Origin and Meaning of “Martial” The word “martial” comes from the Latin word “Mārtiālis,” meaning “related to Mars”. Mars was the Roman god of war and also an agricultural guardian, symbolizing combat, conflict, and military strength. The term entered Middle English around 1325–1375 with this war-related meaning. The connection to Mars emphasizes qualities linked to […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Today, the word “Karate” is thrown around so loosely that it barely means anything anymore. For some, it means kids in white uniforms yelling while earning participation trophies. Others picture choreographed movie fights with exaggerated movements. A few still see it as an effective self-defense system, and luckily, more people are now seeking the real […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Exploring the Interconnection Between Shorin and Shorei in Okinawan Martial Arts Introduction Okinawan martial arts are renowned for their depth, diversity, and philosophical foundations. Central to these traditions are the concepts of Shorin and Shorei, which represent different yet interconnected aspects of martial practice. Understanding these concepts is significant, as they reflect the duality of […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
The historical intersection of cultures often brings forth tales of remarkable individuals whose impacts reverberate through the annals of time. In the context of Okinawa’s rich martial arts heritage, the name Kusanku emerges as a symbol of this intricate tapestry of interactions. Through the writings of Tobe Ryoen and records such as the Ōshima Hikki, […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
The main styles of Karate. Preceding this article, you will find three articles that offer valuable insights. The first, labelled “The life and history of Bodhidharma”, extensively explores Bodhidharma’s life and his arrival in Henan Province, China. The second article, “Bodhidharma and martial arts” delves into Bodhidharma’s profound understanding of martial arts. The final article […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Hierarchy in the Ryukyu Kingdom – A Complex Caste System. The Ryukyu Kingdom, a historical gem situated in the captivating landscapes of what is now Okinawa, Japan, was characterized by a meticulously structured social hierarchy known as the Ryukyuan Caste System. This intricate system, in place for centuries, assigned specific roles, privileges, and distinctions to […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Unveiling the World of Dubious Martial Arts Studios: The McDojo Phenomenon. In the realm of martial arts, there exists a rather controversial entity known as the “McDojo.” This term has been coined to describe martial arts schools that prioritize financial gains over genuine skill development and traditional martial arts values. While they may appear attractive […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Chinkuchi. Chinkuchi, a term derived from the Okinawan language, represents the harmonious synchronization of mind and body, yielding maximum force with minimal effort. It requires the perfect coordination of muscles, tendons, ligaments, breathing, and mental intentions within a single moment. Okinawan-style karate practitioners strive to manifest Chinkuchi precisely when needed, knowing that while not every […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
The concept of certain kata being lost to the sands of time is not a new one. However, among these lost forms, none have been remembered and preserved quite like the infamous Channan kata. Even today, we remain uncertain, and it’s possible we may never truly know whether Channan was a single kata or two […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Tracing the transformation of karate from a grappling art to a kicking and punching discipline. Itosu Anko and Funakoshi’s vision. In the early 1900s, Itosu Anko embarked on a revolutionary journey to adapt karate to physical education, paving the way for the art’s widespread acceptance. Recognizing the need to make karate more accessible to Okinawan […]