Karate Overview

Although the exact beginnings of karate are somewhat uncertain, a combination of archeological evidence, written documentation, and oral history shows us that what we today call "Karate" is Okinawan. In fact, it was not introduced to the rest of the world until the great Okinawan karate master, Gichin Funakoshi, first introduced it in Japan in the 1920s. Records indicate that the Okinawans combined several Chinese boxing styles with their own indigenous systems in order to fight armed occupation troops throughout several periods of their history dating back to the 1500s (i.e. rein of Sho Hashi and later, the nearly 250 year rule by the Japanese).

What is Karate?

Karate is a martial art which is founded on the effective use of every part of the body for the purpose of self defense. It is a weaponless art which employs various techniques of punching, striking, kicking, etc.

The prototype of Karate techniques is found in Chinese Kempo, which was introduced into Japan via Okinawa by Mr. Gichin Funakoshi, who is called the "Father of Karate". Karate has undergone a scientific revolution in Japan. All available knowledge in the study of anatomy, the laws of physics and human psychology were applied for its further research and development in Japan. And, finally today, what is called modern Karate is the result of this study. Without saying, Karate throughout its history has provided an excellent means of self defense. It is possible for one to develop a power equivalent to some weapons with systematic training of its techniques.

Because the art of Karate makes balanced use of the whole body, its values as an ideal physical art has been recognized and has been evaluated. It is becoming more popular each year.

One reason for the sudden international attraction and interest, and its rapid acceptance, can be attributed to the foregoing factors. However, the purpose of learning Karate is to hold as an ideal the perfection of human character through its training.

by Gichin Funakoshi

Who Can Do Karate?

Karate is designed for everyone, old or young, tall or short, or anyone in between. Rank requirements are the same for everyone, regardless of size and/or gender. Traditional karate training focuses on technique rather than on strength or size. The reason being, is that the key to force and power in a technique is rooted in how it is executed. Although rather easy to imitate these movements, you will find that they require a considerable amount of practice and discipline to become adept at them.

The Ultimate Aim of Karate-do

The word Karate comes from the teaching of Zen, which could be considered to be the backbone of oriental philosophy since ancient times. The Japanese character (kara) means Heaven or Universe, which in addition to containing the heavenly bodies consists of a great expanse of empty space. The word (kara) when translated to Zen terms relates to human existence as the state of selflessness or nothingness (the state where the self does not exist and all selfishness and selfish thoughts are gone). In other words, man should not be overcome by trifling selfishness, but should seek instead the perfection of his moral character.

This state of selflessness necessitates the desire for man to become a just and moral being. For example, man should not be motivated by the quest for material wealth and power, should not be envious of others, nor become a burden to society; but live a clean, wholesome, and moral life, with pride and honor no matter what other people say. To be able to attain this state of moral perfection is the ultimate goal of Karate-do.

Karate and Wado Ki Kai

Karate allows us many personal benefits. It is challenging - both mentally and physically, offers us a great way to stay in shape, relieves stress, gives us the opportunity to meet new people, and its a way for us to enjoy ourselves and have fun. At this dojo (school, studio, or center) we practice a style of karate called Wado Ki Kai. The English translation means "to learn from all things." This system of karate is a combination of our late teachers (Master John Pereira, 8th Dan ) traditional and contemporary styles of training. Wado Ki Kai is primarily an Okinawan-Japanese system, but it incorporates other aspects of different styles of martial arts. Traditional katas from Shorinji-Ryu, Shotokan, Gojukai, and Wado-Ryu are included. In addition, Okinawan weaponry, Chinese Kung-Fu weapons, and Korean kicking techniques from Tae Kwon Do are included. Sensei Pereira passed away in 1993. It is our hope to carry on the legacy he left us, and share it with others.

Wado Ki Kai - To learn from all things

Wado Ki Kai Style

Welcome to our Karate Program! This Web Site has been prepared to help with an orientation to the martial arts by anticipating and answering questions you may have. However, if after browsing, you still have not gotten all the answers you want, please contact one of the Black Belt instructors by way of email or through a school and they will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Passing the torch

On June 1st, 2009 Shihan Ferol Arce, 9th Dan, officially turned the Karate program (Adult & Children) at Mariner Square Athletic Club over to Sensei Geoffrey Bradley, 6th dan.

Shihan Arce started his Karate training in the 70s under Soke John Pereira. He started teaching in the early 80s and started the program at Mariner Square in 1989. During his long journey he has promoted over 100 students to black belt, including his most senior student, Geoffrey Bradley.

We all that have trained with Shihan Arce will miss his regular guidance, but we all know we are in good hands with Sensei Bradley and Shihan Arce is only a phone call away.

Shihan Ni Rei!

Wado Ki Kai Karate

The Wado Ki Kai system was founded in 1976 by the late John T. Pereira, 8 th degree black-belt. The English translation means "To Learn From All Things". Practitioners of this style refer to it as "the complete karate system" due to its incorporation of techniques from other styles in the martial arts.

Sensei Pereira was strongly influenced by two of his teachers; Dr. Duke Moore, 10 th degree black-belt in karate (a man whom also holds black belt rank in judo and ju-jitsu), and Richard "Biggie" Kim, another renowned martial artist. Kata from the Naha-te, Goju, Shuri-te, and Shoto are all manifest in the Wado Ki Kai system.

Weapons include the Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku , and sword. The adoption of fluid kicking techniques from Tae Kwon Do are evident when Wado Ki Kai kumite is observed. The most celebrated technique of this style, and one that it is best known for, is the front thrust kick. Sensei Pereira strongly advocated the incorporation of padded sparring equipment in kumite. This idea met with much opposition at the time, but Sensei Pereira nevertheless included it in the Wado Ki Kai system, and today it is an accepted practice in the martial arts world.

Today, Master Pereiras unique system of karate is being taught throughout the United States and Mexico. We that knew him are greatly saddened by his untimely death in 1993, but respectfully share his legacy, and work towards its continuation and growth.

by Ferol N. Arce, Shihan

Wado Ki Kai Lineage

Wado Ki Kai has lineage through several Karate masters from both the Shuri and Naha line, as well as influences from Tae Kwon Do, JuJitsu, and Judo.

Wado Ki Kai Karate Registered Trademark

The Wado Ki Kai name and symbol became a registered trademark in 1997 under the classes of Clothing and Education and Entertainment to Ferol Arce. The trademark was first filed on November 13, 1995, was officially accepted in 1996 and published in 1997. Here is the published recognition of the trademark from May 13, 1997.

Dojo

Always bow respectfully as you enter and leave the dojo. You show respect for the dojo, the art, your fellow students, and the instructors, by doing so. If a class has already begun, quietly bow in at the door, enter the room, and step to the side, be seated and perform the opening ceremony silently to yourself. You may join the class at this point, as long as they too have finished the formal class bow in.

Karate Uniform and Belt

You are required to wear a karate uniform. It is called a "gi". The only additional feature allowed on our gi is the Wado Ki Kai emblem. Gi color other than white may be worn ONLY by visitors from another dojo. Never wear a belt color other than the one associated with your rank. Always place the left side of your gi over the right side. Tie the belt so that you have the appropriate square knot with the ends of the belt even and resting in the center of your body (not at the side or back). Again, visitors from other dojos are exempt from this rule. Make sure your gi is always clean and ironed (if possible). Cutting off the sleeves or pant legs is not permitted. If your gi begins to look tattered, buy a new one. It is a reflection of you and your school.