In the early 6th century AD, Bodhidharma, an Indian priest and knight, brought Zen Buddhism to the Shaolin Temple in southern China along with a system of 18 self-defense exercises. From the Shaolin Temple this system spread to Okinawa where it was develped into "Kara-te," or "China's hand." From Okinawa it spread to Japan where the kanji was changed (but with the same pronunciation) to "Empty hand," and from Japan it spread throughout the rest of the world. Our style was brought to the United States by Grand Master Teruo Hayashi, founder of Hayahsi-ha Shito-ryu karate.
Please click on the video clip and watch Soke Hayashi perform the kata, White Crane.
ZenBu Martial Arts teaches a style of karate that is closely linked to the ancient martial art of Okinawa, heavily influenced by the empty-hand style of the Shaolin Temple. Sensei places a heavy emphasis on kata (forms), with even more emphasis on the detailed analysis of these forms so students learn the practical self-defense techniques that are often "hidden" in kata, techniques that can be very de-vastating. In his teachings Sensei often references the ancient Chinese text, The Bubishi, known as the "bible" of modern-day karate.
Many of our students also study the ancient art of kobudo (traditional martial arts weapons). This is an ancient Okinawan traditional art that utilizes the wooden staff (akin to a broom handle), the sai (popularized by The Mummy), rubber nunchaku (popularized by Bruce Lee), the kama (twin sickles (rubber)) and and rubber shuriken, or Ninja throwing stars.
In our Yudansha, or Black Belt-ranked, classes students learn the art of niten ichi-ryu, the two sword style of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest samurai swordsman and accomplished author, artist and sculptor. Wood swords are utilized.
Zen philosophy is deeply intertwined among all of our teachings. In fact, dojo is the term we use to describe our Black Belt Academy. It's zen translation is "sanctuary." Wei hope that all students enter our dojo to relieve themselves from the hustle and bustle of daily living, reduce stress, find happiness and fulfillment and lay the foundations for long, healthy and happy lives.
To learn more about the personal development aspects of martial arts, please access our free reports:
"My son has become more confident and out-going. Sensei has changed my son's outlook on how he approaches all aspects of his young life..not only is he becoming more confident, but, more importantly, he is becoming a better person. I am truly grateful for the experience he is gaining through this program."
