Mizuumi ryu Karate - Dedicated to Body, Mind, and Spirit

Oct. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Mizuumi ryu Karate is a hybrid style of martial arts formulated and taught by Owen Johnston, founder of Johnston Karate. The style is dedicated to the development of body, mind, and spirit. The nucleus of the style is formed by Heiwado Karate (the style founded by Japan International Karate Center), Boxing, and various grappling arts (primarily Brazilian Jiujitsu and Aikido). This 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.

Home page -
http://www.johnstonkarate.com/2012/09/mizuumi.html

Contact Owen Johnston, chief instructor -
http://www.johnstonkarate.com/2012/07/owen-johnston-chief-instructor.html

Most of the general approach of the style -

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.

With this in mind, Mizuumi ryu Karate has the intended goal of training the entire person in a holistic manner, in such a way that he or she will be able to move and think freely in accordance with nature. To this end, my karate primarily utilizes principles of self defense, strict etiquette, moral precepts, and natural exercise movements. Last, but not least, a major principle in Mizuumi ryu Karate is an unwavering dedication to efficiency and effectiveness in each and every technique.

Ultimately, Mizuumi ryu aims to train each student to free the mind and body of all self-imposed restraints and try to become the best person he or she can possibly be. Physically, the goal is to become fast, cat-like, and unpredictable. One should be able to move freely in any direction, and be adaptable to any situation.

To meet this goal, the body is trained through hard work in basic exercise techniques such that the body will be taught how to move more freely. As one progresses in this training, the exercises should be modified to fit one's own body type and style of movement. Eventually, the exercise techniques will start to resemble martial arts techniques. This has the aim of directly training the body to achieve high levels of skill in athletic motions that directly relate to martial arts.

This daily application of hard work helps the martial artist to also train his or her mind through correct discipline. Eventually, the goal is to gain not only a high level of discipline, but also a deep understanding of body mechanics. Of course, martial arts techniques should be practiced during the same session as the exercises so that one may compare them to one another and further understand the body mechanics.

With all of the knowledge and discipline gained from this kind of training, the martial artist should be able to also start learning a much deeper understanding of the application of the principles behind his or her martial arts techniques. This is the time when partner drills have the most value. Of course, these are performed slowly at first to help each partner recognize the techniques being thrown at them, as well as help them learn how to react naturally according to the principles of movement they have learned.

In the Mizuumi ryu Karate approach, attacking techniques are generalized into different styles of movement. The reasoning behind this is that if we try to think of a specific counter to each and every kind of attack, and train in such a way, it will be potentially fatal in actual self defense. Basically, in a self defense situation, if we mentally 'lock up' and hesitate while trying to figure out which technique is appropriate, it gives the attacker a much higher chance for injuring or killing us. With this in mind, it is better to learn the principles of movement and how to recognize styles of attack, such that one can learn how to adapt to the situation. This points to the concept of 'zanshin', or a relaxed awareness.

This all goes back to being natural. One must be able to recognize the important details quickly and react as efficiently as possible in a self defense situation. Economy of motion is the most important thing – no wasted movements or clutter.

The general learning curve intended is for body mechanics, mental discipline, and ethical precepts to be practiced in the first phases of training. After such training, application of principles, mental focus, and personal development may be assisted.

When it comes to body mechanics and general movement, Mizuumi ryu begins with the concept of being able to move as freely and naturally as a cat. With this in mind, the primary emphasis in physical training is on body weight training progressions that teach strength, skill, balance, coordination, agility, and flexibility. Each exercise is treated as if it is a martial arts technique that is to be practiced repetitively as a skill. In this way, athleticism, a high strength-to-weight ratio, 'springiness', and economy of motion are highly trained.