The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection

THE SILVER CUP KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO COLLECTION

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection
FOR MORE PHOTOS GO TO THE FOLLOWING SITE
http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z9BWP9Y&ec=silvercup
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KARATE

We put together a special pricing sheet. When you view the photos on the website.. You can tag the ones you like and email to select the size. These price include retouch and printing of the photos. additional prices for Shipping. within the states just the regular fees for shipping. outsidethe states those will be higher of course.

deborah@globalmarinemedia.com

Photos will be professionally retouched

Pricing for Photo orders
Print Size Price

4x6 $ 1.00
5x7 $ 15.00
8x10 $ 20.00
11x14 $ 40.00
16x20 or 17x25 $ 60.00

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo collection

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection

FOR MORE PHOTOS GO TO THE FOLLOWING SITE

http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z9BWP9Y&ec=silvercup

ENTER PASSWORD

KARATE

World Sansei Brazil

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection
FOR MORE PHOTOS GO TO THE FOLLOWING SITE
http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z9BWP9Y&ec=silvercup
ENTER PASSWORD
KARATE

Ki

If the origins of nearly every traditional martial art in existence today were explored, one would find that the theories and principles of 'ki' training are in existence in the original teachings. Many martial artist today who are studying these arts do not understand exactly what 'ki' power really is. Although some people like to market 'ki' as some mystical power that only they possess, 'ki' is no secret. The word itself translates to "energy, life- force, spirit, and/or breath." It also represents the scientific phenomena of physics. It is also referred to by Christians as God's Holy Spirit which God breathed into Adam after forming him out of the earth (dirt). Everyone has 'ki': If you didn't, you'd be dead!

It is beneficial in seeking a definition to explain 'ki', that we understand that there is only one Chinese calligraphy used to write the word 'ki'; and further to understand that this particular ideogram is only descriptive of this force, and is not used to define or write any other idea or word. Also, we must research the occurrence of this ideogram in conjunction with others, and then explore the definitions of the words made with these conjunctions. The calligraphy can be broken into two parts. One is which shows the spirit. The second is and represents the whole rice plant (roots, stem, and rice) before it is pulled from the ground, in it's natural form. It symbolizes the physical body. To achieve 'ki' means that the mind is surpassed and the spirit directly controls the body. Thinking is no longer necessary (emotions do not get involved) when it becomes reflex. We all know that "reaction" is "thought before action". Reflex is absent of thought, like when you touch a hot stove. There is no though involved, you reflex according to your body's natural self-defense system. The heart may be the strongest physical muscle in the body but, it is also the most deceptive, it leads us by emotion. Emotion can take you farther than you want to go and keep you longer than you should stay. The tongue is the most versatile muscle in the body but it can cut deeper than any sword. Emotion is not needed in combat. Only training properly everyday can ready you for that. Training properly should be the training of the spirit and the body will naturally be conditioned to support the task. That is spiritual training in the martial arts, not religion. Religion has no place in combat, it does effect how a warrior trains and fights however. We don't join the military to become a priest but, to become a warrior. Your religious beliefs are best when expressed through example and action. Actions speak louder than words.

