HISTORY
Karate
translated means Art of the Empty Hand or Empty Hand Fighting. Karate was developed
over 500 years ago as a means of self-defense and consists of blocking, kicking, and punching in a series of combinations
and drills. The guiding principle of Karate is that the practitioner shall make
no attacks except when his/her safety is compromised by a dangerous situation.
The discipline of Karate is designed to
teach the student nonviolence and to inspire self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-control.
A sense of well-being and life is made more meaningful as a result of studying and practicing Karate. The individual who studies the art comes to understand his/her-self as silent fearless.
THE STYLE OF KARATE
We teach Okinawan Shorin Ryu of the Kobayashi
system. Shorin Ryu is a style of karate that uses the movement and flow
of the natural body. Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate is adaptable, such that it will
handle boxer and street fighter techniques and can be used for tournament competition.
In addition to the traditional classic forms of Okinawan
Shorin Ryu, Welch’s Okinawan Karate-Do teaches Yakusoku Kumite (Pre-Arranged fighting), Ippon Kumite (Self Defense),
Yotsu-Kado No Renshu (4-Corner Drills) and training with Bo, Nunchaku, Kama, Tonfa, Sai and Eku, which are all traditional
Okinawan Weaponry. We place heavy emphasis in conditioning and stretching for
all Karate activities.
TEACHING METHODS
The primary method of instruction is by
utilization and demonstration of movements. Training aids such as focus mitts,
heavy bags, kicking shields, makiwara stands and striking pads/bags are used to develop power, focus, speed, and control of
the technique demonstrated.
The etiquette of bowing at the beginning
and the end of class and in certain exercises is a Japanese custom that is retained as a valuable cultural aspect of Karate,
that reinforces the Karate concept of harmonious unity, respect and discipline. The
purpose of “Karate-Do” is to integrate the mind, body and spirit in unity that allows the individual to reach
his/her fullest growth.
Although the origins of Martial Arts have
a long association with Buddhism, karate as it is practiced today has “NO” religious connotations. It does, however, set very high standards for moral attributes as the chief aim of the practitioner (etiquette,
effort, character, self-control and sincerity). Many people of different religions
CAN and DO practice Karate without any fear that it will damage and/or compromise their religious practices. As we mentioned earlier, the bow must not be confused with bowing in church, temple, etc. Bowing in Karate is for “respect” not “worship”.
3410 Hamilton St.
West Hyattsville, MD 20782
301-559-3400 / 301-699-0038 (fax)
Email: renshiunlimited@verizon.net
www.welchkarate.com