Symbolism of Shotokan Karate Seibukai
Usually in Shotokan Karate schools they use the symbol of the tiger, a beautiful and strong animal that lives in the forests of Asia. But the Shotokan Karate Seibukai school (literally “Society of the sacred martial art Shotokan Karate”) uses the symbol HIDARI-MITSUDOMOE (Japanese 左三つ巴 left-directed “3 waves”), which was the emblem of the Ryukyu state (Okinawa island until 1879), where it appeared and the martial art of Karate (literally “Chinese hand”, i.e., which came from China) developed. Later, Funakoshi Gichin, the founder of the Shotokan school, changed this name to “Karate-do” (“Way of the Empty Hand”, i.e. the art of fighting with bare hands).
Okinawan Karate, originating from the martial art of the legendary Shaolin Monastery in China, took the image of the tiger, based on the ancient Shaolin tradition of dividing schools into five animal styles (tiger, leopard, crane, snake, dragon).
But the Seibukai school of Shotokan Karate uses the symbol HIDARI-MITSUDOMOE as its philosophical and ethical basis as a symbol of the Trinity, meaning at the macrocosm level the unity of Man, Heaven and Earth, and at the microcosm level (i.e. Man) - the unity of body, consciousness and spirit (energy). The point is that man is part of the universe, and can develop only by learning from Nature and following its laws. The very improvement of man should become the key to maintaining world harmony and natural balance. And this self-improvement of a person equally includes both the development of the body, and the improvement of consciousness, and the strengthening of the spirit.
The symbol HIDARI-MITSUDOMOE against the background of the Sun is a feature of the Seibukai school of Shotokan Karate, where the Sun symbolizes the desire for light (Truth) and enlightenment (Japanese Satori).
On the picture: coat of arms of the Ryukyu state (left), symbol of Shotokan Karate Seibukai (right).
Interesting facts about the founder of the Shotokan school
MasterFunakoshi Gichin (1868 - 1957) at the age of 15 began to study the Shorin-ryu style from master Azato, which is directly related to the martial art of the legendary Shaolin monastery. Funakoshi himself wrote about this in his books. And the tradition of the Shaolin Monastery probably left a certain imprint on the future master. Suffice it to say that he often trained wearing a training Dogi (Japanese “clothing (for comprehending) the Way”) open on one side[1], imitating the Shaolin monks.
[NOTE 1] The first follower of Chan Buddhism was the monk Huike, with whom the legend of the “red snow” is associated. It is said that in his youth he was a follower of Taoism, and in China traditionally Buddhism is represented by the right hand, and Taoism by the left. When Huike decided to become a student of Bodidharma (the founder of Chan Buddhism), he categorically refused him. For many hours, the kneeling Huike waited for the teacher at the entrance to the cave where he was praying. The fallen snow almost completely covered Huike's figure, but he did not move from his place. Bodidharma, softened, said: “You will be my disciple only if the snow turns red.” Huike decisively cut off his left hand (symbolizing Taoism), staining the snow with blood. Thus he became the main disciple of Bodidharma. And the Shaolin monks to this day pay tribute to this event: here it is customary to greet guests and each other not with two prayerfully folded hands, but only with one - the right one. In addition, very often, when dressing in traditional clothes, monks leave their right hand uncovered - this is done only in Shaolin.
In the picture: Huike extending his hand to Bodhidharma (by Sesshu Toyo, 1496).
