Now, even when you’re not able to make a class of karate-do, remember that it’s not all physical…it can also involve mental, emotional, and spiritual training to strengthen oneself on several levels.  If you take a look at the latest article in the very educational asaikarate.com blog by Yokota Sensei, you’ll see that his latest article discusses the tanden point (what most karateka refer to as, the hara) on the body.  When one trains properly, he/she is improving the awareness and use of a hidden source of power.  In Aikido, we used to call it the “one-point” for Ki development.  In Chinese martial arts, they call it the tan tien in Chi development.  Actually, in this vein, I’m more familiar with it as one of seven points in the body known as chakras by Indians (from India).  In their yogic system, it’s a way to harness natural power coming from the earth, in and out of one’s spine, starting with the kundalini at the base.  Interestingly, the theoretical entry/exit points as this power flows through one’s spine, correspond, not only to the chakra points, but also to various strike points in Karate, as well as Shiatsu healing points along the spine.