Karate-do is a form of martial art and self-discipline that aims at the betterment
of the individual and his relationships with others. The Japanese term "do" from
the chinese "tao" indicates a path or way toward greater awareness and human development.
At the deepest level, karate-do emphasizes a mind/body unity of natural action and
reaction and encourages an attitude of respect for all persons. The martial way
is not aimed at violence nor merely a means to justified self-defense. Practicing
the art points beyond the art. Karate should be practiced as a means to self-understanding
and maturity, rather than as an end in itself. Otherwise, it becomes nothing more
than physical exercise or combat technique and may lead to misuse. Although not
all schools of karate are the same in what they foster, the true spirit of karate-do
manifests itself in such qualities as discipline, honesty, sincerity, respect, humility,
open-mindedness and non-violence. Through proper training, the karate student develops
capacities for concentration and self-confidence which can carry over to and improve
all aspects of life. Karate is only one of many paths. Whatever the path, if it
genuinely aims at betterment of the individual as a human being, discipline and
sincerity are at the core.
UPON ENTERING THE DOJO
“EMPTY YOUR CUP”
An old Zen story: A professor once visited a Zen master. After a lengthy discussion,
the Zen master offered tea. As he was pouring it, the professor's cup began to overflow.
"Stop!" said the professor. "You can't get any more in." "Exactly" said the Zen
master, "You must first empty your cup before I can fill it."
Karate means "empty hand'°. The word Kara means "empty" which signifies the empty
self or ego-less state of "mushin" from which one should approach the training so
that the motive for training is pure.
Upon entering the dojo, leave your ego and your negative and distracting thoughts
at the door. Allow yourself to be free of all positive and negative emotions that
generally occupy our thoughts. Use the moment of meditation to clear and calm the
mind. As you meditate, let the flurry of brain chatter dissipate with each breath,
allowing yourself to become focused. By doing this you will be able to react with
clarity, confidence, and without hesitation during the training.
UNITED STATES KARATE LEAGUE (USKL) HISTORY AND LINEAGE
The Statewide Karate League of California was founded in 1965 by R. T. Nakano. It
was reorganized in 1972 and took the name United States Karate League (USKL) in
1974. Until 1979 it was a branch of Statewide Karate League of Hawaii founded by
W. K. Nishioka in 1957. Nishioka was originally a jujutsu expert who studied Wado
Ryu, Shotokan, and other Japanese styles of karate in Japan. He also studied in
Okinawa and China and based his system primarily on derivatives of Shorin‘ryu.
Dr. Dean Pickard, head instructor
of USKL from 1972 until 2004, began his training in martial arts in 1965 in Japanese
Shonan‘ryu. From 1966 to 1970 he trained under W. K. Nishioka and R. T. Nakano of
the Statewide Karate League. From 1972 he studied many styles inยญcluding Shito‘ryu
and Shotokan karate, Korean Tae Kwan Do, Tai Chi Ch'uan with Prof. Wen Shan Huang,
kickboxing, and Filipino and Chinese arts under Dan Inosanto at the Kali Academy
in Torrence, California. Shihan Pickard has taught martial arts in the physical
education departments at a number of colleges including Pomona College serving the
Claremont Colleges, Los Angeles Mission College, Moorpark College, Los Angeles Pierce
College, California, where he was also professor of philosophy and humanities for
26 years.
Dr. Pickard's publications on martial arts include Philosophy, Spirit, and the Martial
Arts," USKL, 1993, United Stated Karate League Training Manual, Vols.
1-3, with Ty Aponte, 1992, and "Martial Arts and Meditative Disciplines," (re-titled
Achieving the Artless Art) Black Belt Magazine, June, 1979.
LINEAGE OF USKL DOJOS
