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.
