IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO REGISTER FOR OUR 30th BENEFIT TOURNAMENT, SUNDAY, APRIL 26th AT HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL.
IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO REGISTER FOR THE 2015 I.W.K.A. CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT WEEKEND THIS AUGUST 6,7 & 8 AT THE WESTIN HOTEL IN FORRESTAL VILLAGE.
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE TWO EVENTS SEE HANSHI
ALL FROMS AND INFORMATION ARE AT THE DOJO
Traditional Isshin-ryu Karate training centers on character development and the development of a positive self-image. As parents, responsible adults and members of the greatest society in the world, we must be accountable for our actions and at times work to influence the actions of others. We must work to be the candle’s light and not just the reflection of the light.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
We should stop and think about the VALUES necessary do develop CHARACTER and a positive self-image. We must understand that the hope for the future is found in the power of the present. A person’s attitude can change when the input changes because – Where you are and what you are is because of what has gone into your mind. Do not let people think for you. Stand on your own two feet.
We work to develop the intrinsic value system in the karate students at this dojo. We work long and hard to earn each and every rank. This is accomplished at the time when the student knows and understands the material, at his or her level.
We must work to make our training, family development and personal insights meaningful. Something cannot be made important to someone else, SO we must make what we do important and meaningful to ourselves.
“We lift ourselves by our thought. If you want to enlarge your life, you must first enlarge your thought of it and of yourself. Hold the ideal of yourself as you long to be, always everywhere.” Orison Swett Marden
Life, like the roads on which we drive after this past winter, have a lot of potholes, detours and roadblocks along the way. Remember life, though there are detours and potholes, is terrific!
Persist no matter what.
Endure discomfort.
Request help.
Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
Envision triumph.
Very consistently keep at it.
Embrace adversity as your teacher.
Refuse to give up.
Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress
PERSEVERE!
As a student advances in the study of the martial arts, he or she learns that the mind is a powerful factor in everything that is done. A student, who first confronts a situation that is stressful or difficult, may fear failure or injury. With support from the Sensei, fellow students and family, each student is able to successfully train the body and mind to overcome most obstacles.
Proper practice is essential if what is to be learned is being done correctly at home as well as in the dojo. Daily dedication is necessary for the student to progress. Often a student achieves a rank and after a period of time wants further advancement and may become disenchanted. These times of struggle are at a time when the student is nearing the time when improvement is going to be made or a time when better training habits are needed. Talk to us at the dojo so we are able to help you over these troubling times.
Visualization is a practice that enables the student to see the PERFECT kata or technique in the mind’s eye. THEN the student works to duplicate the style, form, fluid motion and power desired – UNTIL THE SKILL BECOMES THE TECHNIQUE IN THE MIND’S EYE. With continued effort, each skill level continues to improve until the student understands that each and every part of his or her karate and life may ALWAYS be made better.
With time and maturity, each student works to control negative thoughts. Thinking positively is natural for some individuals, yet some seem to find it difficult to look for the bright side of situations and life. As the student desires to develop PROPER PRACTICE SKILLS and VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUES, he or she is working to improve a little bit at a time, day by day. With the development of the body and karate techniques, the student is working to improve his or her mind. As the mind controls the whole of our being, with each small improvement, the student is working to improve the mind, body and spirit . . . the ultimate goal of Isshin-ryu Karate, “The One Heart Way.
The process of development of one’s skills in karate is a step by step process. The foundation is molded using the basics, the simple repetitious practice of a block, punch, kick or strike. This foundation is developed further making a combination of two or more techniques. These combinations are further elaborated upon when they become formalized into kata. These building blocks must be stressed so when the student advances into higher levels of kata, sparring and weapons study, he or she is prepared and understands proper use of stance, balance, focus of power and the need to keep working to make each element of the style better with each practice.
The study of traditional karate emphasizes the use of the Beginner’s Mind.
Each day is a new day.
Each training session is a time to learn and start with an open mind.
Each technique, kata or drill should be done with enthusiasm and energy that was demonstrated the first time the dojo was entered.
