Keywords

Keywords: Shorin, karate, Sensei, dojo, sparring, focus, breaking, Leistner, lessons, fees, WSKF, martial, kata, Nagamine, Okinawa, Grant, Zen.

What You Need to Participate in Karate

What you need to participate in Karate:

First of all, you need to be physically able to participate. You must discuss with your Sensei any liabilities and limitations you may have. He may have a way around them in order for you to participate. For example, some dojos (training halls) have wheelchair students in their classes.

You must have a clear idea of what is expected of you in class. Uniforms, warm ups, sparring, training and breaks are all important to understand as all styles, and yes, all Sensei, are different in their approach to passing on their style of martial art.

You must be mentally prepared to leave it ALL behind you when you cross the threshold of the training hall. You must be willing to totally focus on what you are doing, not only to learn but to be safe and not get hurt or harm others just because you are thinking about work or the dentist.

Most styles charge fees for their lessons. There are bills to be paid and overhead to cover. Many have to have insurance due to the nature of their classes. Some hold classes in public areas and charge the minimum. Others are fancy and have expensive tutors and equipment that must be bought and so they pass that on to the student. It is up to you to pick out the style and place that is right for you.

How to Participate in Karate

Martial Arts has to be one of the most interesting activities in which to participate. It has something for everyone. If you wish to work on your physical strength, karate is for you. If your balance is out of kilter, then yoga may be your choice. From the sharp reports of breaking boards to the soothing mantras of yoga, martial arts indeed has a place for just about anyone. However, one form of martial arts has stolen my heart: Shorin Ryu karate.

Shorin Ryu is a style of karate that exercises both mind and body. Focus is very important to develop, and it is nurtured as your physical self is put through its paces. This style of martial art has graduated prearranged forms called kata. Kata start at a simple place, one that any beginner can grasp and master. As the student improves in the learning of the first kata, physical and mental habits are cultivated that will enable that student to progress to the next kata. Each form is more difficult and teaches different ideas and movements.

By the time the student is ready for the first promotion, concepts of balance, power and respect are ingrained. As the student progresses through the many levels, physical strength as well as control of that strength become second nature.

Shorin Ryu karate is for self defense only and must not be used out of context. The main precept of this style is that “there is no first attack” as penned by its Okinawan founder, Shoshin Nagamine. His son, Takayoshi Nagamine, carries on the family tradition, continuing to teach the world his father’s dream of combining Zen peace with the force of karate.

Profile of a Sensei

Kyoshi Jeff Leistner has been involved in teaching Shorin Ryu karate for more than thirty years. He studied under Master Frank Grant, founder of the WSKF (World Shorin Karate Federation) and owns his own dojo(training hall) just outside of Troy, Ohio on Rte 718. He teaches young children and adults as well as advanced black belt classes.

He is president of the WSKF and faithfully passes on the teachings of Shoshine Nagamine, founder of Shorin Ryu karate. His dojo is a wonder in which to train, with an antique wood dovetail panel floor that is so easy on bare feet. He is unassuming and patient. If you have a problem, he will listen to you and try to help with advice. However, he will not allow carelessness or cruelty in his dojo. Kyoshi Leister does not respond to any formal title except that of Sensei, which means “one who has gone before”. He dedicates his life to karate and the passing on of the precepts taught to him by Master Frank Grant who learned them from Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine. Which is how it should be passed…from the one who has gone before.

A Review of Shorin Ryu Karate

First of all, one must decide which form of martial art is for you. Do you want something fast and hard, or would you benefit more from a slower, softer style? I chose Shorin Ryu karate as it has elements of both, as well as meditative aspects that were applied from the Grand Master of the style, Shosin Nagamine.

I also selected the dojo where I would later train by word of mouth, and then by going to observe a class or two. The next step was to actually participate in a class. By then, it was too late. I was entranced by the mind-body connection that was evident in the smooth powerful moves and loud yells that punctuated the air at important focus points.

As long as you do your best and progress at your own rate, students of any age are welcome to come and be part of the fellowship that is karate.