Karate emphasizes: CHARACTER - SINCERITY - EFFORT - ETIQUETTE - SELF-CONTROL

Sensei Hufford has integrated and synthesized the Arts of Washin-Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate, The Fundamentals of Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu, The concept of "Fighting Spirit" (Toshi) and the Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi to create a NEW UNIQUE martial art called "RYUHI TOSHI KARATE-DO."

"THE WAY of the DRAGON FIRE FIGHTING SPIRIT EMPTY HAND"

The literal meaning of the two Japanese characters, which make up the word karate, is "empty hand." This of course refers to the fact that karate originated as a system of self-defense which relied on the effective use of the unarmed body of its practitioner. This system consisted of techniques of blocking or thwarting an attack and counterattacking the opponent by punching, kicking or striking. The modern art of karate was developed out of a more thorough organization and rationalization of these techniques. The three branches of present day karate - as a physical art, as a sport, and as self-defense - are all based on the use of the same fundamental techniques.

Karate as a self-defense has the oldest history, going back hundreds of years. But it is only in recent years that the techniques that have been handed down were scientifically studied and the principles evolved for making the most effective use of various movements of the body. Training based on these principles and the knowledge of the workings of the muscles and joints and the vital relation between movement and balance enable the modern student of karate to be prepared both physically and psychologically to defend themselves successfully against any would-be assailant.

As a physical art, karate is almost without equal. Since it is highly dynamic and makes use of a large number of body muscles, it provides excellent all-around exercise and develops coordination and agility. It is widely practiced by both children and older people as a means of keeping in top physical shape, and many schools are promoting it as a physical art among their students.

As a sport, karate has its shortest history. Contest rules have been devised and refined so actual matches can be held as in any other sport.

The common factor underlying all karate techniques is the concrete application of the laws of physics, anatomy and psychology in such a way that maximum power can be attained. It is this constant search for ways to apply the laws of science to movements of the body that distinguishes karate from other sports, and the effectiveness of karate techniques themselves is derived from this scientific orientation.

No doubt the average student beginning to study karate could find the basic practice dull and would like to go on immediately to the more exciting movements one can see in movies or video. But unless the student builds a firm foundation in the basic techniques by patiently practicing, over a period of time, his progress will be hampered by the lack of skill in the fundamentals.

Karate emphasizes: CHARACTER - SINCERITY - EFFORT - ETIQUETTE - SELF-CONTROL