_1.jpg)
- Contact type of eastern martial arts (fights are held in full contact without protective equipment)
- developed by the Federation of Shorinji Budo Kempo (Seibukai) in the spirit of the traditions of oriental martial arts
- includes punches, throws and joint pain controls, accumulating the best martial arts experience
- Seibukai style focuses on striking technique and does not require special conditions for its practice
- both boys and girls, both children and adults can train according to the Seibukai program
- training is carried out with certification for categories and it is possible to open your own branch
Address of the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation (Seibukai): Russia, 305044, Kursk, Soyuznaya str., 16, apt. 65
tel / fax: (Kursk code 4712) 26-47-89, mob. 8-9103112951
Gribakin Igor Mikhailovich - President of the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation (Seibukai)
E-mail: seibukai@mail.ru
page on FACEBOOK: http://ru-ru.facebook.com/people/Igor-Gribakin/100000618819335
Gribakin Igor Mikhailovich (pseudonym Murakami Dodji 村上道示 02/10/1967)
President of Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation (Seibukai), Shihan 8th Dan
Founder of the Seibukai School, created with the support of Master Kibe Hiroshi from Japan (see photo below)
One of the first masters of the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation, Seibukai (1999 photo, left to right):
Kibe Hiroshi (Japan ), Vice-President of the organization Baev Gennady (Russia),
Mbago Emmanuel (Tanzania), Janaka Flashback (Sri Lanka)
Details about the philosophy, history, traditions and methods of the Seibukai school are set out in the voluminous illustrated edition "The Martial Art of the Shaolin Monastery" (edition 2017, author Gribakin I.M., who wrote a number of similar books, including "Zen and Martial Arts" and others ).
Seibukai history
For over 35 years I have had the opportunity to practice different martial arts. I started my first trainings in childhood with Judo. And at the age of 23 he became the owner of the 2nd Dan of the Choi school, which belongs to the fistfighting tradition of the legendary Shaolin monastery in China (Chinese Shaolin Quanfa, Japanese Shorinji Kempo). My mentor was German Vasilyevich Popov, who was taught by U Taung Din - the patriarch of the Choi school, holder of high degrees of skill in Judo, Aikido and Karate (6 Dan Wado-ryu Karate).
In 1993, Momot Valeriy Valerievich (Ukraine), a legendary personality and instructor in ninjutsu (judan fugyo, 14 Dan), the martial art of Japanese spies - ninja, became my mentor and friend. The teacher of the latter was Hatsumi Masaaki - the 9th Dan master of eight types of Japanese Budo, the founder of the International Ninjutsu Organization "Bujinkan Dojo". On July 22, 1993, I received from Momot certificate No.001 of a ninjutsu instructor to distribute it in Russia.
In addition, I had a chance to get acquainted with the martial art of the "Natural School of Diamond Contemplation" of the Shaolin Monastery (Chinese Shaolin Jingang Chan Zizhan Men), the founder of which is the Indian monk Bato, the first abbot of Shaolin.
I opened the first "Dojo" (classroom) in Kursk (Russia) in 1991, which brought together more than a hundred students. By 1998, I already had 3 Dan of Okinawan Kempo Karate (28.11.1998) from the hands of master Igor Moroz (Ukraine). By that time, I had students from 23 countries of the world, including Morocco, Tanzania, Lebanon, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Russia, Ukraine and others. Many students came from various fighting styles: Oleg Puzikov (1st Dan Asihara Karate, Russia), Mbago Emmanuel (1st Dan Shorinji Kempo, Tanzania), Vyacheslav Lodygin (2nd Dan Taekwondo, Ukraine), Abutahir Moulay Mustafa ( 2nd Dan Taekwondo, Morocco) and others. As a result, I created my own direction, taking the best from other schools. The result of my coaching practice was the intention to develop martial arts (Jap. Budo) in the spirit of the traditions of the legendary Shaolin monastery (Jap. Shorinji).
So on October 4, 1999, with the approval of the Russian Sports Committee, the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation was established, which owes its appearance, among other things, to Kibe Hiroshi from Japan. I was also supported by local martial arts masters: Stroyev Vladimir (4th Dan Shotokan Karate), Penkov Igor (2nd Dan Kyokushinkai Karate) and others. But from that time on, I started using the name Seibukai (literally “Sacred Martial Art Society”) to refer to my school's style. I have never been satisfied with what has already been achieved and have always strived to hone my skills. Studying various martial arts prevalent in Asia, I developed my own training style.
