Our Philosophy

Karate Do

Karate Do (pronounced: Ka-Ra-Tay-Doe), or the way of the empty hand, utilizes the tools of kick, punch, and block as a means to learn to live correctly. Through arduous, consistent, and continuous training of the mind, body, and spirit, we come to discover aspects of ourselves that we didn't know existed.  Karate Do is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, mastery, and improvement.  It has been said that character is not developed through training but revealed by it.  By knowing oneself, and possessing the correct tools, it becomes possible to make the necessary changes throughout one's life. It is essentially a fundamental reinventing of one's very nature for the better. It allows one to become the very best version of themselves and unlock their true potential hidden within.  Karate Do is not something you do, but rather, it is something you are.

The Principle of The Dojo

A dojo, or place for learning the way, is more a state of mind than a location. Yes, there is a physical place where the training takes place, but a dojo is different than any other place. It is not a studio or a gym; essentially, it is an empty room, but in actuality it is much more. It is a place of pure focus, discipline, discovering and forging one's character and turning off the noise of the outside world. It is essential to leave your problems and stresses at the door and begin with an open heart and a strong spirit. 

The Principle of Sanchin

Sanchin, translated as three battles, represents the lifelong struggle to balance the three dimensions of oneself, our mind, body, and spirit.  Through training in Karate Do, one possesses the essential tools to develop all three to become strong and balanced, and to work in harmony with one another.

The Principle of Shoshin

Shoshin, or heart of the beginner, is a principle that speaks about human nature and the natural predisposition to lose one's humility as we become increasing proficient in a given skill. Over time, when one perceives themself as an expert, they lose an essential component of improvement; losing the ability to learn altogether. At this point, continuous improvement ceases, and decay and delusion set in.  Therefore, it is essential to have Shoshin in all you practice. Keep an open mind and an open heart to learning and growing.

The Principle of Shinobu

Shinobu, or patience, is a principle we all struggle with. We must have patience with all we strive to do, with others, and most importantly with ourselves. There exists a natural timeline encoded in nature which we all must respect. One cannot wish a garden to grow faster or a season to move more quickly into the next one. Shinobu is about acceptance of this and to live at peace with the natural rhythms of The Universe. The same can be said of our development; we must have Shinobu with the natural process. Self-improvement and development take time and training. There will be natural ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and setbacks. We must have Shinobu with it all and have trust in the process.

The Principle of Zen Ken Ichi

Zen Ken Ichi, or the mind and the fist are one, is a principle that illustrates the connection between the mind and the body. Through correct training, we unify these two dimensions. It is essential that the mind works first; it tells the body what to do, and not the other way around.  The mind must control the body; it must dictate the correct and most effective way to react. Without a properly trained mind, there exists only chaos.

The Principle of Karate Do Ni Sente Nashi

Karate Do Ni Sente Nashi, or there is no first attack in Karate Do, is a principle that illustrates how a correctly trained Karate Ka (student of Karate) should conduct themselves at all times, inside and outside the dojo. Aggression, anger and negative emotions cloud our judgement and destabilizes the mind, causing us to act in a manner that is unbecoming of a true student of Karate Do. Therefore, we never go looking for trouble; we never begin the confrontation, and we don't keep it going, rather we have the ability to bring it to a quick conclusion with the minimal amount of harm.  This principle also speaks to one's ability of their mind and attitude preventing a confrontation in the first place; the best defense is always not to be there.