In this essay (1,725 words) I examine the distinguishing characteristics of Shotokan karatedo as a martial way: as an art form, as a utilitarian fighting method, how it creates a moral person and in particular how it takes the practitioner on a journey to contact the universal Way. I identify and break down the core concepts that are essential to the execution of Shotokan technique and which lead the practitioner, at the final level, to a state of Warrior Zen understanding.
About the Author
Vincent Paul Cooper lives, writes and trains in Fukuoka, Japan. He has been training in (his version of) Shotokan karate for 30 years now. In addition he also practices Jeet Kune Do, along with his new love, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has been training in for 4 years. He is the first non-Japanese to train in the battlefield art of Jigen ryu swordsmanship in Kagoshima, the school of the Shimazu samurai clan and a telling influence on the development of Okinawan karate. He is active training several hours a day, seven days a week.
He completed a Masters degree at SOAS, University of London, writing on the Japanese Zen arts, a field of study he has continued to research since his graduation.
You can visit his website at: www.karatewithvincentcooper.com/
Or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vincent.cooper.31
About the Author
Vincent Paul Cooper lives, writes and trains in Fukuoka, Japan. He has been training in (his version of) Shotokan karate for 30 years now. In addition he also practices Jeet Kune Do, along with his new love, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has been training in for 4 years. He is the first non-Japanese to train in the battlefield art of Jigen ryu swordsmanship in Kagoshima, the school of the Shimazu samurai clan and a telling influence on the development of Okinawan karate. He is active training several hours a day, seven days a week.
He completed a Masters degree at SOAS, University of London, writing on the Japanese Zen arts, a field of study he has continued to research since his graduation.
You can visit his website at: www.karatewithvincentcooper.com/
Or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vincent.cooper.31
