Sonoma Shotokan Academy

This - what she writes is on point in my opinion.

Taking advantage of the fact that most of my followers here are men, I want to take a moment to touch upon a somewhat sensitive and for many, uncomfortable topic. Please don't take this post as a blanket generalization or an attack against men in general. I simply ask you to read this with an open mind and use it as an invitation to reflect on the reality of being a female karate instructor today.

If you read Gichin Funakoshi’s autobiography, "Karate-Do: My Way of Life," you will find reflections on women in karate that were, for his era, remarkably progressive. He openly advocated for women and young girls to train, highlighting the health benefits, the power of self-defense, and the idea that karate belongs to everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Yet, reading those same pages through a modern lens reveals how deeply patriarchal conditions were embedded from the very start. Funakoshi felt compelled to address a common societal fear of his era: the concern that women practicing martial arts would become overly independent or try to "dominate their husbands." His counter-argument was classic benevolent sexism. He reassured men that karate actually makes women more obedient, stating that because karate begins and ends with etiquette, a woman following the path would "never dream of commanding her husband." He also framed female practice around graceful, dance-like movements akin to rhythmic gymnastics, reassuring society that karate wouldn't strip girls of their traditional femininity.

Even as the father of modern karate opened the dojo door to women, he felt forced to package their inclusion in a way that wouldn’t threaten male authority, assuring men that martial arts would produce better, more submissive wives rather than equal peers.

Fast forward nearly a century, and that subtle bias is still very much alive, even amidst genuine progress. Look at the Japan Karate Association (JKA). To their credit, the JKA has been remarkably progressive in recent years. If you look at the official instructor roster of the Tokyo Honbu Dojo today, women make up about 20 percent of the elite, full-time professional instructors. Powerhouses like Yuko Hirayama (7th Dan), Satomi Okuie (6th Dan), Mai Miyash*ta (5th Dan), and Kyoko Akiyama (4th Dan) are living proof of this evolution. Compare this to the 1960s or 1980s, when female Kenshusei graduates were incredibly rare anomalies. Today, the JKA regularly sends these female masters across the globe to lead major international seminars, conduct grading exams, and judge world-class tournaments. The progress is undeniable.

Yet, the ultimate structural glass ceiling remains completely intact. Across almost all karate federations, including their highest executive committees, a woman has never held the position of Chief Instructor. A prominent female former athlete and JKA instructor Yoko Takahashi has branched out to establish her own traditional organization. It's a monumental moment for female independence on paper. But she still felt the need to bring in a legendary male master, Masahiko Tanaka, placing him effectively above her as the primary figurehead. Whether that decision stemmed from internalized gender expectations or was a calculated move to survive in a deeply conservative environment, it highlights a frustrating reality: even top-tier female martial artists still feel forced to leverage a male "stamp of approval" to gain institutional legitimacy among traditionalists.

This institutional dynamic trickles straight down to everyday life l. When a male instructor posts a video of a technique, the comment section is usually filled with respect. But when a female instructor posts the exact same technique, often executed with superior precision, men jump in to claim her heel was a millimeter off or assert that the technique wouldn't work on a real man. It is the modern digital manifestation of fragile male egos trying to downplay female mastery because the reality of a woman possessing greater skill makes them uncomfortable.

Beyond social media, female practitioners face distinct, physical realities. Having trained in various dojos, attended international seminars, and spent time training in Japan, I deeply treasure those experiences, yet they also opened my eyes to troubling dynamics. In many traditional environments, basic courtesy and respect are strangely inverted: male members rarely let a woman step ahead, yield a spot in the front row or at the head of the lineup, and I’ve even seen men casually expect a woman to hold the door open for them. Far worse, however, is what happens during live practice. I have watched as men use excessive, unnecessary force against female training partners, and even more disturbingly, strike women directly in the chest. Regrettably, this isn't an issue unique to Japan; it is a pattern I have witnessed in different dojos.

