Sakura Martial Arts
77 Gore Street East K7H 1H8 Perth, ON, Canada

We have had the privilege to train with Hanshi McCarthy. This is what he had to say about why children should be enrolled in Martial Arts.

Khalil Gibran on Fear It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear.... She looks back at the path she has traveled, from the peaks of the mountains, the long winding road crossing forests and villages. And in front of her, she sees an ocean so vast, that to enter there seems nothing more than to disappear forever. But there is no other way. The river can not go back. Nobody can go back. To go back is impossible in existence. The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear, because that’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean. ~ Khalil Gibran Rumi

Whatever exercise you do...lift weights, practice karate, run, bike, swim, walk....you do it for you...and maybe someone else

I would like to teach my juniors as I was taught by my teacher, so that I can pass on the traditional karate culture of Okinawa. The challenge is to find the r...ight spirit, the right heart, I teach only those who have the right mind. The more I do karate, the more I can do it with the right heart. It’s not just about skill in karate, it’s about having the right spirit, being a good person! - Takehiro Gaja 9th dan Uechi-ryu (end quote) . . There are many sensei from Okinawa who feel karate today has lost much of its spiritual depth and culture, as well as its lethal effectiveness. The extent and rapidity of karate’s proliferation, and the push toward sport, has produced a different kind of karate to that which was originally found in Okinawa. . Inherent in the learning of karate’s physical techniques is the education of your mind, and the revealing, to yourself, of your true nature. Those who find the learning and practice of authentic karate too difficult, fail to grasp the importance of the ‘self’. Karate should be about self-protection, achieved through self-discipline and self-discovery. It is not about fighting others, about winning, it’s about the struggle with your ‘self’, and your determination not to lose. . As you move ever deeper into the study of Okinawan karate, you will discover the need to give more than you take, to listen more than you speak, and to strive for a sense of balance that brings with it a confidence where you can become humble and considerate. . To develop as a karateka, you have to take responsibility for your karate. The process begins by looking for a good teacher, a real sensei, one who can guide you toward ways of thinking and behavior that lead you to a better understanding of your ‘self’. Practicing karate with just an instructor, only provides tuition in the physical techniques of karate. Where a good teacher will guide, point, and provide an example to those they teach; an instructor will drill, dictate, and offer only coaching. . Today there is a tendency to forget the building of a student’s spirit and character, with a move toward a group activity where importance is placed on external paraphernalia, such as belts, badges, and trophies. Commercialism too, coupled with the sporting mentality of gauging your own success by the failure of others. The original karate of Okinawa still exists, and its teachers (sensei) can still be found by any with the patience and humility to approach them in the proper manner. . Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. BE ONE. - Marcus Aurelius . . Photo Credit: Takehiro Gaja: Quote from an interview with Takehiro Gaja, by Chris Wilson & James Pankiewicz, Asato Dojo, Okinawa. . #karate #kata #bunkai #dojo #martialarts

It is NEVER the Victim's Fault It is a man's responsibility to respect women and their boundaries. But until this day comes, we encourage women to learn self de...fense; not because it's their responsibility, but because it's their reality. If you agree, help us spread the word. Free Women's Self Defense Seminar - Saturday, July 14th On Saturday, July 14th, Gracie University will be offering women's self-defense seminars in Torrance, California, and at select Certified Training Centers worldwide. There is no cost, but you must pre-register to save your spot. Learn more and register online at http://www.GracieGirls.com Major thanks to Ryan Smith for collaborating with us on this one. Check him out at Ryan Smith Films and RyanSmithFilms.com. Follow Eve Torres Gracie and Victoria Parsons Gracie for more inspiration and bad-assery!

Good Saturday Morning I sincerely hope that you and your families are keeping well. This is a challenging time for everyone. Our schedules and daily plans no longer exist in the same way. Our focus has changed to protecting ourselves and our families in the best way possible. The directives are to stay home - to wash our hands well and often - to maintain a 6' distance from others when we do need to go out. There are NO exceptions to the desire to have a cup of tea with a ...friend, a beer with your buddy (just this once) or playdates with with your kid's friends. A picnic in the park is not allowed nor are concerts, plays, hugs with your grandkids or visits to your cottage (or friends cottage). Your gym membership has "expired" - Your birthday may have come and gone, Easter celebrations with be solo or with those who live with you. No public places of worship will be open for gathering. If you have no symptoms - that is fantastic! But it is even more critical that you abide by these rules to keep it that way. You can be a carrier or pick it up from someone else who also seems healthy. That is why this isolation is frustrating - because the benefits are difficult to see or understand- until it is too late. The uncertainty of the length of time that we all must endure this, is disconcerting to say the least. Incomes have disappeared, daily routines upset, schooling is in turmoil. For people at risk in our communities - the homeless, those who rely on the foodbanks, children and women in unstable homes - this is a vulnerable time. It is possible that they don't have access to telephones and computers to keep in touch with the outside world. Some may not even understand what is going on or have the normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic to rely on for panhandling proceeds. TVs - ha - RADIOS- ha - Stay HOME - ha. These don't exist for everyone. For people with preexisting health conditions or newly discovered ones that require hospital care and treatments - it is a scary and uncertain time. For their sake - STAY HOME! On a positive note - this groundhog day scenario does provide us all with opportunities. We can rekindle good relationships with our families. We can explore long forgotten interests and talents. We can pursue those things that we said - " If I only had a few hours - or a day - or a week with no interruptions - I could do ...." Now is the time to explore that possibility. This experience can foster our imaginations, our patience, our ability to teach or to help. It can also provide a more open setting to ask for help. WE ARE ALL AT RISK. THE ENTIRE PLANET IS AT RISK. EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES ONLY DRAG THE PANDEMIC OUT LONGER. BY doing your part to 'help flatten the curve', you are a part of a team. The stronger each individual is willing to cooperate - the stronger the team will be. And the goal of the team is to win. Stay safe. Stay well. Sensei Laurie

Our dojo is open. We welcome prospective new members to contact Sensei Laurie Winter for information re: a visit and trial classes.. As per official protocol we wear masks and maintain personal distancing and cleaning procedures. There is no partner work and we do not use any equipment. However - there is still lots to work on with fitness, basics and kata! We have been taking advantage of great outdoor summer weather and holding some of training sessions in Stewart Park...and will continue to do so weather permitting. If you would like more information re: our classes please contact Sensei Laurie Winter at 613-267-2975 or by email - [email protected]

Your Sunday home workout! Side lunges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvqLVxYqEvo... Shoulder Tap Plank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrTUpElJ44 Try to keep your hips still. Widen your feet if needed.

Today’s appointment with Dr Henri Autio resulted in the following video. Take care and stay safe everyone!