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The nucleus of Mizuumi ryu Karate is formed by Heiwado Karate (the style founded by Japan International Karate Center), Boxing, and various grappling styles. (Primarily Brazilian Jiujitsu and Aikido.) The Mizuumi ryu Karate home page will include all information about Mizuumi ryu Karate, including locations where the style is taught, and other news. The goal is not to promote Mizuumi as any kind of "best" or superlative style, but simply as our own unique approach to existing traditional martial arts.
http://www.johnstonkarate.com/
The primary physical goals of Mizuumi are to teach students traditional martial arts, practical self defense skills, good health habits, and progressive calisthenics techniques for training the body as one holistic, functional unit. Mizuumi emphasizes a well rounded approach that teaches the body mechanics behind martial arts and exercise techniques. 'Nekoashido' – or, 'Way of the Cat's Foot' – is Mizuumi ryu's exclusive set of technical drills intended to help students develop cat-like agility, economy of movement, and skill in as many techniques as possible.
Mizuumi ryu Karate aims to train students mentally through the discipline required to obtain proficiency in martial arts and advanced exercise techniques. The Mizuumi ryu curriculum also heavily encourages students to engage in ongoing personal research to further expand the mind, as well as learn 'self coaching skills'. training in fitness and martial arts, and to train not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well.
Mizuumi ryu Karate also aims to help each student spiritually. As students learn the dedication and discipline required to become better martial artists, they also learn how to make lifestyle changes that are beneficial to training. This includes proper rest and nutrition, stretching, meditation, good mental habits, and learning or developing loving-kindness. As students progress in their training, they learn how to become better partners for their fellow students, instead of practicing competitively. Students are taught to put their partners' benefit above their own. The spiritual goals of Mizuumi ryu are similar to that of Aikido – having compassion, resolving violence with loving-kindness and without harm, and living in harmony with others.
Ultimately, with the above goals in mind, the ideal of the Mizuumi ryu style is to dedicate oneself every day to become the best possible in every situation. This is not just for martial arts training, but also for every area of life. We should actively seek out the best, most natural solution for all parties involved – while actively seeking to never use force or conflict.
Mizuumi itself is the Japanese word for 'lake' – which I chose to be a metaphor for taking the path of least resistance, and flowing naturally, like water. The goal is to take the shape of the situation, like water taking the shape of its container – and ultimately be as calm and natural as a lake, no matter the situation.
This positive outlook, in sparring drills, relates to not trying to use brute force but taking the path of least resistance. This especially utilizes the principle of 'irimi' – blending in. Both partners should be seeking not to hurt one another, but help one another to become better at their techniques.
This kind of training indeed translates very well to the outside world, where partnership and compassion are valued more than simply looking out for one's owns needs. Mizuumi ryu is dedicated to 'Wa no Michi', or, the way of peace. We should seek unity, harmony, and peace within ourselves and the world around us.