On August 21, 2012, 49 members of the Technical Committee signed the "Declaration on the hierarchy of the Shorinji Budo Kempo (Seibukai) Federation", which stated: "... We recognize the current President of the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation Gribakin Igor Mikhailovich as a spiritual leader, Supreme Mentor and de facto Founder of the school Seibukai and the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation. We unanimously decided that the Founder of our organization is worthy of the honorary award and recognition of him as the Master - Mentor of the highest 8th Dan in the hierarchy of the Shorinji Budo Kempo Federation. "
The Seibukai style is a fusion and ordering of all kinds of Kempo that I have studied, researched, developed and systematized in a new way, putting a spiritual essence into them. The Seibukai style includes several hundred basic techniques. Various techniques are used, combining punches and kicks, impacts on vital points and pain control of joints. Protective devices are not used during training, and blows are applied in full contact. The High Headquarters of the Organization regularly conducts classes and trains instructors to spread the School's tradition throughout the world.
Seibukai's emblem is the "Solar Lotus" (Japanese Nichi-ren) - a symbol of enlightenment (Japanese Satori), symbolizing the universal Beginning and the Absolute Truth. The school's teaching says that life is given to a person for the full realization of the best human qualities and abilities. It says that body and spirit must be inseparable, and the followers of Seibukai develop them in order to improve their personality and benefit the world. I myself have always strived to ensure that the art of Kempo, through its development, contributes to the improvement of the world, and so that others, following our example, come to understand the most correct application of martial arts in our life.
Murakami Doji
August 2019
The emblem of Seibukai is the "Solar Lotus" (Japanese Nichi-ren), symbolizing the universal Beginning, the Absolute Truth and enlightenment (Japanese Satori). Inside the emblem, against the background of the "sun", the hieroglyph "fist" is depicted, which indicates a connection with the art of fist fighting (Chinese: Quan-fa, Japanese: Kempo 拳法)
Shaolin tradition
The martial arts direction of the Shaolin Monastery in China includes about 400 basic styles, which are divided into smaller sub-styles and schools. Buddhist philosophy had a decisive influence on their formation. One of them is the "Natural School of Diamond meditation" (金剛禅自然門 ch. Jingang-Chan Ziran-Men, jap. Kongo Zen Shizen Mon ).
According to legend, the Shaolin tradition went beyond the walls of the monastery located in Henan Province quite early. It is said that in the Tang Dynasty, on a mountain southwest of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, there was a magnificent monastery of Anpu – the "Peaceful (quiet) Coast" (Chinese 安浦寺 ), whose monks preached the teachings of Chan and considered themselves the successors of the true Shaolin tradition. It later gave birth to a style called the "Shaolin School of Diamond Contemplation and Naturalness" (ch. Shaolin Jingangchan Ziranmen). This style, which is very effective in combat, with numerous kicks and throws, is still practiced, for example, in the Sichuan monastery of the "Wonderful Dragon" (Chinese: 宝龍寺 Baolungsi). The school originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and disputed the Shaolin Monastery's right to truth. By the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Shaolin Monastery began to decline. And against this background, the followers of the Natural School of Diamond Contemplation sought to preserve the original traditions and spirit of Shaolin, asserting a harmonious combination of the spiritual and physical in the upbringing of monks-fighters (ch. Usen).
The Natural School of Shaolin Diamond Chan Martial Arts is a rare branch of martial art in China. Judging by the name, it really comes from the Shaolin Monastery in the Songshan Mountains in Henan Province. But it was practiced by few monks in Sichuan Province, and it was almost unknown until now, so it is difficult to trace its lineage.
And although the Natural School of Diamond Contemplation belongs to the Shaolin martial arts tradition, it differs in many ways from other areas of the Shaolin school.
Firstly, all directions of the Shaolin Monastery school honor Bodhidharma as the founder of Shaolin martial arts. And the Natural School of Diamond Contemplation, considers its founder Bato (full name by ch. Fotobatolo, skt. Buddhabhadra) – the first abbot of the Shaolin monastery. He personally brought up the first warrior monks (kit. usen) in the Shaolin monastery, among whom the most famous are Huiguang and Sengchou.
