Our Approach and Philosophy
The Atlanta Dojo of Martial Ways of Georgia was founded at Emory University in 1989. The association was originally founding in 1973, is headquartered in Illinois our sister Lake County Dojo, and is an affiliate of the United States Karate-Do Kai (USKK). We offer a disciplined, personalized study of the traditional art, leading away from the commercialized, tournament-oriented approach. Workouts are at least twice per week, all year round, with special events, seminars, and workshops. Our philosophy, together with our facility, bend to form a calm, nurturing place for immersion in the traditional art.
Beginners are very welcome to attend a free class, just contact us!
The art is grounded primarily in Shorei and Goju styles, with elements of Aikido and Tai Chi Ch'uan incorporated from time to time. The Shorei form is characterized by low stances and more linear, closed-handed movements, whereas Goju (meaning "hard-soft") tends to incorporate softer, more circular movements and principles. The blending of the two yields a comprehensive immersion in the ancient Okinawan empty hand combative arts.
We believe that Karate, as practiced and taught in our Dojo (school), provides training in an effective martial art and serves as a context for personal growth, and it is the intention of the instructors in our Association to do their best to provide guidance and practice in both. It is difficult to lean Karate without being willing to examine one's self; it is impossible to approach mastery of the art without mastering one's self. On one level, the practitioner is expected to strive toward expertise in martial arts technique, kata and kumite. Such expertise takes persistence, self-discipline and the consistent readiness to learn. Along with these traits, the student is introduced to another dimension, the traditions and philosophy of the arts - history, terminology, proper attitude and etiquette, and the zen perspective on experience and perception, especially as it relates to the practice of the marital arts. Philosophically, we believe in following the way of the "gentle warriors" in the martial arts tradition, those masters - like Gichin Funakoshi and William Foster - who valued harmony and wisdom above competition and conflict. Therefore, while the Dojo is a place that demand commitment and hard work, it also is a place that should provide a fellowship and mutual support in achieving a common goal, the development of the highest self in each of us.
Finally, we believe that training in the arts should contribute to the full devotement of the individual - to further self-realization and personal fulfillment. It should, to whatever degree possible, help to enhance the student's endeavors and relationships outside the Dojo as well as within it. To this end - and to maintain the integrity of the art and the honor of the Dojo - we believe in fostering and encouraging the virtues of respect towards others, self-discipline, humility, compassion and loyalty. For this reason, the true study of the martial arts is a life-long journey which invites openness to challenge, faith, and the consistent striving towards one's potential as a person. It must be recognized that it is only in the following path toward self-realization that we become genuine students of the arts.
|
 |
