Martial Arts Philosophy
A Glimpse Of Okinawan Meibukan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
For those of you not that familiar with this style of Okinawan karate introduced in 1890 by Kanryo Higaonna, let’s have a look at it:
Meibukan = pure martial association
Goju-Ryu = hard and soft style
Karate-Do = Way of the empty hand
Their guiding principle is to seek the way of virtue which is respect, loyalty, cooperation, discipline and hard work.
I don’t know where you live, but we could use a lot more of that around here. But before I digress any further….
Okinawa is widely recognized at the birthplace of karate. One of the original styles is Goju-Ryu which has generated a number of different branches.
The original style was first called Naha-Te and emphasized correct breathing, along with body strengthening and conditioning.
Goju-Ryu offers circular and linear techniques through hard striking and kicking as well as softer open hand techniques for blocking and controlling the opponent. Locks, throws, grappling and takedown techniques complete their arsenal of a very effective fighting style that is complemented by weapons.
Further, Goju-Ryu tends to emphasize meeting opponents with the opposite of what they are utilizing.
For better understanding, striking the head (a hard part of the body) with the open hand (a soft part of the body) or striking the groin (soft) with a groin kick (hard).
According to reports, GojuRyu karate was the style of karate that Ralph Macchio practiced under his teacher, Mr. Miyagi, in the movie, The Karate Kid.
Some of you might know that I started TheMartialArtsReporter.com in 09/2009.
What’s kinda funny is that in May 2005, I spent several days attending a business seminar (that had nothing to do with martial arts!) in a laid-back Boston suburb called Wakefield/Watertown.
And I had no idea then what I know now:
The most senior instructor of Meibukan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do actually teaches there!
9th Dan Anthony Mirakian, who was born in 1933 in Havana, Cuba, was the first Westerner ever to be accepted as a student under Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi in the 50s while stationed in Okinawa with the United States Air Force.
In November 1959, Mirakian returned and introduced Meibukan Goju-Ryu to the United States.
In 1961, he was granted official permission by Meitoku Yagi to open his own dojo, the first foreign dojo in the history of the Meibukan and one of the first foreign (founded outside Japan) dojos in the history of Okinawa Goju-ryu where he continues to teach today.
And here is a a clip showing Mr. Mirakian’s instructor, Grandmaster Yagi, performing a kata at the age of 80. Enjoy!
Some Great Martial Arts Quotes
I found some quotes that begin with Bruce Lee and end with Bruce Lee. Enjoy!
To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is.
- Bruce Lee
You may train for a long time, but if you merely move your hands and feet and jump up and down like a puppet, learning Karate is not very different from learning a dance. You will never have reached the heart of the matter; you will have failed to grasp the quintessence of karate-do.
- Gichin Funakoshi
Aikido is not a defensive martial art. Being defensive is a terrible way to go through life.This means be proactive. It does not mean hit first.
- Dojo wall
The ultimate aim of karate-do lies not in victory or defeat,
but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
- Gichin Funakoshi
A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude.”
- Rick English
The art of the sword consists of never being concerned with victory or defeat, with strength or weakness, of not moving one step forward, nor one step backward, or the enemy not seeing me and my not seeing the enemy. Penetrating to that which is fundamental before the separation of heaven and earth where even yin and yang cannot reach, one instantly attains proficiency in the art.
- Takuan
He who knows not and knows not he knows not, He is a fool- Shun him. He who knows not and knows he knows not, He is simple- Teach him. He who knows and knows not he knows, He is asleep- Awaken him. He who knows and knows that he knows, He is wise- follow him.
- Bruce Lee
Truth has no path. Truth is living and, therefore, changing. Awareness is without choice, without demand, without anxiety; in that state of mind, there is perception. To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person. Awareness has no frontier; it is giving of your whole being, without exclusion.
- Bruce Lee
Did The Movie “Enough” With Jennifer Lopez Help Women’s Self-Defense?
Even though this movie wasn’t really a success with movie critics, it was able to generate somewhere around US$ 55 mio.
Looking at it from martial arts and self-defense perspective, it probably does offer women something to think about and maybe even start taking self-defense classes.
The fighting concepts depicted in the movie are based on Krav Maga, which we talked about here some time ago.
I found this clip with J-Lo’s character getting ready for the big show-down with some interesting martial arts philosophies and a very challenging workout regimen.
I would really love to hear from the women reading this post today and learn if this movie had any effect on you in regards to your martial arts and self-defense training.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnrmg7DYyA[/youtube]
Teenager Tried To Kick Bruce Lee In The Face
Does anybody remember when one of Bruce Lee’s teenage students tried to hit him in the face with a side kick?
Let me reiterate:
Does anybody remember that famous scene in the movie classic “Enter The Dragon” when the martial arts master played by Bruce Lee tells his teenage student to kick him?
I think this scene never gets old, even though it’s been almost 40 years now.
Hmm, makes me wonder what ever happened to that teenager.
But besides that and I know it was a movie, one of Bruce Lee’s philosophies was to use your longest weapon against your opponent’s closest vunerable target. So how about a side kick to the shin or knee. I’m just sayin’.
Nevertheless, enjoy a bunch of nuggets of true martial arts wisdom packed into less than 2 minutes.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roY9SaqM0mo[/youtube]
“Gone Fishing!”
Hey there,
Thank you for stopping by.
I just had to take some R&R.
Hope you don’t mind.
Check in soon again, will ya?
Oh, wait, I just remembered something:
You are more than welcome to catch up on all the previous posts in the archives on your right. Enjoy!
Inspirational Quotes To End The Year (And Start The Year)
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Today I would like to share inspirational quotes and a video that will make you want to jump up and take action, especially after all the food you had yesterday.
“A distraction is only a distraction if you pay attention to it.” — Unknown
“All know the Way; Few actually walk it.” — Bodhidarma
“If training is hard, then winning will be easy, but if training is easy, then winning will be hard.” — Norman Harris
“Martial Arts should be a way of life, not a job, hobby, sport, but a part of you and the way you live your life.” — Frank Gutting
“Do your best and forget the rest.” — Tony Horton
Talk soon.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KBpcrnXp-Q[/youtube]
Peaceful Warrior Wisdom For Martial Artists (And Others, Too)
Most of us work and train towards goals, deadlines, targets, destinations etc.
The problem therein lies that we miss out on being in the moment.
And maybe we can just remind ourselves from time to time that we should enjoy the journey and not always be fixated on just the destination.
Enjoy this clip from The Peaceful Warrior!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRShWun7Mc4[/youtube]
20 Seconds With Bruce Lee Could Change Your Life Forever
Martial arts legend Bruce Lee left us with great martial arts movies, but also with some profound wisdom.
Most people know Bruce Lee as a martial artist, instructor and actor.
Let it be known that Bruce Lee was also quite an inspirational philosopher in his own right.
He actually was a philosophy major in Seattle, Washington.
Today or any day, just 20 seconds with Bruce Lee that could change your life forever.
Empty your cup mind and see what happens.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO3sBulXpVw[/youtube]
If you’re interested in more about Bruce Lee’s philosophical insights, check out my book store.
  |
| Chrome Sai $39.95 And see the rest of our Weapons |
Pages
Archives
Categories
Blogroll
Links
Most comprehensive site for all areas of martial arts related subjects including styles, history, people, movies, books, etc.