Secondly, many areas of Shaolin martial arts separate the practice of fist fighting (Chinese: quan-fa, Japanese: kempo) from the practice of the doctrines of Buddhism, so they do not have an internal connection between them. The Natural School of Diamond Contemplation seeks to practice the art of fist fighting with the teachings of Chan, merging these two foundations together.
Thirdly, in the conditions of Buddhism, Shaolin martial arts originated from the Chan School, and the Natural School of Diamond Contemplation observes the teachings of Chan and Tantrism. It includes the knowledge of the laws of nature and their secret, hidden essence through solitary yogic meditation and contemplation of nature in its pristine beauty and grandeur to comprehend the non-duality of the universe, the unity of opposite principles.
"Jingang" is a word for a diamond, the hardest natural substance, "whose enlightened nature can withstand the merciless trials of fate"; it is a symbol of the strength of the body and the enlightenment of the mind. "Jingang" also means "diamond lightning" (skt. Vajra - the weapon of the deities of the Buddhist pantheon) is a symbol of absolute truth, illuminating the Path, breaking through the shell of ignorance, and expressing the dynamism of ordering. The diamond lightning is a symbol of the highest wisdom and purity of thoughts, strength of spirit and the power of the conscious will. The fact that "Jingan" is chosen to describe a martial art and is connected with Chan, tells us that this martial art is magnificent, incomparable and irresistible when used in real combat.
"Chan" refers to meditation and the teachings of Chinese Chan Buddhism. Chan-the essence of Jingangchan - is an abbreviated translation from the Sanskrit word "Dhyana", which means" peace and reflection "or"spiritual transformation". The name "Natural (or natural) School" means that its adherents rely on the laws of nature and strive to live in harmony with nature, which can be achieved by mutual patience, respect, mutual assistance and love for all living things. It can be said that the Jingan-Chan Ziran-Men is an orthodox school of the Chan teaching, going back to the time of the founding of the Shaolin Monastery.
The symbol of the Jingang-Chan Ziran-Men is a circle divided into two identical parts: Yin (jap. Yin - female, negative, a symbol of love and compassion) and Yang (jap. E - male, positive, a symbol of strength and wisdom). These parts, in turn, are divided, forming 4 parts, which means the transition and the presence of both beginnings in each other. Two separate curved lines intersect in a circle that serves as an allegory of the existence of the Universe and man, and the lobes crossed out by arc-shaped curves represent the interdependence of Yin-Yang and the unity of opposites.
rice: Swastika in a circle; the symbol of the Natural School of Diamond Chan
Photo of a spiral galaxy, which includes the Milky Way galaxy, where our solar system is located. The swastika (fig. Above) is the oldest symbol on Earth, with which people from ancient times depicted the movement of our galaxy.
The Yin-Yang principle manifests itself in the Jinggan-Chan Ziran-Men philosophy in a monistic sense, as the interaction of the Earth and Heaven - the "positive", "male" principle of reason and strength together with the "negative", "female" principle of compassion and love. In accordance with Yin-Yang, it is believed that the truth is only on the "middle path of agreement" (Jap. Chudo), where matter and spirit are inextricably linked. The idea of non-duality is the main concept of the school's doctrine, therefore, it is believed that any one-sidedness, division and disunity are a violation of world harmony.
The school's teaching insists that morality and ethical values should be based on the natural nature of things, and not artificial laws. True reality lies in the middle path, and this is the only true criterion for leadership in life. This middle path is both a means and an end in human life.
Jingang Chan Natural School's teachings are not only a guiding principle, but are also related to the martial arts within their school. The Jinggang Chan Doctrine is theory, principle and inner mastery, while the Natural School is practice, method and outer mastery. But on the other hand, both of these properties organically merge into one another, and fist art and Ch'an art become a single entity. Here Chan merges with him, or, more simply, Chan is art, and art is Chan. It can be said that the practice of the martial arts expresses the spirit of the Ch'an doctrine.
