Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate

Forging a real Karate Mind

Karate is not a game of points, weight classes or showy demonstrations. It is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.

Such an action requires strength, speed, focus, control. But these physical aspects are only part of the practice; they are just the vehicle, not the journey itself.

True karate is based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind and
spirit—the whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite and kata we learn to control our movements. Through meditation we learn to control our mind. Through discipline and self control we learn to control our actions. But more importantly, we learn to give up control too. We can perform the techniques without thinking about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.

This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are no match for the power of wholeness.

The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind, body and spirit. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and the of the Summit Dojo’s karate philosophy.

 

Secrets of the Strongest Karate in the World  Karate has remained essentially unchanged throughout its history other than mass over commercialization. Each student learns each technique and tradition in its original and most powerful form. As a result, the Summit Dojo produces some of the strongest and most skillful karate-ka in the world.

There are a number of practical factors that make Summit Dojo karate different from other karate traditions. Here are some of the main ones:

Summit Dojo Karate Has Strong Roots Summit Dojo karate is of the Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu style, the oldest and most traditional type of Okinawan karate (Okinawa is birthplace of Karate). Since it descends directly from the "original" sources, it has developed from strong roots underpinned by a long history and a great tradition.

 

Summit  Dojo Karate Is Scientific and Is Constantly Being Improved Every technique and movement in Summit karate is based on solid, scientific, physical movement theory. That's why we put such heavy focus—far more than most other organizations—on kihon, the basic foundational techniques, and their proper form, angle and balance. The result speaks for itself: Summit Dojo Karate is powerful, solid, stable, and smooth flowing; this has proven itself time and again in tournaments, military hand to hand combat, law enforcement and on the street. Despite the excellence of Summit Dojo karate, however, it is constantly being improved.

 
Summit Dojo Instructors Are Professionals trained for an extensive period specifically to be instructors. They are not part-time teachers, or students, they train daily, it’s a lifestyle, nor are they arbitrary in their teaching. Their dedication to teaching the way, helps ensure that the true essence of karate is passed on to each student. And this devotion shows in each student's technique.

Summit Dojo Maintains a Specialized Instructor Training Program Unlike any other Martial Art group, Sakai Dojo offers a specialist instructor training program for students who show exceptional capability and prowess in karate. Students take a rigorous entrance exam and tests, followed by two years of intense study and practice at the Main Dojo. They are required to write and submit research papers on specific themes given by their instructors, thereby showing their ingenuity, willingness and devotion to karate. Those that successfully graduate from this program, and can meet the stiff requirements, are accepted as professional instructors. This very strict approach ensures that the scientific foundations and traditions of Sakari Dojo are maintained.
 
Summit Dojo Is Devoted to the Practice of Karate Unlike many other karate organizations, Summit Dojo was not created as an organization whose major purpose is holding matches and tournaments. Its major focus is the practice of traditional karate. Its purpose is the teaching of Martial Arts as a way of life.

Keeping with Tradition An increasing number of karate organizations have established weight classes and a point system for tournaments, giving karate a sport-like status. In fact, more and more, the art of karate is being made into a popular competitive sport. Some people hope to make it part of the Olympics, just like judo.

At the Summit Dojo, we're not opposed to this trend, but we are concerned by what it presages for the future of karate. We believe that "sportifying" karate is incompatible with its true spirit; it keeps the form to an extent, but discards the essence. True karate is a way of life, not a sport or competition.

So what is the future of  Summit Dojo? The same tradition we have always main-
tained and what was taught in Okinawa. The Summit Dojo has never changed its fundamentals or rules. The inseparable trinity—kihon, kata and kumite, leading to kime—remain essentially unchanged, although constantly refined. Karate is completely natural, not arbitrarily crafted for use in a point-based match.

As the Keeper of Karate's Highest Tradition , We will continue with our mission to ensure that the true essence of karate-do is understood and practiced throughout the world.

Summit Dojo Techniques: The Inseparable Trinity Lead to Kime The foundation of karate is the kihon (basic techniques), the kata (forms), and the kumite (sparring). Upon these three rest all technique, all speed, all strength and all progress in karate. They are, in essence, one. And they must be studied as one: without the kihon basic techniques, there can be neither kata nor kumite. Likewise, kata separated from kumite is simply rote movement unseasoned with the knowledge that comes from application. Finally, kumite without kata loses the characteristic agility and effortless smoothness inherent in karate. Kihon is kata is kumite.

At the Summit Dojo, we emphasize all three of these equally and simultaneously.

Through years of training and experience, we've developed a unique and unrivalled system of kihon techniques. We put tremendous focus on the fundamentals, teaching scientifically and step-by-step the proper posture, balance and angle of each specific movement. As with most things, continuous repetition is essential, for if you get the fundamentals wrong, there can be no further progress.

After mastering the kihon, you move on to the kata, the core of all karate skills. In kata, there is no wasted or meaningless movement. So we emphasize repeating them over and over again. Through constant repetition, your body learns to move automatically, effortlessly and efficiently. Over time, the techniques become unconscious, rather than deliberate mechanical movements. You can do them without thinking, which frees your mind to be still and experience the dynamics of that moment.

At the Summit Dojo, we've refined the kata to be more applicable in kumite sparring. Through the techniques learned in the kihon and practiced in the kata , you discover how to respond to situations naturally and freely, and apply your techniques appropriately as the circumstances demand.

And that's when the true power of karate can be known. When your entire being —body and mind—explodes forward and downs the opponent with one blow, it is called kime. Kime is the ultimate purpose of the kihon-kata-kumite trinity.