Texas Shotokan Karate Association テキサス松濤館空手協会

Seiza (正座) in karate is the formal kneeling sitting posture used for etiquette, focus, and respect.

Mokuso (黙想) in karate means “silent thought” or quiet meditation. It’s a short, formal moment of mental focus done at the beginning and end of class.

Seiza (正座)
In JKA Arizona, seiza represents:
• Traditional Japanese dojo etiquette (very important in JKA)
• Humility and readiness to learn
• Equality — everyone sits the same way, regardless of rank
• Mental and physical stillness before instruction

JKA is known for being strict and formal compared to some modern karate schools, so seiza isn’t optional unless there’s a medical reason (and even then, alternatives are respectful).

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Mokuso (黙想)
In a JKA Arizona class, mokuso is used to:
• Switch mindset from daily life to karate training
• Develop zanshin (focused awareness)
• Reinforce budō values — self-control, respect, discipline
• Show respect to the dojo and instructors

It’s not just “relaxing”—it’s about mental sharpness and intention. JKA emphasizes that karate starts and ends with the mind.

Ossu!

2026 TSKA Dojo Memberships Available NOW!

2026 TSKA Dojo Memberships All 2025 Dojo Memberships have been closed out and our website has been updated with our new membership information. Memberships will no longer be limited to a 12-month period, but instead will remain active until cancelled. Please visit out website and purchase your new dojo membership so you can b...

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
One of the most widespread, yet erroneous, interpretations in Karate practice concerns the meaning of directions in kata. It is often stated that moving along the eight directions symbolizes fighting against multiple opponents surrounding us. However, the great masters of the past agree in defining this view as nonsensical and technically limiting.

MABUNI'S CRITIQUE
Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Sh*tō-ryū, addressed this issue with extreme clarity in his 1938 book, Kōbō jizai goshin kenpō Karate-Dō Nyūmon. He harshly criticized the idea that a kata developed along eight directions served to fight eight opponents, defining such an interpretation as highly unreasonable.
Analyzing the Pinan/Heian kata, Mabuni warns that their literal interpretation (e.g., "I turn left because the enemy is on the left," "I turn back because there is an enemy behind") would render the art 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. For Mabuni, there is only one plausible meaning: the directions of the kata do not indicate where the enemy is, but teach how to get out of the frontal line of attack by moving sideways to gain an advantageous position.

MIYAGI'S WARNING
Mabuni was not alone in this analysis. Miyagi Chōjun, founder of Gōjū-ryū, also warned practitioners in his Kaisai no genri ("Theory for deciphering [kata]"):

"Do not be deceived by the enbusen, i.e., the line/direction of ex*****on along which the various techniques of the kata are developed."

"There is only one opponent, and he is in front of us. In kata, we turn in many directions along the lines of the enbusen, so we tend to believe that kata is a situation where a karateka fights against multiple opponents simultaneously: this is not so. In principle, we should consider the imaginary opponent to always be in front."

Master Motobu Chōki, known for his pragmatic approach to kumite, was entirely aligned with this perspective. He reiterated the same concept regarding the Naihanchi/Tekki kata: despite the lateral movement, there are no enemies to our side.

CONCLUSION
In light of these indisputable sources, insisting on explaining kata as a simulated fight against a circle of attackers is not just a technical error. It is an 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 and 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 view, which ends up ridiculing kata itself, transforming what should be a sophisticated manual of tactics and strategy into a fanciful choreography devoid of any real martial logic.

PS: The photo shows the original page from Mabuni's book, in relation to the cited passage.

*toryu

When I found out I had hip dysplasia I had to face the reality of a total hip replacement in both hips which meant I would no longer be able to train with the intensity that I once had. I contemplated hanging up my karate-gi and obi and walking away from karate forever, but Brad was the person who convinced me otherwise. He told me to consider opening a dojo and teaching instead. He told me to consider that maybe this was the universe’s way of saying it was time for me to give back because I was so blessed in life to have had the instructors I had, the experiences I had in training and the successes I had in competition. I never planned to teach and I never wanted the responsibility of dojo ownership. Our dojo would not exist had it not been for our many conversations so I and our students owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be paid.

The ITKF is deeply saddened by the passing of Sensei Brad Webb.

His dedication, discipline, and contributions to traditional karate will forever be remembered.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, students, and all who were touched by his leadership and spirit.

May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.

I was privileged and proud to call Aziz, “Sensei” while he lived in the United States and I benefited greatly from his mentorship and instruction. Unfortunately, USA Karate organizations did not give him an opportunity to lead the United States in international competition due to ego and pride, but Egypt did and now they are also benefiting greatly from his knowledge and experience on the intenational world stage. Everyday I teach our students I am reminded of my time training with him and do my best to foster the same spirit and intensity in our dojo.

Our dojo recently put on a public demonstration at the 2025 Dallas Mitsuwa-Fest. Please view and like our video on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. We are making our effort to introduce and grow traditional Shotokan karate in Dallas, Texas!

2025 Dallas Mitsuwa-Fest Shotokan Karate Demonstration Public demonstration of traditional Shotokan karate by Texas Shotokan Karate Association, 11/01/2025, Plano, TX.