As you know, the NHPC Karate Ministry exists as a small, independent group of karateka, belonging to the ohana of New Hope Pearl Community. Our mission is to share the benefits of Shotokan Karate in a Christian environment with our members, hopefully without the ego, competition, and politics that one sometimes finds in dojos and larger organizations. To be sure, there are many good dojos out there, ranging from large modern commercial facilities to small backyard/garage clubs. While many are independent clubs, it’s likely that the majority of students train in a dojo that is affiliated in some way with a larger organization. Personally, I’ve spent the majority of my time in karate in dojos that were in some way, under the umbrella of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). The JKA was created just around the time I was born in 1951. The Chief Instructor for its first three decades was Master Nakayama. Of course, the founder of Shotokan, Master Funakoshi lived until 1957 and was seen as the official head of the organization, though he was already in his eighties and really more of a figurehead or symbol. The first generation of Shotokan students in pre-war Japan were training [...]

One of the characteristics of a good karateka is a “low hara”. Conversely, you’ll sometimes hear a sempai or sensei comment on how a lower ranking student has a “floating, high hara”. I know you folks realize that hara refers to the lower stomach area of one’s body. For the martial artist, we’re talking about the so-called “one-point”, generally denoted as about two inches below the navel. From a physical perspective, it’s also the center point of the human body. You also know that the lower your center of gravity, or hara, the better balance one has, the stronger one’s techniques become. It’s no secret that when pushing a car or pulling the rope in tug-of-war, we automatically lower our hara and grip or thrust the ground with our feet. Seems simple enough, but exactly what’s involved in lowering one’s hara? Well, to start off, your legs and calves have to be stronger, the lower you drop your weight. That’s why so many beginners (especially kids) do a little bit of cheating in their stance, especially in the static position… in the zenkutsu-dachi, it’s probably twice as much work for the forward legs quad muscles, just to hold the stance [...]

Some of you may know that my dad, while enjoying a good quality of life, made the tough decision several months ago, to move into a small private care home. We all feel a lot better, now that he always has people nearby who can help him, should anything happen, day or night. They’re definitely an extended family for him. As a part of this life-change, we had to clear out the mementos and belongings acquired over the 46 years that dad had lived in his home. My dad belongs to that generation of Nisei fathers who never had much to say. In fact, I don’t think dad ever said a single word of affection or encouragement to me…. but I knew that he was always there to support me if I ever needed help. So I was very surprised one day, shortly before he was to leave his house for a new phase of life, when he said, “Wes, go to the chest of drawers in my bedroom and get me my jade ring.” I knew which one it was, and that he only wore it on special occasions. Back in the 1960’s, one of my mom’s friends was [...]