The Benefits of Kickboxing & Karate for Young Men
In a world where young men face increasing pressures—academically, socially, and professionally—finding ways to build physical fitness, mental toughness, and emotional resilience is more important than ever. Martial arts, particularly Kickboxing and Full Contact Karate, offer a unique combination of physical training, mental discipline, and personal growth that can profoundly impact young men’s lives. These […]
The Benefits of Children’s Karate Classes in Huddersfield
KIDS & YOUTH KARATE COMBINED KARATE/JUJITSU IN HUDDERSFIELD childrens Karate kids Karate Huddersfield childrens kickboxing Junior MMA self defence Click here to see the full timetable At Kurohasu Combat Karate Huddersfield, we believe every child has the potential to be a confident, disciplined, and strong individual – both inside and out! Our Children’s karate classes […]
Sparring In Early Karate
Sparring in early karate in Okinawa, known as “Te” or “Tode,”** was quite different from modern karate sparring. Here’s an overview of what it looked like: Characteristics of Early Okinawan Sparring: 1. No Formalized Sparring Rules: – Early karate did not have structured sparring formats like modern kumite. Instead, practice was heavily focused on kata […]
The Practice of Shikan Meditation
Shikan meditation is a form seated meditation, integral to the practice of Tendai Buddhism. The term “Shikan” is derived from the Japanese words shi & kan, which means “stopping” & “seeing.” This practice emphasises non-thinking, direct experience, and total awareness of the present moment. In Shikan meditation, the meditator sits in a posture of stillness, allowing thoughts, […]
The Legendary Training Regime of Mas Oyama in the Mountains
Introduction Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, is renowned not only for his martial arts prowess but also for his unique and rigorous training methods. His infamous training sessions in the mountains exemplify the relentless pursuit of perfection, discipline, and self-discovery that he embodied as a martial artist. This essay will explore Oyama’s training […]
The Concept of “Do” in Martial Arts: A Pathway to Personal Growth and Mastery
Martial arts, across cultures and disciplines, offer more than just techniques for self-defence or physical combat. They serve as a way to cultivate discipline, focus, and personal growth. A central concept that appears in many martial arts traditions is the term “Do” (道), which translates to “the way” or “the path.” This concept encapsulates not […]
En no Gyoja
En no Gyoja (Japanese: 役の行者), also known as En no Gyōja or En no Gyoja, is a legendary figure in Japanese history and folklore, considered the founder of the Shugendo tradition. Shugendo is a syncretic religious and spiritual practice that blends elements of Japanese animism, Taoism, Esoteric Buddhism, and Shintoism. En no Gyoja’s life and […]
Shugendo: The Spiritual Path of Asceticism in Japan
Shugendo, often dubbed the “way of testing and training,” represents a unique religious practice in Japan, characterized by the amalgamation of indigenous beliefs, Buddhism, and Shintoism. It remains a living tradition steeped in ascetic practices, reverence for nature, and a quest for spiritual enlightenment through rigorous training. This essay aims to offer a comprehensive understanding […]
Ronin Samurai
Introduction The term “ronin” evokes images of solitary swordsmen, wandering the lands of Japan during the feudal era, embodying a complex blend of honor, desperation, and freedom. Historically, ronin were masterless samurai, warriors who had lost their lords due to death, disgrace, or political upheaval and who navigated a shifting social landscape. This essay will […]
The History of Japanese Ju Jitsu
Introduction Jujitsu, a traditional Japanese martial art, is a complex system of unarmed combat techniques that focuses on using an opponent’s energy and movements against themselves. It is known for its effectiveness in self-defense, emphasizing joint locks, throws, and grappling. The rich history of jujitsu reflects the wider social, cultural, and political developments in Japan […]