Our Philosophy
The Purpose of Our Organization
The purpose of our organization is to link individual Dojos with SKIF headquarters in Japan and provide technical assistance if necessary.
The Intention of Our Organization
The intention of our organization is to spread and promote Kancho Kanazawa's philosophy and methods of teaching in Karate through camps, literature, and visiting instructors from SKIF headquarters in Japan.
"Wa No Sen"
(This is the core of Kancho's philosophy on Karate training.)
In regards to the interval (ma-ai) for attack and defense in karate, there is the proactive timing to control your opponent (sen-no-sen), and the interval of counter-attacking after they make an attack (go-no-sen). I have come to realize that there is another interval that surpasses these two. That is 'wa-no-sen', or the 'interval of harmony'. Wa-no-sen is where you act in accordance with your opponent's breathing and movement, and while you are maintaining total harmony with his or her every action, you are able to take the initiative and control them instead. The opponent will realize that he or she is being matched and harmonized with and has therefore lost the initiative. This condition of harmony means you cannot be defeated, and is therefore the secret to attaining victory.
In kihon practice you should be in harmony with yourself. In kata you should be in harmony with nature. In kumite, you should be in harmony with your opponent. By practicing all three as one entity you are able to build your character through your training. One's character should become rounded through the study of karate, and as long as you don't get stuck on one thing, you will be able to relax your shoulders, concentrate your energy in your lower abdomen, and have a clear view of everything around you. The senses are honed through learning from nature, and as long as you are able to have compassion for all things, all your enemies will retreat of their own accord. That is the true form of self-defense.
My ideal about Karate-do is a way of life that weak people and female can also learn and appreciate; and you can get better and stronger as you age.