KARATE: BENEATH THE SURFACE

The Spiritual and Emotional Content of

Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Kata

A Book by Roy Kenneth Kamen

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to those who have gone before
and transmitted their knowledge faithfully and fully.
I bow and say:
“Please Teach Me”

KARATE: BENEATH THE SURFACE

There is no gate on the way of life that refuses entrance
to those who want to pass through.
If you want to go somewhere, take any way,
there are thousands and all are equal.
If luckily you succeed in your goal,
the way will disappear and you will become the way

KATA

A Path To Enlightenment

On the surface, Karate Kata is a collection of fighting techniques performed in a sequential dance-like order coordinated with specific breathing patterns, following specific directions across the floor. Many Martial Arts include Kata as part of their systems.

Beneath the surface however, the Kata of Traditional Okinawan GoJu-Ryu Karate hold a secret.
By passing through the various Kata of the system, a student gradually progresses through physical, emotional and spiritual states that ultimately provide a roadmap to becoming a fearless and
compassionate human being.

Using the Kata as stepping stones toward a specific goal, rather than simply learning new fighting techniques, is a realization that shook me to my core and changed how I view Karate. True realizations that change a person’s life are few and far between.

KARATE: BENEATH THE SURFACE explores a deeper purpose of the connective definition of the words “mind, body and spirit” and may leave you with the question of why the martial arts are referred to as an “art form” in the first place.

The concept is life changing for the Karateka with an open mind and who is open to the endless possibilities that Kata holds.