During much of our basic training in Karate-Do, much emphasis placed upon the importance of power and speed.  Later, of course, we work on things like: timing, accuracy, weight displacement, momentum, using imbalance, breathing, and on and on.  At the beginning, however, kime is mentioned in almost every class. There is, however, a hidden element to the concept of kime – the importance of…non-kime (made up this term, haha) or being relaxed for 99% of the technique. We use the term “relax” but we don’t mean it in the western sense of being relaxed.  Rather, we’re talking about the lack of any unnecessary tension within the muscles throughout execution of the technique, except for the point of impact.  Kime before impact acts to slow down the technique.  Holding kime after impact (except for harmonic force back in thrust techniques) doesn’t increase the effect and actually: 1) leaves one open for a counter attack and 2) delays your following moves in any combination attack.  So being “relaxed” is just as important in “hard” styles of martial arts (like Shotokan) as it is in “soft” systems like Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan. Speaking of “tenses”, here’s a short note to discuss tense when it comes [...]

Wow, how time flies, it’s June and once again, it’s summer…my daughter and daughter-in-law, along with the grandkids are on summer vacation. So are many of our younger members…and, of course, the ahem, older members are enjoying that “Endless Summer” known as retirement, haha. This month also marks sixteen years since we started this particular club – sixteen years, can you imagine? Yet, Sensei’s Peter, Wayne and I, all feel the rejuvenation of youth once we put on our capes…..er, our gi’s, even though we’re all on Medicare these days👴.  When you think about it, in another sixteen years, (with the exception of Sensei Trish), all of your sensei’s will be in our eighties!! I wonder if our magical gi’s will still be able to rejuvenate us then? Doesn’t matter, I’m sure that before we become too decrepit, we’ll have passed on our teaching duties to some of our younger members to share with others who are eager to learn the art. Remember, each time you come to class and diligently train, it’s not just for today nor just for you; it’s really for tomorrow and for others…in the event you are ever called upon to share your knowledge with [...]

Just found out that we won’t have training on two Saturdays in May. As happens from time to time, Momilani Rec Center has events that conflict with our schedule: on Sat, May 6 there’ll be a garage sale fundraiser, and on Sat, May 13, the center will have a craft fair. If your schedule allows, you are always welcome to train on a Monday evening. Another option would be to do some reading related to karate. Secondly, for those who forgot – or never knew, our group does have a website at www.hiskarate.com. Over a decade ago, one of our members, Kohai Donna (an excellent purple belt) happened to be a seasoned webmaster and graciously offered to build and maintain a website for us. Over the last 11-12 years, she has faithfully done so, mostly gathering up my occasional rambling emails and formatting these into a single resource that members new and old, can access to read up on mostly karate-related thoughts. In fact, some years ago, Sempai Kevin was looking for a Shotokan dojo to visit and possibly train in and he happened upon the site and ultimately joined us – today, he is one of our sempais! As [...]