The Shorinji Budo Kenpo (Seibukai) Federation continues to develop the doctrine of this school, and the unity of Chan (Zen) and Kenpo is an important feature of the Seibukai school. On the one hand, Zen skills are applied as part of the tactics and psychology of free fighting. And the practice of meditation with concentration on the "cinnabar field" (jap. Tanden), which is called "diamond concentration" (jap. Kongo Sammai), is the primary and most effective method in which the state of "tranquil spirit (mind)" (jap. heijo shin), so necessary for a real fighter. But in a concrete life, meditation helps to gain wisdom, and the teachings of the Seibukai school say about it like this: "Life is vanity, and truth is unshakable; find peace in your soul, and then the truth will come to you by itself."
On the other hand, the correct practice of martial art strengthens not only the body, but also the spirit of a person, making him more pacified in relation to the petty vanity of life, but purposeful and strong-willed in relation to good intentions and lofty goals.
The technique of the Seibukai school itself is very diverse, it includes grips and pain control of the joints (Chin. Qinna), but focuses on the developed percussion technique, incl. feet, like many "northern" schools of Shaolin.
The circular symbol of the Natural School of Diamond Contemplation has found its expression in the Seibukai technique itself, in circular defense techniques (Japanese uke-waza), maneuvering (moving) and throws (jap. Nage-waza).
Following the principle of naturalness, Seibukai adherents focus on practicing the tactical and technical aspects of combat by means of "kumite-kata" (a form of combat) and acquiring the skills of free combat (Japanese jiyu-kumite) in full contact and without means of protection. This practice is aimed primarily at strengthening and developing the spirit, the state of which determines the fate of any person and affects the fate of all mankind. It is the spirit that pushes us to all-round self-development, the spirit controls all the functions of the body and affects our health, the spirit makes us strong against any threat and in the fight against any injustice. The state of mind affects our karma and future reincarnations in other lives. A strong spirit does not know vanity and makes us divinely pacified, but gives strength for creativity, striving for harmony and beauty, which are the natural and original states of the nature of the human soul.
Seibukai principles
jap. Shin Shin Ichinyo - "The Unity of Spirit and Body" 身心 一如 (calligraphy is written from right to left)
jap. Riki Jin Funi - "Strength and philanthropy (mercy) are inseparable" 力 仁 不二
jap. Ji Ta Kyoei - "Joint (mutual) prosperity of oneself and others" 自 他 共 栄
jap. Ken Kyo Ichinyo - "Oneness of Ken (Kenpo) and Teaching (Zen)" 拳 教 一如 (calligraphy is written from right to left)
Seibukai commandments
Kempo's connection with Zen (Ch'an) teachings significantly influenced the unwritten rules and regulations for monks in the Shaolin monastery. Some of them were borrowed by the Seibukai school, and now their content forms the basis of the Seibukai commandments (Japanese Dojokun - "Rules in the dojo," the place of comprehension of the Path ", the training hall):
1. Do not allow malicious thoughts, restrain rudeness and anger and control your mind.
2. Do not use force unnecessarily and use martial art only for self-defense and in the name of justice.
3. Do not teach unworthy people and transfer knowledge only to those who are pure in soul and sincere in knowledge.
4. Do not separate the physical from the spiritual and strive for harmony in everything.
5. Do not turn martial arts training into a useless test of strength and follow the advice of your mentor to maintain your health, strengthen your body and spirit.
6. Do not stop practicing and remember that failure and disappointment come from interruptions in studies and from a lack of diligence, that agility depends on personal hard work.
Seibukai doctrine
In the meantime, there is no need to know about it. ”
At the Seibukai school they say: "Find peace, and the truth will come to you by itself." Comprehension of Truth is cognition of the true nature of things. And the Seibukai doctrine speaks of the importance of understanding the true purpose of martial arts in human life and in the modern world in general.
A huge army of followers of martial arts numbers millions of people around the world, children and adults, women and men. Thus, martial arts play an important role in the rapprochement of different peoples and the rapprochement of people in general. But the world is still imperfect, and the truth is hidden much deeper.
The martial arts themselves have no value, arising from the greed and cruelty of an imperfect human nature. But at the same time, martial arts are a unique method for the simultaneous development of both body and spirit. And martial arts, directed in a noble direction, can give any person much more in the modern accelerating world with its complexities and contradictions.
