts, self defense, karate school, karate classes, lake city, south carolina, free reprint

9). Strategy as applied to warrior-citizens By : Owen Johnston
After years of study, I have come to a small understanding of the way of strategy. I will here explain some strategy as it applies to warrior-citizens. Seek whatever truth you may find here, then continue on your search for enlightenment. In the broad view, a warrior must uphold the values of his or her society to be of any honorable use. We all depend on one another.
Article Related to: wado ryu, martial arts, self defense, karate school, karate classes, lake city, south carolina, free reprint