道場のみの空手と思ふな - My friends and Senseis...-

I have friends and they are sometimes my Senseis, but not always in the Dojo...
I have known one of them for a long time, since the beginning of my years in Europe (London).
His name is Michael Rice, an architect living in Ireland.

I enjoy listening and talking to him and I have learned many things from him about life.
When we are together, we could turn anywhere into the Dojo, it could be in the field, on the couch or in the car...

I often don't understand what he tells me at that time, because it is sometimes very philosophical, technical or something very crazy for me, and may be because of his Irish accent!
Although I don't fully understand I always listen what he says and it stays somewhere in my brain.
Very often I "visualize and experience" things he said to me afterwards, may be next day, may be a month later or sometimes 3 years later... and it could be anywhere, in the bathroom, while cooking or driving.
I recognize those moments, "Ahaa! this is what he told me!!"
Like opening the cloud around your head and seeing the lights.

It just came to my mind what Master Funakoshi says:
Karate goes beyond the dojo
道場のみの空手と思ふな
Dojo nomino karate to omou na

I often realize, discover and learn "Karate" beyond the Dojo...
Not only my friends, the children are also great masters, too and I learn a lot from them.
They are just like a mirror because they behave how we are...


Extras:
By the way, In Japan, good Senseis don't explain and tell you much. (I can't be a good Sensei because I talk a lot!)
Anyway, even if you don't understand what Senseis say don't stop seeking what exactly he or she means. Better stop understanding from the words they say. Try to "visualize and experience"!!!
If you do that you will find out what and why more correctly.
Sometimes, don't think too much. Often the answers comes up when you are on holiday!
"No mind...!"

Content copyright 2009-2010. Shinji Akita. All rights reserved.

力を入れる、力を抜く。"Chikara o Ireru, Chikara o nuku"

- contraction and relaxation of the muscles -

1. Contraction of the muscles
力　を　入れる - chikara o ireru
(chikara = power. ireru = input, load, pump...)

2. Relaxation of the muscles
力　を　抜く　- chikara o nuku
(chikara = power. nuku = take out, pull, remove...)

Speed and power are developed by these two combined, contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Correct and accurate movements and timing are very important to increase them.
Your mind should be focused all the time.
Kime - is the moment of completing the movements (techniques) with the right timing.
(The muscles should be contracted a very short moment. Not to hold them too long.)

How well can you manage those points mentioned above...?

Extra...!
Japanese Senseis say "Strong" that means often No. 1
Japanese Senseis say "Relaaaaax" that often means No. 2
but you need both to make strong and powerful techniques!!!

Content copyright 2009-2010. Shinji Akita. All rights reserved.

Check your stance, you may be standing too low...

Are you standing correctly...?

Check your stance! whatever you call them, Zenkutsu, Kokutsu or Kiba dachi and so on.
Your stance may be too wide or too long...? Put your centre of gravity lower is important but lowering yourself unnecessary could create and rise the tension to the upper part of your body, and also restrict your ability of movements...

Just try to make your stance narrower and shorter than you usually stand, then move your arms, do different techniques and feel the difference...

Don't forget the balance is always an important point!

And don't misunderstand: I am not encoraging you to stand higher!!!

Content copyright 2009-2010. Shinji Akita. All rights reserved.

始動を早く Shidou o hayaku

On Monday, I went to the Dojo and it was my first training this year. This word came up to my mind and we worked on it...

"始動を早く"　-shidou o hayaku- (beginning of movement - quick or fast)

Try to punch and kick or block with 100% every action, not to save or control your energy.
But not to tense your muscles is very important. You will increase the ability to focus and feel every part of you working together. Exhausting though!
Also spend more time to observe yourself and to study your habits at the very beginning of the movements...
This will be my main point to work on this year.

Content copyright 2009-2010. Shinji Akita. All rights reserved.

2010, Happy New Year to everyone

２０１０年　あけましておめでとうございます。
Happy New Year to everyone.
I would like to thank you for all your support during the previous year.
I wish all the best to you in 2010 and I look forward to seeing you again this year.

New year, new start, year of the tiger... whatever, so I created my Blog for sharing something with you, may be about Karate, health and well being, food and cooking, photographing...etc

"Kotoshi mo Yoroshiku!"

押忍　"Oss"


Content copyright 2009-2010. Shinji Akita. All rights reserved.