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Notes from the dojo

Essays on Karate, Budō, healing and wellbeing — and news from the EmptyHands community.

Wellbeing6 Jun 20243 min read

Reflections: lessons from lockdown

The purpose of this blog is to share my experiences and some thoughts from the lockdown which have helped me to maintain routine without being perturbed by…

History6 Jun 20241 min read

The history of Karate-Dō

History of Karate began over a thousand years ago, possibly as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma arrived in China (Henan Province, Songshan…

Wellbeing6 Jun 20241 min read

Sports injuries and the martial arts

Many studies have shown that Martial Arts (all contact sports) are often associated to high risk of injuries. Subsequently, there is a need of a more pragmatic…

Dojo life6 Jun 20243 min read

The EmptyHands Charity Cup

The grand prize for the winning team! At EmptyHands Karate School, we believe in the power of karate not only as a martial art but as a force for positive…

Dojo life6 Jun 20242 min read

Workshop with Shihan Chris Rowen

Join us for an exclusive karate workshop with the renowned Shihan Chris Rowen, a 7th Dan black belt. With over 30 years of experience in martial arts, Shihan…

Wellbeing16 May 20243 min read

Sōtai master class with Rex Lassalle

Rex Lassalle is a world-renowned Master in the Japanese healing art of Shiatsu and an authority on East Asian astrology and its impact on health. Moreover, he…

Dojo life16 May 20241 min read

The dojo warm-up

Senior students taking junior class through our standard warm-up

Wellbeing16 May 20241 min read

The EmptyHands Shiatsu clinic

EmptyHands Shiatsu Clinic We provide advice, support and rehabilitation for sports injuries, back problems and trauma. The primary therapies used are Shiatsu…

History16 May 20244 min read

Bodhidharma, founder of the martial arts

Bodhidharma: The Founder of Martial Arts Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk from the 5th or 6th century. He introduced Zen Buddhism to China and is traditionally…

Wellbeing16 May 20244 min read

Chi: understanding the vital life force

Understanding Chi This word frequently describes a phenomenon within us in Martial Arts and Healing circles. But what is Chi? We often spell “Chi/Qi/Ki” this…

Dojo life16 May 20241 min read

The virtual dojo

Our Dojo also operates online using Microsoft Teams. This is a platform that allows our Dojo members to communicate, collaborate, ask questions and attend free…

Wellbeing16 May 20244 min read

Yoga and Karate

The purpose of this blog is to reflect on the relationship between Yoga and Karate and how they complement each other. In KaraTe we often discuss the term Chi…

Dojo life16 May 20248 min read

Training Karate online through the pandemic

Coronavirus Impact on Our Lives The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly impacted our lives in countless ways. Adjusting to life under lockdown can take a…

Karate16 May 20243 min read

Fight Club: back to the roots of Karate

Understanding the Roots of Karate Many modern martial arts trace their roots to To-Te Jitsu. This traditional martial art originated in the Ryukyu Islands,…

Wellbeing16 May 20243 min read

Boosting immunity with acupressure

Strengthening Immunity with Traditional Asian Medicine In today’s fast-paced world, accessing local healthcare providers can feel daunting. Fortunately, we can…

Karate16 May 20244 min read

Kobudō: traditional Japanese weaponry

Kobudō (古武道, Old Martial Arts) Kobudō is a collective term that encompasses a variety of traditional Japanese martial arts focused on weaponry and combat…

Wellbeing16 May 20247 min read

Coping with stress: is Karate the answer?

The Reality of Coping with Stress Have you ever had one of those days? You’re running late to work and forcing yourself into an overcrowded train while coping…

Karate16 May 20243 min read

Five ways to become a better karateka

Kickstart Your Karateka Training: Simple Resolutions for the New Year Start the new year with simple actionable resolutions for your Karate ka training : Easy…

Karate16 May 20245 min read

Neurobics for Karate

Introduction of Neurobics for Karate: Have you ever wondered which exercises are best for the internal organs and the brain? There is a common misconception…

Karate16 May 20246 min read

Karate mindsets

Karate Mindsets and Mental Development Karate Mindsets includes six levels of Karate Mindsets. These levels are rooted in the practice of Zazen. They serve as…

Karate16 May 20243 min read

The Shotokan tiger

Shotokan Tigers: The Symbol of Strength and Resilience Hoan Kusugi, a Japanese man, originally created the Shotokan Tigers as a tribute to Karate. He developed…

Karate16 May 20244 min read

Evidence-based Karate training

Evidence-Based Training (EBT), or Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), has served as a cornerstone in various industries, especially in academia and healthcare. It…

Karate16 May 20243 min read

Budō culture

Budō (武道) is a Japanese term that consists of two kanji characters meaning Martial (Bu) Way (Dō). This term typically encompasses all Japanese martial arts,…

Dojo life11 Feb 20243 min read

Creating an online dojo with Microsoft Teams

Running a online dojo during social distancing is challenging, but the concept of an online dojo has existed for some time. This innovative approach to martial…

Karate11 Feb 20244 min read

Karate rules for personal growth

Principles for Personal Growth There is a world of knowledge beyond the physical practice. The masters often describe this aspect of training as the…

The first class is the hardest step — you won’t take it alone

New students pay as they go for the first few weeks. Just bring comfortable clothes.