Way of Empty Hand

巻込技　　makikomi waza:

The Black Karate Federation (BKF) emerged as a response to the events surrounding a pivotal tournament held in 1969, which featured a match between two prominent martial artists, Joe Lewis and Sijo Muhammad, who was then known as Steve Sanders. The establishment of the BKF was motivated by a desire to address issues of unequal opportunity and representation within the tournament circuit, particularly for African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities.

The BKF aimed to level the playing field by providing a platform that offered equal opportunities for martial artists from underrepresented backgrounds to showcase their skills and compete on a fair and inclusive basis. In doing so, it sought to break down the barriers and biases that had historically hindered the progress of minority practitioners in the martial arts community.

One of the significant contributions of the BKF was its commitment to fostering the growth and development of young people through martial arts. Recognizing the transformative power of martial arts training, the organization offered karate lessons to young individuals who may not have had the financial means to afford such opportunities. This initiative not only provided access to valuable self-defense skills but also promoted discipline, self-confidence, and personal growth among the youth, particularly in underserved communities.

"Our mission is to create a greater sense of awareness of both physical and mental health, to assist individuals, including at risk youth, in reaching their potential and expanding their social consciousness by establishing goals, building confidence and developing a strong self concept."

Nage-no-kata (投の形 forms of throwing)

Ma-sutemi-waza (真捨身技 rear sacrifice techniques) Yoko-sutemi-waza (橫捨身技 side sacrifice techniques)

Nage-no-kata (投の形 forms of throwing)

Te-waza (手技 hand techniques) Koshi-waza (腰技 hip techniques) Ashi-waza (足技 foot techniques)

This 1000 year old Katana looks as good as it did the day it was made. [3746x3024]

This is Mikazuki. The Crescent Moon blade.

This sword was crafted by Sanj(y)o Munechika and is older than 1000 years. (The Smith’s oldest signed work is from 987).

There are only 5 of the smith’s pieces remaining and this one exhibits one of the first times in history that the Japanese sword takes on it’s utilitarian curved shape.

This sword was owned by a laundry list of important historical figures including Oda Nobunaga’s general Toyotomi Hideyoshi who unified Japan.

You are essentially looking at a Japanese Excalibur.

And no it’s not beating the stuffing out of someone that brings me peace though, that smack you get when you hit a pad just right…💕

It’s the kata and the kihon I love the most especially the kata that’s where you really see the art part.

And it’s frustrating so frustrating when your sensei wants you to get something and it’s just not happening but when you do, the elation is like getting top marks back in school.

Nothing nothing clears my mind like practicing karate, nothings cleansed my soul like karate. I’m finding myself again.

Karate’s giving me the courage to walk away from a bad relationship, I honestly believe that if not for karate I would have stayed but I’m starting to remember just who the fuck I am.

3DAN!!! 🥳🥳

I was so tired, at times I actually thought of not doing the test, but thanks to my training partners I did it and with good grades!!

The Black Karate Federation (BKF) emerged as a response to the events surrounding a pivotal tournament held in 1969, which featured a match between two prominent martial artists, Joe Lewis and Sijo Muhammad, who was then known as Steve Sanders. The establishment of the BKF was motivated by a desire to address issues of unequal opportunity and representation within the tournament circuit, particularly for African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities.

The BKF aimed to level the playing field by providing a platform that offered equal opportunities for martial artists from underrepresented backgrounds to showcase their skills and compete on a fair and inclusive basis. In doing so, it sought to break down the barriers and biases that had historically hindered the progress of minority practitioners in the martial arts community.

One of the significant contributions of the BKF was its commitment to fostering the growth and development of young people through martial arts. Recognizing the transformative power of martial arts training, the organization offered karate lessons to young individuals who may not have had the financial means to afford such opportunities. This initiative not only provided access to valuable self-defense skills but also promoted discipline, self-confidence, and personal growth among the youth, particularly in underserved communities.

"Our mission is to create a greater sense of awareness of both physical and mental health, to assist individuals, including at risk youth, in reaching their potential and expanding their social consciousness by establishing goals, building confidence and developing a strong self concept."