Author: Ash Prime

黙想
Mokuso
Silence Thought

At the beginning and end of class we sit in seiza, kneeling and take a moment to breathe, calming the mind and body. You will hear me say “mokuso”.

This serves several purposes. At the beginning of class this helps us to prepare for training, focusing the mind and letting go of external influences, things that may have happened in the day, worries and so on. Focusing on the training ahead.

At the end of class this helps us to calm the mind and body which can be tense and excited from training. Deep breaths help to calm the nervous system and slow the heart rate, returning to a peaceful state.

Practice of meditation also teaches us how to remain calm in stressful situations, whether that be general life or a physical self-defence encounter. Under pressure, we need to be able to relax to perform at our best. While we only do a very short meditation in class, it is beneficial. I encourage all to try more regular and longer practice of meditation at other times as well. It’s quite simple in theory. Just sit upright in a comfortable position, relax your body and feel your breath. You may like to close your eyes or just look at something not too distracting. That’s it. When you notice you are thinking (you will be) try again to just feel your breath or notice your heartbeat. Continue as long as feels comfortable or even a little more. Thoughts will always continue, but we can try not to become attached to them, letting them flow on by. Frequent practice teaches the body how to find calm in any moment, so the more you practice, the easier it will be to use in a practical way throughout your life.

Why not have a go right now? Just for a moment.

New videos have been added to the YouTube channel for Junior Kata One, Two and Three. See link below.

https://youtube.com/@ensokarate?si=lKln0xi5uDr3Dk4B

Welcome back! Great start to term 2 this week.
A few things to mention…

We will have a grading at the end of this term for those keen to earn their first or next belt. Both junior and senior classes will have this opportunity. This will not include any black belt grading. Throughout the term we will work on grading requirements for all levels.

Reminder that gloves and mouth guards are a requirement for 9+ class. If you do not yet have your own, please acquire these as soon as possible.

I will place a gear order at the end of week 2. If you need to order uniform, gloves or mouth guard, please let me know.

Please ensure term fees are up to date or let me know if you need to pay over time.

Any questions, please feel free to message me.

That’s all for now.

Wake up, Karate Smurf!

Term 2 starts today.

Greetings all.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the break.

Classes resume for term 2 on Monday 20 April. Timetable and fees remain the same as term 1.

I’ll place a gear order in the coming weeks for gloves and mouth guards (both required for all 9+ members) and uniforms (optional).

See you soon.

Greetings all.
With just this Saturday’s class left, we come to the end of term 1. Thank you to all who have joined us for the past 10 weeks. The new junior class at Harrisville has been well received and will continue next term. Great effort from everyone across all classes.

Term 2 starts Monday April 20 at Harrisville Dojo and Wednesday April 22 at Ipswich Dojo.

Is Kobudo even useful?

In Queensland it’s illegal to carry any sort of implement for the purpose of self-defence. That’s why unarmed arts like Karate are important. Kobudo practice can still be of value. It develops dexterity, hand-eye coordination, spacial awareness, grip strength and more. It also gives us an understanding of how various shaped implements can be used. This is advantageous should we be faced with an armed adversary. Knowing the range and movements of these tools can help us defend against them. We also develop the ability to use any found object for defence: a stick, a book, regular tools, your karate belt, keys, etc. 

Kobudo is also just fun and that’s enough reason to do something.

The kama (sickle) in particular can even be used for a spot of gardening. It was originally a farming tool after all.

Week 9 already. Almost at the end of term 1. Just this week and next week to go. Last class will be Saturday April 4, then we have two weeks off. Term 2 starts Monday April 20.

I’ll be making a few short videos for home practice. First one is a six move combination. Suitable for all levels, just go at your own pace, adding one move at a time when you feel comfortable. You can do just one or two moves or work up to the whole sequence. Higher levels should look to increase speed and power in each technique.

Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/k2b0TGk06No?si=LCLVOUMRWri_8hVx

This week in class we have done some work on Tensho kata and its applications. Tensho means rotating palms. This kata focuses on circular/turning, open hand movements aimed at keeping contact with the opponent to feel their movements, defending and redirecting attacks and controlling the opponent with less direct force along with countering in the most direct line from any position. Repetition of the solo kata will develop the required motions for the partner work. Tensho is a requirement for red belt, but all can practice at any time. Practice slowly, coordinating breath with movement.

https://youtu.be/6MWLRjmdJHU?si=kfgP-xKqt8ZPZz_t