There were generally considered two main types of karate in Okinawa: Shorin (Shaolin family) and Shorei (more influenced from Chinese internal training methods). The arts of striking with the fist were long practiced in Okinawa (called "Okinawa-Te"), and these arts were combined with the superior techniques of the Chinese to form the new art. Influences of other fighting arts came from both envoys sent from China to establish trade and civilize the Ryukyu islands (the formal name of the Okinawan islands) with Chinese culture and from Okinawan men and women who went to the south of China and returned. The peaceful farmers and villagers studied the arts as a means of defense against renegade samurai. The root idea of modern karate is best expressed by the "Father" of Japanese Karate, Gichin Funakoshi: "Karate ni Sente Nashi" - Karate is for self-defense only (characters at left). The best techniques that could be gathered from the Chinese envoys and the resident masters of martial arts in Okinawa were cobbled together to form what has become known as a truly formidable fighting art: Okinawa-Te. A dedicated student can earn a black belt within about five years.For long centuries in Okinawa, only the samurai class (Pechin) and their descendents could practice openly: martial arts were forbidden to the common man. Koei-Kan's belt-ranking system comprises an intermediate-beginner's belt ( shichi-kyu), then three levels of green-belt, three levels of brown-belt, until one achieves black-belt. Testing students are expected to execute proper form, as well as understanding basic terminology and principles appropriate to their rank. Students are also required to retain a basic knowledge of the history of karate as well as the origins of Koei-Kan. Japanese terminology is employed, and students are expected to pay heed to proper form and etiquette.
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Instruction encompasses a wide range of fighting skills built upon this foundation, refined through continual repetition and practice. The practice and application of karate is built on a foundation of fundamentals. The means of instruction in Koei-Kan are also traditional.
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Karate ni sente nashi free#
This is exemplified in the meaning of the term "karate", empty ( kara) - hand ( te), which not only signifies a hand free of weapons but also a mind free of distraction. Therein one holds no preconceptions, and acts spontaneously, both during combat and ultimately in life as a whole. In the course of honing combative skills, one also learns to discover and develop the state of mushin, no-mindedness, a flowing, open state of awareness. A true martial art is foremost a defensive discipline: karate ni sente nashi (in karate there is no first attack). The physical discipline, the art of karate-do, also retains an underlying philosophy, which can be characterized in a few ideas. Primary among these is its reliance upon ancient and authentic teaching methods, accrued and perfected over generations. Koei-Kan is devoted to developing the spirit, and encourages the individual to find success and fulfillment.Ī traditional martial art such as Koei-Kan is distinguished from other disciplines in many respects.
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The basic translation of Koei-Kan, happiness ( ko), prosperity ( ei), and hall or house ( kan), implies its underlying philosophy: "prosper with happiness toward the future." The ultimate purpose of Koei-Kan Karate-Do, by means of combative training and discipline, is to cultivate character.