Karate was born when peace, the heart of the Okinawan people, was incorporated with the spirit of Zen as embodied in Chinese Shorin Temple boxing. Its aim, therefore is completely different from any other Martial art. Whereas the chief aim of all other martial arts is killing and wounding as many opponents as possible, karate's primary concern is simply self-defense. Of course, defense and offense cannot exist without each other. Consequently, training in superior defensive techniques necessitates training in superior offensive techniques.
Training in the art of Shorei-Kan Karate requires discipline and the control and strengthening of both physical and mental energies toward the goal of a "state of enlightenment" and physical excellence.
At Shorei-Kan of NYC we train, we exercise, we learn self defense, we meditate, we have fun and we learn an amazing martial art. Classes are Tuesday & Thursday nights at our New York City Dojo. We are part of Shorei-Kan USA.
- Sensei Charles Bentz
Master Higashionna trained under Master Ryu for thirty years. On his return to Okinawa, he began teaching the art of boxing. He decided, however, that although the boxing he had learned was excellent, it did not suit the needs of his native country. After much study and hard work, he succeeded in creating Naha-te, an improved art which combined the good points of karate with certain elements of Chinese boxing. For example, the form Sanchin, originally done with open hands, was changed to fists closed.
Master Higashionna's vision perceived a movement from technique to art, from individuals to groups. He implemented this improved and more practical art form into his teachings at the police and junior high schools. Thus began the realization of his vision. And, as his teachings spread farther and farther, so did his fame. Master Higashionna became known as a "Fist-Saint"and is recognized as the father of Goju-Ryu. Among his top students were Master Chojun Miyagi and Master Juhatsu Kyoda....show less
In 1933, when Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (the largest martial arts organization recognized by the pre-war Japanese government) was established, Master Miyagi, as the representative of the Okinawan martial artists, presented his article, "An Outline of Karate-do." As a result of his presentation, karate received formal recognition as a Japanese martial art. Master Miyagi himself was awarded the title, Karate-Do Master, the first master in the karate world so designated.
Although Master Miyagi's command of the art was profound, his greatest achievement was the organization of karate teaching methods. He introduced preparation exercises, supplementary exercises, Hookiyu Kata (unified kata), Kihon kata (basic forms) and relaxing exercises, all truly epoch-making developments in karate teaching. In addition, his classes in junior high and police schools helped redefine karate's public image. At that time, public opinion held that karate would make a person poor or fond of quarreling. Master Miyagi's work, however, disproved these myths and presented a more accurate picture of karate as a martial art and physical exercise.