Okinawan Karate represents a blend of martial arts styles and has influenced students of martial arts in other schools, also becoming a part of American pop culture. Learn Okinawan Karate for self defense in this free martial arts video series.
Sparring is important to Karate, and alternative forms of sparring train special skills with students. Learn Okinawan Karate sparring skills in this free martial arts video.
The katas of Karate are useful training arts, and katas can be remembered in real self defense situations. Learn Okinawan Karate and katas for self defense in this free martial arts video.
Karate build self confidence, self control and self defense, giving discipline and a healthy lifestyle. Learn why Okinawan Karate is good for youth in this free martial arts video.
When picking a Karate school and instructor, find an environment that enhances the practice of traditional martial arts. Learn what to look for in an Okinawan Karate school in this free martial arts video.
Cool down exercises are important for Okinawan Karate, like in most physical activities, and incorporate Karate's philosophy. Learn Okinawan Karate stretches in this free martial arts video.
Each Okinawan Karate dojo has the Dojo Kun on display, the credo students practice while studying Karate. Learn Okinawan Karate philosophy in this free martial arts video.
Strength is a key part of Karate, and there are martial arts tools that build arm and hitting strength. Learn Okinawan Karate strength training in this free martial arts video.
Strong shoulders and hands in Karate are important for self defense and proper technique. Learn Okinawan Karate strength training in this free martial arts video.
In Karate, learning to fall is important for safe training, since students can be thrown or flipped during sparring frequently. Learn Okinawan Karate for self defense in this free martial arts video.
Karate developed in Okinawa as a combination of Chinese, Japanese, and native martial arts. Learn Okinawan Karate history in this free martial arts video.
Kicking or attacking the joint is a Karate move to be practiced responsibly and for self defense. Learn Okinawan Karate kicks for self defense in this free martial arts video.
Katas are Karate moves made into forms or sequences practiced for muscle memory and style. Learn Okinawan Karate and katas for self defense in this free martial arts video.
Karate uses kicks and knees to strike at opponents, though some sport martial arts do not. Learn Okinawan Karate kicks for self defense in this free martial arts video.
The Kongoken of Karate can be used for ground work, improving overall muscle strength and function. Learn Okinawan Karate conditioning in this free martial arts video.
Breathing practices are key to Goju Ryu Okinawan Karate and involve the student and instructor. Learn Okinawan Karate breathing exercises in this free martial arts video.
Safety is valued in Karate, and students with special health concerns can usually participate but should ask a doctor. Learn Okinawan Karate for self defense in this free martial arts video.
In Karate, even youths learn to spar, or direct moves against an opponent, to develop practical martial arts skills. Learn Okinawan Karate for self defense in this free martial arts video.
In breathing exercises of Okinawan Karate, the instructor tests the student's strength and form throughout the exercise. Learn Okinawan Karate breathing exercises in this free martial arts video.
Blocking is important in hard style martial arts like Karate. Learn Okinawan Karate blocks for self defense in this free martial arts video.
Karate is taught in three modes: kihon or skills, kata or patterns, and kumite or sparring. Learn Okinawan Karate for self defense in this free martial arts video.
The main philosophies of Okinawan Karate amount to: be a strong practitioner, but live spiritually and compassionately. Learn Okinawan Karate philosophy in this free martial arts video.
Basic punches in Karate may be the first moves you learn as a student. Learn Okinawan Karate punches for self defense in this free martial arts video.
The Kongoken is a Karate strength training tool consisting of a steel ring weighing 70-100 lbs. Learn Okinawan Karate strength training in this free martial arts video.
Summary: Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa prior to the 1874 annexation of Okinawa by Japan. It has been influenced by many different groups and famous martial artists from China, Japan, and Okinawa, including Sokon Matsumura, Anko Itosu, Anko Asato, Funakoshi Gichi, and Ohtsuka Hironori. The Karate student incorporates linear punches, kicks, throwing elbows, and knee strikes primarily as a means of self defense; the highest success and honor of the art is for the student to employ Karate without harming the opponent. Funakoshi Gichi once said, “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” This ideology was captured in the movie “The Karate Kid” where Mr. Myagi teaches Daniel LaRusso the art of Karate as a form of self defense against bullies.
In this free video series, Okinawan Karate Sensei Armando Martinez teaches you the basics of Okinawan philosophy. Armando covers the history and philosophy of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate and extols the importance of philosophical beliefs when studying martial arts. You will learn basic punches, kicks, blocks, and joint kicks alongside the roles of kata and strength training. Armando gives tips on conditioning the body for Karate and how to pick a good Karate school and instructor in your area.
Contact: jundokan.net
Expert: Armando Martinez is the Instructor for the JUNDOKAN Karate Dojo. He is Graded 6th Dan in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. His Instructor is Sensei Teruo Chinen. Mr. Martinez is also graded Sho Dan in Judo. His instructor is Sensei Heriberto Garcia. Mr. Martinez is a school psychologist, employed with the Miami-Dade County Public School System in Florida.
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