Funakoshi was right about one fundamental truth: karate is an endless path of character development meant for everyone. However, it is long past time to abandon the idea that female budoka need to justify their presence through submissiveness, delicate grace, or male figureheads. True equality in karate will only arrive when a woman leading a federation or teaching a world seminar is no longer seen as a rare exception, and when a master is judged purely by the depth of her technique, spirit, and dedication.

I’d love to hear from the men here: how does this look from your side, and do you see ways we can overcome these hidden biases together?

Karina

Yuko Hirayama Sensei in SF Sept 11-13, 2026.
https://jkanorcal.org/camp

On Sunday, July 19 at 10 AM to 11:30 AM PST, Santa Monica Dojo will offer a JKA kata review on Nijushiho. We will also offer a live webcast of the class online for those who cannot attend in person.

Lynn Nakada will share the details from recent JKA camps on Nijushiho. It is important for all of us to know and learn these details! Let's practice hard together.

The registration fee and/or donations will go to support the JKA USA team members in Sensei Field's Group. Donations are fully tax-deductible. Please use the QR code or follow this link to register or donate: https://fs19.formsite.com/communitykaratefoundation/jfqfpuafgr/index

Hi All

We are 11 days away from hosting Sensei Kris Haight of ISKF Northwest Region

This is one of the last remaining seminars on the 2026 Northwest calendar, as we shift focus toward Shotocup in Mexico and then US Nationals later this year here in San Francisco.

Spots are filling up, our dojo floor space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. I don't want to put you on a wait list.

Payment is not required at registration. You can pay on the day, and at the door.

Please come out and support. These seminars/workshops are always important for self development regardless of age or rank.

To all my karate friends, regardless of affiliation, you are welcome here.

Questions about registering? Reach out anytime.

Register here: https://kaizenshotokankarate.com/

Oss!!

Practice Kata for Life

Karate is far more than a collection of techniques. It is a lifelong journey of discipline, patience, self-control, and continuous self-improvement. Every kata carries the wisdom of generations of masters who refined each movement through years of dedicated practice. The true purpose of kata is not to impress others with speed or power, but to cultivate a calm mind, strong body, and unwavering spirit.

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, reminded practitioners that kata should never become a mechanical routine. Memorizing the sequence is only the first step. Real progress begins when a karateka understands the meaning behind every stance, every transition, every block, and every strike. Each movement teaches balance, timing, breathing, focus, and awareness.

As karate practitioners mature, they often discover that certain kata resonate with them more deeply than others. This is completely natural. Every kata presents different lessons and challenges. Some develop explosive power, while others emphasize fluidity, stability, or precision. Instead of trying to master every kata equally, it is often more meaningful to choose the kata that best supports your personal growth and continue refining it throughout your life.

Repetition is not about doing the same movement endlessly without thought. Each repetition should reveal something new. A slightly improved stance, a smoother transition, better breathing, sharper focus, or a deeper understanding of bunkai can transform an ordinary practice into a meaningful lesson. The smallest improvements, accumulated over thousands of repetitions, eventually produce extraordinary skill.

Training kata also develops character beyond the dojo. The patience required to perfect a difficult technique becomes patience in everyday life. The discipline needed to practice consistently becomes discipline in work, study, and relationships. The calmness maintained during kata becomes emotional control during life's greatest challenges.

Practicing on a quiet beach, surrounded by the rhythm of the waves and the fresh ocean breeze, reminds us that karate is connected to nature. The sea never stops moving, yet it remains calm and powerful. Likewise, a karateka should continue learning throughout life while maintaining humility and inner peace.

The greatest martial artists never stop being students. Regardless of rank or experience, they continue refining the basics because they understand that mastery is an endless journey rather than a final destination. A black belt is not proof that learning has ended—it is proof that the real learning has just begun.

When you practice kata with purpose, every movement tells a story. Every breath strengthens the spirit. Every repetition builds confidence. Every lesson becomes part of who you are. Over time, kata is no longer something you perform—it becomes part of your character.

As Gichin Funakoshi wisely taught:

"To practice kata is not to memorize an order. Find the katas that work for you, understand them, digest them & stick with them for life."

