Upcoming Dates
1. Promotion Dates: Starting at 1:00 pm on July 24th (Sat.) & Dec. 11 (Sat.)
2. Kata Application Clinic (Heian & Tekki Sho Dan): 1:00 - 4:00 pm on March 27 (Sat.)
Finishing with one Tsuki or one Keri in fighting is ideal and we train for it as our ultimate goal. However, Karate is a martial art to defend ourselves or protect others, and fights may often not be finished ideally and need to follow up at a close distance after Tsuki or Keri are executed. That's the reason why the techniques for close distance fighting, such as grabbing, hooking, locking, pinning and throwing, are hidden in Kata. Kata was created as the effective way to train by yourself, not to show it to others.
We will focus on the applications for throwing and pinning techniques based on some of the basic principles in Kata -- the reason why you take Kiba-Dachi or Kosa-Dachi, what are the double arm blocks for (using two arms at the same time or supporting one arm block with the other arm), what is Kaishu-Uke (open hand block) for, etc.
You will see Kata from a different perspective and understand why they practiced only Kata in the old days. I am sure that practicing Kata with a better understanding will be more interesting and enjoyable.
To sign up, email frank@doshikai.net
3. Bo Clinic: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm on April 10th
We will focus on Kihon Kumite I (Nidan Kaeshi) and Kihon Kumite II (Omote & Ura) as well as the applications for Jite. By understanding each movement in Jite, you will find it more practical to defend yourself against Bo attacks.
Kata Clinic will be mandatory for the Orange belts and up and Bo Clinic will be mandatory for Purple belts and up. However, lower belts can participate if they are interested.
To sign up, email frank@doshikai.net
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What is Doshi-Kai?
DoShiKai is a traditional Japanese Shotokan dojo. |
Doshi-Kai (meaning “the group pursuing the way”) was founded by Master Nagao Matsuyama, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1984.
The atmosphere at Doshi-Kai is unique—serious and focused, but friendly and not militaristic. In this setting, you can really feel the difference between “commercial” martial arts and the rare traditional non-profit groups where the “art” is more important than the promotion, the technique more valued than the belt, and the individual progress is not measured by how much you’ve paid out, but by how hard you work on yourself.
Body Shifting - Tai Sabaki
Sensei Matsuyama demonstrates using block and attack and body shifting at the same time:
 Visit a Typical Class online
Take a YouTube Video tour of basic techniques, kihon kumite and kata filmed during a regular class run by Sensei Matsuyama.
<- Sensei Matsuyama demonstrating a technique with George Noone
These classes will challenge you to excel, much like the way they were taught in Japan to promote mental and physical discipline. Master Matsuyama’s advanced take on Shotokan combines the flexibility and fluidity of Taisabaki (shifting) with the speed, power and forward focus of traditional Shotokan.
Every class with Master Matsuyama is like a special seminar—he has been mentored by Master Watanabe, who himself is the oldest living student of the founder of Shotokan Karate, Grandmaster Funakoshi. Advanced students come from a long way off, just to have a chance to work out with Master Matsuyama at his level.
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| Special Open Seminar
The Special Open Seminar was a success. With approximately 32 attendees, Sensei Nago Matsuyama spent time reviewing the fine points of four blocks: Down block (gedan-barai), rising block (age-uke), outside arm block (soto uke) and inside arm block (uchi uke).
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DoShi-Kai is located in Acton, Masachusetts, near Boston. |
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Ever Wonder what a Black Belt Exam is like?  John O'Gara writes down his own personal experience about his Black Belt test. His first person account is interesting for those who have not taken the test, and also for others who have taken the test and want to remember the nerves and sweat. |
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