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"Though everyone can claim himself as a martial art fighter, a true martial art fighter is the one who grasped the principle among all principles, humility is first and last, the most crucial one."

which consists of striking and blocking techniques, circle training, and corner training. Conditioning is also an essential part in training traditional style of Okinawan karate. Students will toughen their arms with three-point training and series of striking. Furthermore, there are 18 katas in Shorin-Ryu and students are taught specific katas depending on their rank level.This martial arts class in not for everyone. However, if you can elevate your mind to a higher level, with discipline and consistent training, you can gain great confidence. After reaching green belt level, students are usually developing a strong and solid fist, kick, punch, and stances. In addition, the cardiovascular exercise, greatly improves stamina.

Our training is mainly focused on using our KOSHI to generate any kind of power while keeping the body balanced. It is very difficult to describe the KOSHI motion in words. KOSHI is comprised of compression, expansion and coiling, thus allowing execution of the movements freely. Therefore, the only way to practice is through repetitive motions, and from there practitioners can find and understand how KOSHI should be generated. We are very fortunate to have studied the usage of KOSHI from Sensei Katsuhiko Shinzato, who currently resides in Yonabaru, Okinawa. Sensei Shinzato has shown through the practice of using KOSHI, that it allows the practitioner to achieve great speed with tremendous power

Our training method is based on synchronized use of the entire body. Rather than relying solely on the strength of our limbs, we use KOSHI to propel our motions. In this way, KOSHI enables us to produce maximum power with the least effort. Through application of KOSHI, practitioners can achieve remarkable results, using multiple strikes in rapid sequence to neutralize the opponent.

Many of us learned the traditional method of finishing off an opponent with one solid strike. In a real life situation, however, the chance is very slim that we would only have to strike once. Therefore, practicing in the traditional way can elevate us to a certain level, but eventually the benefits are limited. We need to do more than to follow the teaching at face value; we should closely examine what we have learned and strive to apply it effectively.

"The problem with popular thinking is that it doesn't require you to think at all."

Many practitioners fall into this category. We practice what is told, but never actually understand the reasons behind it. There will be a certain point in our karate training that we need to think a step further. “Good thinking is hard work. If it was easy, everybody would be a good thinker.”

After years of studying with sensei Katsuhiko Shinzato, I have gained a deeper knowledge of what it means to be a true karateka. The physical aspects of Karate are important, but the philosophical and psychological aspects are just as critical.