What is the White Dragon Karate Training Method?
The training method I have created is an effort to bring a focus to the original purpose of karate. Self Defense. While also keeping the benefits of modern methods of training.
To us,
Tradition is seeking the same goal as the ancient masters. We seek what they sought.
Does this mean we will do everything exactly the same?
No.
What it does mean is that we aim to practice real, practical, useful defense. We strive to develop the mind, strengthen the body, and polish the spirit.
Keeping an eye on the past while striving for the future.
Our Mission Statement
The White Dragon Karate Training Method is an open source, simplified standard of teaching. Our mission is threefold.
1. To spread practical knowledge of self-defense, using the mnemonic tools available in traditional Okinawan and Japanese Karate (kata).
2. To make available all the tools necessary for someone to pursue the path of traditional karate, even when a Dojo is not locally available.
3. To demystify the martial arts and apply modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and psychology to create a powerful, efficient martial art.
So, how do we handle a simplified, online or small group practice standard of teaching? There are a few approaches that I have recommended throughout this site.
1.Transcend the Style Stigma
There are many styles or schools of traditional karate, there are also differences between traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate.
In order to promote the growth and spread of traditional karate, we need to be willing to train and learn with all of these traditional styles. See the 'Karate Styles' page.
Normally, you would only choose one style, one school, one teacher to study under. This has fractured karate, dividing its proponents. In this modern age, karate must unify and all be 'One Karate' in order to survive.
2. Fewer Kata, Deeper Understanding.
I have trained in multiple schools that had too many kata. Some modern karate schools have 2-3 empty hand kata, and 1 weapon kata at every belt rank. The issue here is that all the students time is then spent on learning all the movements of their forms, and no time on actually understanding and applying them.
3. What is "Deeper Understanding"?
It's Bunkai, the study of the movements, but more than that, it's also the way instructors teach.
The expectation for instructors in the White Dragon Karate Method is to teach defensive techniques for every single part of each kata. In this manner, the true purpose of kata is preserved.
4. Karate is more than just strikes.
As part of this curriculum, students will undertake learning various joint locks, throws, chokes, pressure point techniques, and sweeps. This can be easily seen if you study the Bunkai (application) for the kata. This will advance towards the true goal of karate: being a practical method of self-defense. In this training method these techniques are referred to a Jujutsu, however, do not confuse this with modern sports Jiujutsu or Judo. I only use the term jujutsu to refer to techniques involving throws and grappling, all of which are part of karate as a complete martial art.