As one can see, many of the uses of the word 'ki' are within the explanation of the defining of a frame of mind, or an attitude, or the appearance of one's body or expression during an emotional "high." 'ki' is used in words defining "air" or some attribute, state, form, usage, or other regard thereof. Also, there is an, as yet, scientifically undefined energy within the body some refer to as the body's electrical energy. It is part of this transportation system referred to as the channels or meridians. There are twelve main meridians in the body, and each relates to one of the 12 major organs. Each meridian consists of many sensitive points. It is on these points that an acupuncturist inserts his needles or an acupressurist presses with his fingers.To better visualize the concept of Ki, and the meridians, think of the meridians as a river-bed, over which water flows and irrigates the land; feeding, nourishing and sustaining the substance through which it flows. (In Western medicine, the concept would be likened to the blood flowing through the circulatory system or an electrical system of a house.) If a dam were placed at any point along the river, the nourishing effect that the water had on the whole river would stop at the point the dam was placed. The same is true in relation to Ki and the meridians. When the Ki becomes blocked, the rest of the body that was being nourished by the continuous flow, now suffers. Illness and disease can result if the flow is not restored.
The stimulation created by the insertion of needles or the pressing on certain points, either releases built-up 'ki', or opens the pathway for 'ki' to again flow properly. Certain numerous, physical symptoms can be observed on the body when there is either an obstruction, or a build-up of 'ki' at some point on a particular meridian. An example would be the formation of moles at specific locations adjacent to a meridian. Yet another would be a particular toenail becoming thick, hard, and discolored. There may not be an explanation for this according to Western medicine, but Eastern medicine can not only explain it using 'ki' theories, but through acupuncture or acupressure, they can help heal it.
In the martial arts we look at pressure points as valves. The electrical energy travels in two directions in the body along the nervous system. If the two "lines" come too close together it shorts out that circuit and causes pain, paralysis, or death. Much like an electrical short in a wired system.
The practice of acupuncture and acupressure has been around for at least three thousand years. Nothing lasts that long without having some sort of measurable effect. It has been scientifically proven that there is a greater concentration of nerve endings at each point on the body where the Asians originally defined the acupoints - at least in comparison to the surrounding areas. It can be reasoned that stimulation of these nerves causes the reactions within the body, that treatments in either form produce - but nobody knows for sure. The one thing we do know for sure is that the human body is tremendously resilient and able to take care of, and repair itself, if it is kept healthy and strong. 'Ki' training, in addition to diet, is the best way to maintain the condition of homeostasis required for the body to function at it's peak.
In layman's terms, 'ki' is the combination of such things as, the proper frame of mind (attitude or concentration), adrenalin and endorphins (produced through emotional/mental stimulation), oxygen (allowing the body to function closer to homeostasis), knowledge (of body mechanics), and the "undefined" energy within the body. Hopefully, it is becoming clearer that 'ki' is not one definable thing or idea, but rather, 'ki' is created or exists as a combination of many factors, both internal and external. Gojuryu Karate do seeks to create harmony, or the coordination of each of the factors listed above, among others, to make the practitioner a dynamic source of energy and control.
To define exactly what "ki" is would take pages of explanation... Simply put, every object, living or otherwise, has "ki." 'Ki' is the energy inside every atom of everything around you. You can expel from, and accept 'ki' into your body. This is the "energy" form of 'ki'. The physical form inside our bodies is adrenaline. So, in actuality, there are many forms of 'ki' which we need to practice to utilize. That within the atoms of our body is our "life force," without it, we would die. Adrenaline, is our super hormone - at our "fingertips" whenever we need it. You will learn techniques through your training in Gojuryu to allow you to summon the several types of 'ki' on command.
The level of 'ki' energy within your body relates directly to your breathing and how much oxygen you take in and absorb. Nearly every body function, from muscle contraction, to the ability to focus or concentrate, can be enhanced by an increase in the blood oxygen levels. Additionally, toxins which are produced as a part of the normal functions and processes of the body, are more rapidly expelled. A research group in Chicago found that there are enough toxins brought into and produced by our lungs, in one hour to (if concentrated) kill over 60 people. Obviously it is easy to see that proper breathing techniques are vital to a healthy, prolonged existence.
The word "ki-ai" (Japanese) used to define the yells that are so common in any fighting art. Unfortunately, however, the definition "to yell" is a poor one. More accurately, the word "ki-ai" defines the harmony which is created during the yell, between the energies of the mind and body. Were you to try, you would find it quite difficult to focus your mind on anything other than the technique you are performing in association with the "ki-ai." This is good! It means that your whole 'being' is sub-consciously coordinating all of the activities and thoughts necessary to generate a maximum amount of power with that technique.
In the old days before many of the martial arts became sports and recreational activities, most serious martial artists underwent 'ki' training in addition to the physical practice of the art. Gojuryu as was stated earlier, involves a good deal of training in the development of this "internal energy." Gojuryu simply would not be the same art, minus the 'ki' training and the power, both mental and physical, along with the health benefits it (ki training) promotes.
"Everyone has a maximum power potential, exceeding their normal ability. By developing their 'ki' energy, they can bring out their maximum power whenever needed. 'Ki' training is the way to develop that power."
'Ki' isn't just something you build-up, like a weight lifter does muscles. The level of 'ki' related energy is different for men and women, and varies at different times of the day. For instance, daily times for 'ki' "highs and lows," are opposite for men and women and closely follow the oriental concept of um and yang. According to many experts, a man's 'ki' energy is high in early in the morning and in the evening (sun-up & sun-down), and at it's lowest during the afternoon and during the middle of the night. Women's 'ki' energy is low early in the morning and in the evening, but high in the afternoon, and during the middle of the night. Therefore, martial arts training will be respectively more beneficial to men and women during their high points of the day, or during the time when their level of 'ki' energy is highest. For both sexes, physical strength and stamina are best when 'ki' levels are at their maximum. This is not to say, however, that martial arts training during other times of the day will not be greatly beneficial to the practitioner, just that there is an optimum time for training.
Meditation is a daily must! Since 'ki' travels more freely when both the mind and body are relaxed, daily meditating becomes very important to your training. Your mind will not relax until your body is physically relaxed and vise versa. Quiet, calm breathing helps the body to relax. Anytime you are engaged in the activity of concentrating on your breathing, you are meditating! This period of meditation allows the body to perform many of the same functions and processes which occur during sleep, therefore creating more "rest" time for the body.
Daily abdominal breathing is also a must. Gojuryu training consists basic techniques of abdominal breathing or breathing. Typically, these techniques are practiced before and after a class. Breathing correctly produces many things to happen within your body. You get more oxygen than you normally would and you begin to tingle and sweat. The tingle is the oxygen dancing with your red blood cells. The sweating comes from an increase of body temperature which is the metabolism speeding up and buring calories. Just from breathing correctly!