The teachings of the Seibukai school say that life is given to a person to achieve happiness through the full self-realization of the best human qualities and abilities. The teaching says that body and spirit must be inseparable. And the followers of Seibukai develop their body and spirit in order to improve their personality and benefit the world, guided by the motto: "Through the improvement of the body to improve the spirit, through the improvement of the spirit to improve the world." And we must strive to ensure that the martial arts contribute to the improvement of the world and the human essence, and that people come to understand the most correct application of martial arts in our lives.
It is also important to remember that strengthening the body and spirit can certainly prolong a person's life, but without improving his consciousness, it cannot always bring beneficial results for himself and for those around him. And the transformation of martial arts only into a form of competition deprives them of their main value in the modern world, where humanity has no natural enemies.
Ultimately, you need to understand that a simple declaration of noble goals and objectives may not mean at all that people are following the True Path in reality. Therefore, everything depends on the correct choice of means and methods by which Truth is achieved. And the truth, as it was said at the very beginning, does not tolerate vanity. And the practice of the Seibukai school gives people not only strength and confidence, but ultimately helps to find peace of mind and harmony in everyday life.
Seibukai destinations
Adhering to the traditions of the legendary Shaolin Monastery (Japanese Shorinji), the cradle of oriental martial arts, the Shorinji Budo Kempo (Seibukai) Federation traditionally develops several directions in its activities:
1. Kempo Karate contact fighting methods, which are the most attractive for the followers of the school.
2. Self-defense techniques, including throws, joint pain control, impact on pain points, strangulation and similar techniques with a stick, including stick fighting. This section is mandatory only for Seibukai masters, but separate trainings are allowed for those interested in learning techniques related to Ju-jutsu and Aikido.
3. Philosophy and practice of Chan (Japanese: Zen).
left photo (1999): Seibukai masters demonstrate self-defense techniques: Mbago Emmanuel (Tanzania),
Oleg Kotov (Russia); photo on the right (1999): master Gennady Baev (Russia) demonstrates the Yoko-geri kick.
Seibukai style strikes
Kicking technique plays an important role in the Seibukai school. This is the most difficult and most important section of the technique. The arsenal of Seibukai-style moves is very versatile and includes more than full contact punches and kicks. But it also contains a special section of self-defense intended only for school masters. This includes pain control of joints, special techniques of throws, release and counter-grips, impacts on pain points and strangulation. For advanced masters, there is an applied technique with a medium-length stick (jo).
However, striking technique is the basis of training, without mastering which it makes no sense to study other Seibukai techniques. Therefore, striking should be practiced at every workout. Seibukai-style punches and kicks are taught in a variety of ways. On the video you can watch the training of kicks in the branch of the city of Kursk: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seibukai-Kempo-Karate/266670996700538
Seibukai-style strikes are applied at full force, and no protective gear is used. Therefore, the quality of striking technique is determined by several criteria: strength, accuracy, speed and complete control over the technique (i.e. the ability to redirect the strike along a different trajectory, etc.). An important question is: why punches and kicks in Seibukai are the basis of training. Firstly, this practice really develops a sense of distance and a sense of real danger, develops reaction and intuition, real strength of the body and spirit, and many other abilities and qualities of the human character. But there is another reason why striking technique is preferred in the Seibukai style. The question is: what is the ultimate goal of training?
