Our philosophy is simple.
Train in martial arts to become the most fit, most focused, most relaxed and balanced person that you can possibly be.
Forge your life, like a sword, into something beautiful and sharp. Watch as the practice refines and transforms you. Everything that you have wanted to seem to other people, now truly become.
True martial art study forces us to face, and break through, our self-imposed limitations. So, empty your mind of preconceived ideas (the martial arts are not what you think they are), pay attention, follow directions, train hard, and you will achieve things most people believe to be magic. However, there is no magic, just knowledge ... earned through sweat and hard work.
How long will it take to learn it all and reach perfection? ... ONE MORE YEAR!!! Or, try making a commitment of fifteen to twenty years and then decide if you like it or not. Either way, the journey will be a challenging one, but the benefits will be yours. They will immeasurably enrich you and those around you.
Further Information about the philosophy that inspires us, our history, and our students:
INSPIRATION
...we stress the development of all aspects or levels of martial arts training: physical discipline, self- defense, sport, artistic expression, meditation, philosophical/ethical development, and spiritual development...
The view of martial arts as merely combative or competitive is highly misleading. There are various interrelated aspects or levels of experience in martial arts.
To seek perfection of character
To be sincere, honest, and respect others
To refrain from violent behavior
To show strong spirit and endeavor to excel
History
Instructor & Student Papers
With MMA schools almost exclusively focused on sparring and applied techniques, I can see why they would at least initially hold greater appeal for young adults interested in quickly learning self-defense and not much else. But my own experience with karate has taught me just how rich with application our traditional art form is, and how much more TMA has to offer.
Here’s the thing about our weaknesses and imperfections, the cracks in our cups – they’re the wounds on our lives. We can dwell on them, remain broken, and allow the wound to become infected in our despair. We can let the wound fester and slowly eat away at us as we refuse to let go.
But that’s a choice.
This is my Karate. It’s good enough for me.
The fire rises. It burns hot. The water does too.
Today, the cup is empty, and the teapot is boiling over.
Your tea is ready.
We will examine the kata Gankaku to illustrate these traditional bunkai and also explore oyo for certain techniques.
We practice the physical move mindfully, with critique and self-awareness we are taught the most efficient and effective ways to move. We refine these movements over time and continue to learn and redefine the same moves. We are challenged every step of the way to continue to improve and refine. Soon, through the muscle memory learned the movement becomes a natural part of us and how we move. It becomes reflex, or response without thought. Automatic!
My studies have helped me grow as a person, a teacher, a counselor, and an advocate. The terms I learned in academia exist on the dojo floor, but they are truly practiced. I see experience disconnect in what I have been taught in school and the practice of my profession and that troubles me. I experience a real acknowledgement and consistency in the study of Karate. That comforts me and grounds me throughout my life. Karate is a “Transferable Skill” that will never leave me.
I believe the karate we study is a type of living art, and in the study of this art, we help keep it alive. As this living art changes throughout the years, new students are able to contribute to the continuum of this evolving art. As karate changes and adapts to new demands of modern societies, it ensures its relevance and utility.
The development of my character transcends the development of self confidence, the ability to defend myself, and the never ending pursuit of the proper execution of technique. The development of one’s character is, in my opinion, the highest order of karate training, and in my opinion, is probably the most rewarding part in the pursuit of the black belt rank.
I have great respect for all of my teachers at the USKL dojo and appreciate how much they inspire me to improve myself. I have many selfish reasons to try to follow my father’s example in pursuing a lifetime of karatedo training, and I feel very fortunate to have found a dojo in which I feel I can do so, but I also hope to carry on the small family tradition that my father started, teaching my children to live healthy lives and to always try hard, even when they have cold feet.
The movements we practice, even in isolation, are difficult to perform correctly with good power, speed, and posture. Putting the movements to imaginary but spirited use in katas ups the ante further with greater focus on timing, distance, rhythm, and agility. In kumite sessions, awareness, reaction, and strategy are added to the mix (along with a healthy threat of “negative feedback” for any deficiencies). Karate is at the very least a training method, a crucible even, for developing physical and mental skills for fighting.
“The first karate rule is Perfection of Character. You have to strive for improving yourself, be aggressive and ferocious.”