08 September 2016

Why Alternative Karate?


After 35 years of regular training it’s become clear that the overwhelming majority of karate clubs main focus is ....... Karate!  No surprises there then and, in the words of Monty Python, it is definitely “stating the bleeding obvious.”
However Zenshin dojo breaks that particular mould, it’s not actually a karate club focussing on karate, it's more of a community of people providing opportunities for them to grow.  

Consequently this blog is about their lives, their thoughts, their feelings and experiences. If you’re looking for opinions on the best kata, most effective technique, or any "self defence" tips, this blog is not for you.

Zenshin dojo is a community of ordinary everyday people, including men involved in sport all their lives who suddenly wake up one day and worry, “am I too old?”  And Mums who, in a quiet moment, believe their days of doing something for themselves are gone, and others regardless of gender who have never experienced the thrill of achievement, or pushed themselves beyond their limit. You could call these people the “silent majority,” quietly going about their business, working hard and forever learning. They'll never be a “champion” but wouldn't want to be.

Karate is such a powerful tool for personal growth and development. We’re not just talking physical here.  The challenges it offers, if managed carefully, can provide “the silent majority” with an opportunity to excel in a way they would not understand when they first entered the dojo.

What style do you practice at Zenshin dojo? A common question.

“Karate,” is the only possible answer.  It appears that style based karate can lead to "style over substance" practices, and the belief “we’re right, “this is the way to do it.”  Every style seems to consider itself to be the best, after all you probably wouldn’t be interested in joining a club whose advertising proudly announces “join our club, we are the second best style of karate in UK!”

In recent years there has been a noticeable shift in attitudes with the rise of impressive karate ka like Iain Abernethy, and Patrick McCarthy, their seminars are always popular and well attended. Their approach cuts across style boundaries and without doubt appeals to large numbers of practitioners of whatever grade, experience, or “style.”



Karate depends upon people for its survival, limiting its appeal ignores the endless good that can be achieved by delivering  a, "beyond technique" philosophy, within a wider and more diverse community.

 Zenshin dojo uses karate as a tool, a tool for personal growth in all its many facets.

Concentrating on people, as an alternative to karate.