Silver Cup Karate Championship

FOR MORE PHOTOS GO TO THE FOLLOWING SITE
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Karate

A brief History of Karate and Meaning of the Kanji

Karate is an art which developed in Okinawa, an island south of Japan mainland. The word karate consists of two kanji (Chinese characters).

Therefore, a literal meaning may be taken as the art of empty hands (weaponless). This has some appropriateness as karate developed on the island of Okinawa as an empty handed martial art due to a long-standing law prohibiting weapons. However, the explanation of the meaning of the kanji is deeper than that stated above. Karate was not always written using the two kanji depicted above. There have been at least two earlier names for the art. The first of these was Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand). This name represented the style of martial art which developed in Okinawa over a period of about 1000 years (as reported by Master Funakoshi in Karate-Do Kyohan, 1935 and Karate-Do: My Way of Life, 1956). Later the name karate came into being using the kanji representing Chinese and hand.
This name resulted from the blending of Okinawa-te and Chinese boxing. It has been proposed that the best of Chinese martial arts and Okinawa-te were combined to produce a more refined martial art: Karate. As early as 1905, in Okinawa, it had been suggested that the kanji for kara be changed from the character meaning "Chinese" to the character meaning "empty". This change would reflect that karate, like all traditional martial arts, acts as a vehicle for passage along the Way (the Zen path leading to enlightenment). The Keio University Karate Club officially substituted the kanji "empty" for the kanji "Chinese" in 1929. This act was then consolidated in 1935 with Funakoshi publishing Karate-Do Kyohan. Kara was briefly discussed in terms of emptiness and the Way. For example, "empty of self, being synonymous with the truth of the universe". Emptiness and the Way is a complex subject, one which cannot be written about, but only experienced. Therefore, I will simply list some Zen verses relating to this topic. Zen master Yagyu, "Suppose you are shooting and you think about shooting while you are shooting: then the aim of the bow will be inconsistent and unsteady"... "When the archer forgets the consciousness of shooting, and shoots in a normal frame of mind, as if unoccupied, the bow will be steady." "Realization of emptiness, therefore, does not mean withdrawal from the world, but rather the capacity for change, the potential for progress." A sentence taken from a translation by Thomas Cleary of Shosan's Writings. "Empty like the hollow bamboo yet straight, pliant and unbreakable..." Funakoshi The Japanese term often used for "empty mind" is mushin. Be careful when attempting to understand mushin, as Shosan said, "People misunderstand the Zen term 'no thought' and use it to become absent minded dolts. This is a big mistake. You should keep a strong mind." Karate is more correctly written as Kara-te-do.

The Silver Cup Karate Championship Photo Collection

FOR MORE PHOTOS GO TO THE FOLLOWING SITE

http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z9BWP9Y&ec=silvercup

ENTER PASSWORD

KARATE

Higher Level Intelligence

"Higher level intelligence"

is about the growth of a human being. It is about moving on in life. About having a direction in life and being able to heal ourselves of all the resentment we carry. It is thinking of ourselves as an expression of a higher reality. It is also about how we look at the resources available to us. We realize that nature is not meant to be exploited. Ultimately, we discover freedom from our sense of limitation as human beings and attain a higher level of thought.

For me higher level intelligence is about pondering over my life's purpose. Just being in touch with that question is fulfilling. Finally I realize that there is an immensity to me. As I move along the path, deeper levels of myself get unfolded, leading to fulfillment." Humans are essentially spiritual beings, evolved to ask fundamental questions. "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" "What do others mean to me?" It is an ability to answer questions like these that lead people to personal growth. Karate has been the path that has taken me to higher levels of thought. This karatedo journey is a very personal one, it has nothing to do with power or winnings, it has to do with total realization of self.