Karate South Africa
Karate South Africa - karate, shotokan, Goju Ryu, Kyokushin, Wado Ryu, shito ryu, dojo, club
'Karate-do' is a Japanese term which generally translates as "Empty Hand Way". The ultimate goal of Karate-do training is the pursuit of perfection of self. The extent to which Karate-do or any other way of life will enhance your character is dependent upon two things, (your character and desires) and your mind (your determination) to succeed. Victory is decided by the strength of your heart. Karate-do develops strong body, strong mind, and taking responsibility.
|
The roots of traditional karate began somewhere in the distant past with elements of unarmed fighting methods from China and Japan coming together to be shaped by the unique culture and people of a small group of islands known as Okinawa. Situated geographically and sociologically at the halfway point between two great cultures, Okinawans developed a strong fighting spirit, which allowed them to exist for centuries as a culture distinct from their stronger neighbors.
Shotokan Karate is one of the four main schools of Karate in Japan. It is best characterised by its long and deep stances and its use of more linear movements. Shotokan Karate has little of the circular movements found in Okinawan styles of karate, nor does it have the body conditioning and supplementary training exercises typical for Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate.
Japanese traditional sports generally grew out of the various fighting techniques used by the samurai warrior class in feudal Japan. While the samurai were highly important in feudal society, after peace was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 1600's, their fighting skills were diverted into more spiritual activities. The fighting arts were combined with Confucianism, Shinto and Zen Buddhism as a means of spiritual as well as physical training. Over the years, the names changed also: kenjutsu, for example, meaning Sword Technique changed to kendo or the Way of the Sword to imply the spiritual discipline inherent in these arts. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and the subsequent collapse of the samurai class, the martial arts went into a short period of decline until they began to be introduced at schools across the country. But prior to World War II, they were once again encouraged as part of Japan's militarisation. And as a result, during the Occupation, they were banned. But soon after, martial arts federations were set up and once again they found their way back into the school curriculum.
Destiny is open to all affliated and NON affliated members. They have attendance from all forms of martial arts including Shotokan, Funakoshi, JKA, Kyokushin, Tenshukan, BJJ Jiu-Jitsu and various other forms of martial arts. We have 3 guests online |