These words continue to inspire generations of karate practitioners around the world, reminding us that true mastery is achieved not by knowing many kata, but by deeply understanding the ones that shape our journey for life.

Karate is far more than a system of punches, kicks, and self-defense. It is a lifelong path of personal growth, discipline, humility, and character development. The 20 Lessons of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, continue to inspire martial artists around the world because they teach principles that apply not only inside the dojo but throughout everyday life.

The first lesson reminds us that "Karate begins and ends with courtesy." Respect is the foundation of martial arts. Every bow represents humility, gratitude, and recognition of another person's dignity. Without respect, even the strongest technique loses its true value.

Another essential principle is "There is no first attack in Karate." This does not mean a karate practitioner is weak or passive. Instead, it teaches patience, self-control, and the responsibility to avoid unnecessary conflict. A true martial artist seeks peace before violence.

Funakoshi also emphasized that karate must only be used for justice. Strength should never be abused. The purpose of training is to protect oneself and others, never to intimidate or dominate.

Self-awareness is another recurring theme. Before understanding others, we must first understand ourselves. Recognizing our strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and habits allows continuous improvement both physically and mentally.

The master taught that the mind comes before the body. Physical ability alone cannot overcome poor judgment. Calm thinking, emotional control, and wise decision-making are the qualities that separate a skilled fighter from a reckless one.

Karate also teaches freedom of mind. By removing fear, ego, anger, and unnecessary tension, practitioners become more adaptable and capable of responding effectively to changing situations.

One lesson warns that carelessness comes before accidents. Attention to detail, concentration, and awareness are essential during training and daily life. A single moment of distraction can create lasting consequences.

Funakoshi reminded students that Karate is not only in the dojo. The principles learned during practice should guide behavior at home, at work, in school, and within the community. True karate is demonstrated through honesty, patience, and kindness.

Training is lifelong. There is no final destination where learning ends. Every practice session offers another opportunity to refine technique, deepen understanding, and strengthen character.

Another lesson encourages practitioners to put Karate into everything they do. Discipline, perseverance, respect, and determination should become part of daily habits rather than remaining inside training halls.

The famous comparison of karate to hot water turning cold reminds us that skill fades without consistent practice. Improvement requires dedication, repetition, and continuous learning.

Funakoshi also advised students not to obsess over victory. Instead, focus on avoiding defeat by preparing thoroughly, remaining calm, and making wise decisions before conflict begins.

Understanding vulnerable and invulnerable points refers not only to physical targets but also to recognizing opportunities, weaknesses, timing, and strategy. Intelligence is as important as physical strength.

Adapting to the opponent is another key lesson. Flexibility, observation, and quick thinking allow practitioners to respond appropriately instead of relying on rigid techniques.

Treating an opponent's hands and feet as swords encourages constant awareness and respect for potential danger. Underestimating an opponent often leads to unnecessary mistakes.

The statement that once you leave home you have one million enemies is symbolic. It teaches constant awareness of one's surroundings, encouraging vigilance rather than fear.

Funakoshi explained that formal stances are useful for beginners, while advanced practitioners develop natural movement that flows freely according to circumstances.

Kata should never become empty choreography. Correct performance develops timing, breathing, balance, power generation, and understanding that can be applied during real situations.

Remembering the light and heavy elements of kata teaches proper rhythm, speed, relaxation, and explosive power. Balance between softness and strength creates efficient technique.

Finally, always think creatively. Karate is not about memorizing movements but understanding principles. Every situation is different, requiring adaptability, intelligence, and an open mind.

Master Funakoshi's twenty lessons remain timeless because they develop not only capable martial artists but also honorable human beings. They remind us that the highest purpose of karate is not defeating others, but mastering ourselves through discipline, humility, compassion, and lifelong learning. The strongest karateka is not the one who wins every fight, but the one who chooses wisdom, self-control, and respect in every aspect of life.

Favorite lesson: Which of Master Funakoshi's 20 lessons inspires you the most, and why?