Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1888-1953

October 8th marks the passing of Miyagi Chojun Sensei, founder of Goju Ryu Karate. It's been nearly 60 years since that day, and, for better or worse, much has changed. As contradictory as it may seem, tradition and evolution appear to coexist in the curriculum of many well respected Okinawan Karate practitioners. It's a slippery precipce that balances Goju Ryu while keeping it true to its origins and, at the same time, in search of its future.

What would Miyagi Sensei think of Goju Ryu today? Innovation in training methods, from Junbi Undo to Kata, is a clear example of his own eclectic approach. What if time and technology merged sooner? What would Miyagi Sensei's blog and YouTube channel look like? :)

As I continue to train, I'm left with many questions. Some will surely be answered with sweat and time. Others will probably remain as questions. In any event, today is filled with reverence and gratitude.

Domo arigato gozaimashita Sensei

Budo Kai Karate Is Tumbling!

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I'm looking forward to doing some interesting things on tumblr. Hope you enjoy it!

40th Anniversary

It was June 1971...

I entered the East Rutherford School of Karate & Ju Jutsu to take my first lesson in the martial arts. A professional photographer just happened to be there that day, and captured the first seconds of my 40 year journey. I can't help but think there must be something to fate...

 

I can still feel that moment.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.

Shoshin - Beginner's Mind

Happy New Year! I've always found the New Year not only to be a great time for resolutions, but also a time to look back upon past experiences. It's funny how some of the most memorable parts of my training came from the most unexpected places.

Having just about grown up in the martial arts, I've long been aware of the many great experiences training can give children. Like in any type of education, the student will have many questions along the way, and the teacher will carefully guide them.

Well, years ago, I called a young child up in front of the class for a promotion. Seeing the joy in children's eyes when they've worked so hard to improve is truly amazing. Up until that point, I had always shaken a students hand, said "congratulations," and then smiled and said "do you know why you're here?" Usually I was met with something like "to get my yellow belt!" Not this lesson. The young boy turned to me, and with such a pure and open way about him, said..."to learn."

For a moment, he was the sensei, and I that white belt so many years ago. His answer, to this day, makes me smile... and makes my New Year's resolution that much more promising.

Happy New Year, everyone!

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few."
--- Shunryo Suzuki-Roshi

Budo Kai @ River Edge Day

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