RIGOROUS TRAINING

​WHAT IS “DO” in “Karate-do”?

THREE MAJOR TYPES OF EXERCISES:

“Do,” means “the way”. Karate practice allows the participant to develop character and learn to live by following the “dojo kun”. It also develops both mental and physical stamina. However, it is very important that the student never gives up, but persists, no matter what the situation may be. Without an earnest effort, without perseverance, the student will never understand the true spirit of karate.

Ginchin Funakoshi

Kihon (basics)
The elementary building blocks of karate: stance, posture, coordinated body movement, and concentration upon the opponent. These provide a sound foundation. If the basics are strong, it is easy to develop more advanced techniques.
Kata (form)
A pre-arranged sequence of techniques and movements simulating combat against multiple imaginary opponents. This specialized method of training is a rational extension of basics, offering situations in which certain attacks and defenses would be applicable. Kata is performed solo or in precision teams, and offers practice in combinations of techniques, focus and release of tension, breath control, and rhythm. Each level of karate study has its prescribed kata that trains the student, mentally and physically, for the next more advanced level.
Kumite (sparring)
As with kata, each level of training has its prescribed method of sparring, from the formal five or three-step sparring of the basic level (when the targets and attacker/defender are pre-arranged), to the free sparring of the most advanced level (when the participants themselves act/react spontaneously with attacks/blocks, using timing, distance, and strategy. But always, the attack is arrested just before body contact is made, requiring extreme body control and mental discipline.

HONORING THE VISION

Masataka Mori, 1932-2018
Chief Instructor JKA New York, 1968-2018

​Masataka Mori of Closter, age 85, born in Fukuoka, Japan, he attended Takushoku University and became captain of the Karate team. He came to the United States in 1963 as a karate instructor for the Japan Karate Association of Hawaii.   In 1968, he and his family moved to New York City, where he became the Chief Instructor of the JKA of New York and the Chief Instructor of JKA-Shotokan Karate-do International and attained the 9th Dan. In addition to teaching at his dojo, he had taught for years at New York colleges, including SUNY at Stony Brook, Columbia University, and CUNY, as well as a local schools, the Japanese Children’s Society. He often travelled abroad, acting as tournament arbitrator or judge, or teaching at various seminars.  This year marks his 50th year of teaching in New York City. He was an avid golf enthusiast and often participated in locally hosted Japanese American events.  Masataka Mori passed peacefully at his home in Closter, where he lived and gardened for forty years, surrounded by his devoted family. He is survived by Keiko, his wife of 61 years, his daughters Mayumi and Sayuri, their spouses Stephen and Alex, his four grandchildren, Allison, Kimiko, Andrew, Natalie, and Alexa and Kaitlin.

Mori-sensei inspired generations of students with his passion for karate.  Mori-sensei believed that the purpose of teaching karate was to develop students who could contribute positively to society.  Mori-sensei saw the rigorous training of the body as a pathway for developing mental discipline and building character.  At New York dojo we aspire to follow Mori-sensei's example and carry on his legacy.   Through strenuous training we challenge our own limits and continuously better ourselves so that we may give back to others.  This is how we honor Mori-sensei's lifetime commitment to karate and his vision.

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