10/31/2013 TOP TEN #1 RULES OF KARATE

TOP TEN #1 RULES OF KARATE 11.1.2013

I have always felt that there are a number of rules of karate that we should try to use.  While each of these rules are as equally important as each other, and it’s hard to put them in any order, I call this list my ten #1 rules of karate.

Rule#1. Move from where you are at.

Don’t get ready to move just move, footwork needs to be smooth, hands and feet move together.

Rule #1. Punch or strike from where your hands are at.

Don’t telegraph your movements by dropping or raising your hands,don’t reach when you are blocking, just hit, or block.

Rule #1. Kick from where your feet are at.

No extra movement, just kick.

Rule #1. Try!!

Just do, always keep on going, putting everything into the techniques.

Rule #1. Practice,Practice,Practice.

Remember karate is easy, getting good is hard.

Rule #1. Eyes, feet, hands.

In that order when doing kata.

Rule #1. Make karate your own.

It has to fit your body and what you are capable of doing.

Rule #1. Keep the beginners mind. Shoshin

keep your mind open to all ideas and try to remember what it was like when you started.

Rule #1. Move from your center.

Your core is the center of your body, keep it tight and don’t bob up and down.

Rule #1. Believe in your training.

You have put in the time and energy just let it take over.

 

I know there are a lot more things that you hear me saying (over and over again) about training and karate, like how speed is power, and you fight like you train, but these are, In my humble opinion, the #1 things I think are important.  Here is a quote from Master Itosu, ”During Practice you should imagine you are on the battlefield.  When defending and attacking you should make your eyes glare, drop your shoulders and harden the body.  Now thwart the enemy’s advance and strike! Always practice with this spirit so that, when on the real battlefield, you will naturally be prepared.”

The Old karate Masters left us a great and mysterious art that is as relevant now as it was hundreds of years ago. I am sure that the same questions came up then as now, and they ponder the same way about the art as we do.  But back then, as now, the main thing is just train and keep on practicing, and the answers will come.

See you in the dojo

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US Branch of Japan Keishinkan Karate