Many people misunderstand the true value of martial arts. Many prefer to compete in an unrealistic battle, and some exaggerate their capabilities. In modern martial arts, punches and throws are often combined, where the latter are considered the pinnacle of skill. But you need to understand the essential difference between sports on the tatami and real life. No one will fight on the street in bad weather, on the asphalt, with a physically superior rival or against a group of people, dooming himself in advance to failure. In all such situations, only striking technique can save. Therefore, asking the question about the ultimate goal of training, you can make the right choice of study methods.
photo on the left: a monk-fighter of the Shaolin monastery demonstrates a side kick, which is very characteristic of the Seibukai style (unlike those practicing traditional Karate, where they often use a kick with the edge of the foot, in the Seibukai style they actively use work with the whole body for a more powerful kick into the depth of the target, passing strength in the heel for greater rigidity)
photo on the right: a characteristic defensive position for the Seibukai style (the position of the hands protects important vulnerable areas on the body such as the ribs and chin, and the front hand allows you to keep the opponent at a distance; such a position of the hands in Seibukai also contributes to a special technique of strikes close to boxing rather than traditional Karate, but this is also associated with a variety of gripping techniques used in conjunction with strikes, which is also a distinctive feature of the Seibukai style associated with the martial art tradition of the legendary Shaolin monastery)
Is Karate Dangerous?
Many parents take their children to the martial arts section. And older people come to such sections on their own initiative. And very few have an idea of what awaits them in training. All fears, doubts and false ideas can disappear after the first test of their strength. And one question may really worry: is there a threat to the health of those involved? The threat always exists, including on the street. And this is one of the reasons people come to gyms to learn self-defense techniques. Karate, which is the most popular in the world, stands out against the background of many martial arts. And this is due to many reasons.
Modern Karate is used as a spiritual and physical education, self-defense methods for people in their daily life, athletic and recreational activities and sports. All systems of Karate set as their goal the improvement and strengthening of the spiritual and physical strength of a person, in order to thereby bring his life attitudes into harmony with the disposition of a peaceful society. And unlike sports disciplines such as boxing or judo, Karate is a martial art where it is taught to control the force of a blow and teach the skills to revive in the event of shock strikes. In the same boxing, where blows are applied mainly to the head, there is much more danger to health, although many do not think about it.
PS And in conclusion, I would like to state the fact that in everyday situations people are injured much more often and more seriously than in Karate training.
Girls in martial arts
The greatest beauty of karate-like systems is the ability to train men and women together in mixed groups, regardless of age. An example of this is training at the Seibukai school.
Women, on an equal basis with men, are capable of learning and achieving high results. In addition, classes in Karate are complex in nature, being fitness (strength loads), aerobics (active training with kicks) and a kind of yoga (warm-ups, stretching) in addition to self-defense. Photos with the participation of Seibukai girls can be viewed in many photo albums at this link: https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/seibukai-kempo/albums/
We also recommend the video here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seibukai-Kempo-Karate/266670996700538
Age in martial arts is not a hindrance
Looking at the Karate masters from the island of Okinawa, one cannot stop admiring. After all, many of them have passed 70 years ago, but they are full of vitality. It is not for nothing that in Japan, Okinawan Karate is taught in schools as an element of physical culture. Age in martial arts, and especially in karate-like systems, is not a hindrance.
Moreover, I would like to recall the words of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, who was once asked when he reaches the peak of mastery, to which he immediately replied: "I will reach the peak of mastery when the time comes to die." We recommend that you see interesting photos with the participation of famous masters of Okinawa at the link: https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/seibukai-kempo/album/232132/
Note that the age of those engaged in Seibukai varies from 5 years old to 55 years old. And the age of the people of the main group of Seibukai is 35-40 years old.
Which school is the best?
Representatives of different styles of martial arts often like to discuss this topic. And some have the courage to find out in practice.
And yet the question is often asked: "Which martial arts school is the best?" The answer is very simple when you consider a few points. Firstly, each person trains to the best of his strength, capabilities and enough subjective ideas. And secondly, all schools owe their fame to the outstanding masters representing these schools. On this occasion, they usually say: "There are no bad schools, but there are bad students (or teachers)." And there is only one advice: comprehend the truth in comparison. The head of the Seibukai style himself, Gribakin Igor Mikhailovich, studied many Chinese and Japanese martial arts and recommends his students to try themselves in different martial arts. Then there will be fewer questions.
But another topic is much more important. Life itself sometimes forces weak people to study martial arts. But strong in body and spirit in extreme situations will not be, if they themselves do not turn up their nose. A strong body, a strong spirit and a peaceful character will determine your destiny.