…Form is limitation, a necessary limitation, therefore ultimately we should be free of form. Being free of form mentally and physically will allow us to flow, adopt, and apply our techniques within any space, angle or instant in time, and from any starting position…[Sensei Avi Rokah]
"Andrzej Czyrka is the ideal karate teacher and student, always questioning, always learning and always improving."
"While I have trained in karate for many years, Sensei Andrzej Czyrka has given me a new depth of understanding. I am very grateful for his insight"
"Varied programme for all grades and a safe environment to learn what really works!"
Last weekend in Krakow, we witnessed an exceptional training opportunity under the guidance of Sensei Avi Rokah, 8th Dan from the United States. The seminar, organized by the Kraków Traditional Karate Club, attracted over 200 […]
On 22-23 March, the Heron Hall Academy in London, Enfield, hosted three events: – TKFGB Judges Refresher Course,– 6th London Karate Cup– Best Competitor of 2024 Awards Ceremony (separate link: https://tkfgb.co.uk/tkfgb-best-karate-competitors-2024/)The events have been organised […]
“What you have been taught by listening to others’ words you will forget very quickly; what you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life” – Gichin Funakoshi […]
There are many schools of thought regarding the practice of karate and although some are different in styles, all are concerned with applying the ultimate power of technique. Generating power in martial arts has evolved […]
Budō is a form of Japanese physical culture that has its origins in the ancient tradition of bushidō – literally, “the way of the warrior.” Practitioners of budō develop technical martial skills while striving to unify of mind, technique and body; to develop their character; to enhance their sense of morality; and to cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Thus, budō serves as a path to self-perfection. Budō as a general term refers to the modern Japanese martial arts disciplines comprised of jūdō, kendō, kyūdo, sumō, karatedō, aikidō, shōrinji kempō, naginata, and jūkendō.
Traditional Karate, as an art of self-defense, evolved in Japan over many years. Its technical base is founded on the Okinawan principle of “Tode”, which itself is based an “Chonfa”, the fighting art of China, a weaponless form of self-defense. Its philosophical base is Japanese “Budo” which is common to many Japanese martial arts. The combination of Okinawan fighting forms and Japanese Budo philosophy eventually became Traditional Karate. Central to the technical structure of Traditional Karate is the concept of “Todome-waza” or finishing blow whereby a single technique totally disables an opponent. This high technical proficiency makes Traditional Karate a form of high art.
Sport karate is a good form of exercise and have the end goal of declaring a winner and a loser at the conclusion of a competition. The ultimate goal of training in Traditional Karate is not merely the perfection of fighting skills, but rather the total development of the human character where fighting is no longer necessary.
A fundamental principle of Traditional Karate is the concept of “Todome waza” or “Finishing Blow”, which describes a technique, whether punching, kicking, striking or smashing blow, sufficient to destroy an attacker. Maximum impact, economy of movement and the ability to defend against multiple opponents is also highly stressed. Hand in hand with developing athletic ability and technical proficiency. Traditional Karate also emphasizes emotional self-control, correct judgment and calmness of spirit necessary to perform the techniques under stressful conditions.