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OUR PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
 Sensei teaching during his first course in the USA
KDS practice is focused on strict self-defense training rather than sport competition. We do not participate in tournaments or wear padding as we practice or test. Instead, we are devoted to the development, confidence, and safety of the individual, and thus the betterment of society. Two governing KDS principles are:
Basic elements required to achieve these goals are: technique, muscle control, power & penetration, stability, mobility, distance & timing, as well as strength & flexibility (see right column). Combined, such elements form what we call a person's body condition. This sets KDS practice apart from other styles that focus largely on memorizing techniques, collecting points & trophies, or trying to prove that you are the best. Words fall short in explaining KDS practice. It is physically exhausting and mentally demanding, but thrilling to experience--it is one thing to learn how to block a punch, but quite another to completely drop an attacker who is larger than you while remaining completely relaxed! Through the repetition and refinement of unique and evolving training exercises developed by Harada Sensei, KDS practitioners work to help one another improve. The result is relaxation in the midst of conflict, which allows generated energy to flow without the mental or physical tension which would otherwise impede fluid movement.  Sensei demonstrates with 5th Dan Marie Kellett in the US
AKDS GRADING SYSTEM
Colored belts are worn simply to mark personal progress and represent general levels of understanding and ability. Kyu (or grade) levels are presented by local instructors, while Dan (or degree) levels are approved by the KDS. The following belts are awarded in AKDS Gradings held three times a year (April, August, & December): Beginner = White Belt 3-STEP PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
(1) KATA: Like other martial arts, KDS practice employs various kata: routines combining basic techniques (see right column). Although the names and forms appear similar to other styles, the muscular implementation has been drastically revised by Harada Sensei and is unique to KDS practice. Rather than using Kata to simulate combat situations or to meditate, Kata is for us a form of body building where correct timing, muscle development, muscle control, and muscle chaining are practiced. (2) KIHON: This refers to the "basics." Techniques learned in Kata are put into practice in controlled, repetitive situations with real partners. Offensive and defensive maneuvers are carefully and technically executed in an atmosphere free from anxiety, stiffness, and tension. Then, we increase the speed and realism in "Ten-no Kata" where partners attack full speed while striving to maintain the correct body condition learned in Kata and Kihon. (3) KUMITE: Once proper skeletal alignment and muscle control have been slowly and carefully refined, we move on to Kumite, or sparring. We use no mats, no pads, no referees. The goal is to become one with your partner's motion, break down their breathing, timing, and distance to attack at unrealized moments of stiffness or lack of focus or intention. Thus we strive to control not only ourselves, but ultimately our partner as well in order to protect ourselves and those in need.  Sensei schooling AKDS in the finer points of muscle-control
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TRAINING AND GOALS
 Master Funakoshi taught that if you are ignorant of your enemy AND yourself, you are certain to be in peril in every battle. If you are ignorant of the enemy, but DO know yourself, then your chances of winning or losing are equal. However, if you know BOTH your enemy AND yourself, then in a hundred battles you will never be in peril (Karate-Do Kyohan, p.248). To help accomplish this, Harada Sensei is continually developing better methods of achieving proficiency in all essential aspects of karate practice. The fundamental principles of body mechanics required to achieve this are described briefly below: A. Techniques... B. Muscle Control... C. Power & Penetration... D. Stability... E. Mobility... F. Distance & Timing... G. Strength & Flexibility... These principles are not comprehensive--nor is it possible to explain them perfectly. The only way to really understand is to participate in KDS practice. This is why we do not attempt to describe every unique exercise developed by Harada Sensei. Instead, we invite all who are really serious about studying the mechanics of the human body to join us and experience it for yourself! KDS KATA
 Sensei demonstrating Hangetsu at American course
SHORIN-RYU FORMS: Heian (Peaceful Mind)... Bassai (To Penetrate a Fortress)... Kanku (To Look at the Sky)... Empi (Flying Swallow) SHOREI-RYU FORMS: Jutte (Ten Hands) OTHER KATA: GOJU KATA: BO KATA: |