This principle is always valid and becomes all the more important in in present days, karate is proving to be a particularly effective asset at several areas of daily life.
When we are forced to stay at home on account of COVID-19 pandemic, whether because of quarantine or closure, alongside the free time and the family bond that is strengthened, some difficulties also arise.
The children do not go to schools or summer camps. Their social gatherings was drastically reduced.
The locked up in the house are going through a difficult and stressful period for both kids and adults. There is pressure in various channels: livelihood and family economy, businesses that have closed or are likely to be closed and uncertainty about returning to work. Lack of control over the set of circumstances, uncertainty and instability cause a feeling of helplessness.
It seems that at least in the next few months, there will be fluctuations in the opening and closing of the economy and social life in various doses.



So what are the benefits of karate in such reality?
First, karate is accessible anywhere and anytime. At the apartment, in the yard, at the office, in the public garden and more. You can always practice karate.
Second, karate is also beneficial in the social dimension. You can meet outdoors in small groups as well as online meetings such as Zoom app... We will talk more about the benefits of online meetings later.
Third, karate improves physical fitness, flexes, and strengthens the body, and its even more valuable when we forced to reduce our physical activity.
Fourth, karate plays an important role in our ability to deal with mental loads. And when we are calmer, we can also be more considerate and make better decisions.
It turns out that karate contributes to our health, the freshness feeling of body and mind, the social dimension (especially important for children, as well as for adults). Generally, karate takes an active part to improve our physical and mental functioning.

Online training using apps like Zoom, WhatsApp and the like at times.
To be clear, on-line sessions are not a substitute to frontal practice in the dojo. However, we still maintain a kind of “frontal meeting”, even if its virtual one... as we know, the modern world is going to this direction in all areas, including schooling, universities, vocational courses, work meetings and more. In addition, I have found that online training is very productive socially, physically fit, as well as in the technical dimension, if planed and managed properly in limited forum or as a personal lesson. Again, digital media is not a substitute for dojo but it is definitely a solution to stressful times.
In addition, it is open to us the opportunities to meet, train and discuss from different locations. An option that did not exist in the past. For example, to hold an international meeting, whether in a small forum of a professional committee, or in a broad organization group of world-wide practice with a large number of participants. It is certainly an impressive and extraordinary experience.

In groups of children, who are imprisoned at home all day, it is a real rescue for both children and parents alike. We maintain contact, a sane training routine and high morale.
• An important component that is added, is a different attention element when practicing online. This can be mobilized to improve children's skill in networking and virtual media area as well - and the results are amazing... we have already mentioned that the world is moving to the virtual direction in all areas.
In fact, it is also true when it comes to adults. The additional virtual dimension sharpens attentiveness to detail, movement, proprioception, and spatial orientation in adults, in a way that does not exist in dojo sessions.
Finally, I can personally testify that I have participated internet meetings with colleagues from my country and abroad. The results are so successful, that we have decided to continue these meetings from time to time in the future as well. The reality that was forced upon us, closed several doors but also opened other doors, and if we know how to think outside the box and take advantage of opportunities, then we will be rewarded both now and in the future.
Hence, when Karate-ka or kid’s parents, approached me with the argument that if there is no training in the dojo, then there is no point in practicing, my answer is unequivocal. Not only is it worthwhile to keep practicing and creating a new routine, but it is of great importance precisely during this time of 2020. Karate is not a short temporary activity, where we move from one activity to another every few months. Karate meets the modern aspect of self-defence. Fighting spirit. The ability to function well despite the difficulties. To find a solution and to Keep moving and keep doing. Karate is a practice that improves a variety of skills. To be clear. Cessation of the activity means a basic lack of understanding of the nature of karate, its potential and it’s being.

Further reading sources:
About the development of Okinawan Karate techniques from historical and practical aspects:
The book Pathways of Karate Development: From Ryūkyū -di 琉球手 & Tou-di 唐手 Via Okinawan-te 沖縄手 to Karate 空手.

Deep dive into karate evolution. Thorough research of history, methodology, culture, philosophy, ethics, heritage, military and civil circles.
The book Karate Uchina-Di 沖縄手 - An Exploration of its Origins and Evolution.


So, keep exercising, keep getting better, maintain a routine and sanity and adjust to the situation. You train for yourself. This is about survival, about evolution, about to be or not to be.

Itzik Cohen
07/07/2020

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