FAQ

Individuals practice karate for various reasons. Some are looking to get in better shape. Others seek to improve their ability to defend themselves. Others may just be seeking a community to be involved with. The short is answer is that karate is a holistic practice that hones the mind, body, and spirit.

There are many karate schools; however, not all karate schools focus on the same aspects of the art. Some schools focus specifically on the sporting aspect. This means that there's a heavy emphasis on competition. At Scholars' Martial Arts, our karate program's focus is traditional karate. Rather than focusing on winning against an opponent, our students work towards their own particular self-improvement goals. We also focus heavily on developing participants' close-quarters self-defence skills. Lastly, traditional karate practice is a medium through which to calm the mind; we engage in mindfulness activities that also help to strengthen the body.

We teach traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do. Goju Ryu translates to 'Hard/Soft Style' in English. This style of karate was originated by Miyagi Chojun Sensei (1888-1953), of Naha, Okinawa. Miyagi Sensei studied karate from an early age from Higaonna Kanryo Sensei. Miyagi Sensei and Higaonna Sensei both travelled to southern China to further develop their understanding of the fighting arts. The knowledge they brought back from China, combined with indigenous fighting elements of Okinawa form the basis of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do. The style is characterized by close-range fighting tactics, and efficiency of movement. Goju Ryu practitioners are strong in body, and are practiced in proper breathing techniques. A heavy emphasis is applied on learning kata, and applying the concepts in the kata towards self-defence scenarios. The style also incorporates its own set of calisthenics called 'Junbi Undo', and its own unique system of weight training called 'Hojo Undo'. Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do is a holistic practice that many consider a 'way-of-life', rather than a simplistic martial art.

IOGKF Canada is an official member country of IOGKF International which is the largest traditional Okinawan karate organization in the world. Our Chief Instructor is Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura who is also the Chief Instructor of IOGKF International. Under Sensei Nakamura’s guidance, IOGKF Canada has many schools (dojo) and top instructors across Canada committed to bringing this rich martial art to students of all ages. Scholars Martial Arts is a proud member of IOGKF Canada.