STRENGTH
ISSUE.3
SUMMER.2026
Quarterly News and learning for families of The Martial Arts Academy of Marin | Shōrinji Ryū Karate | San Rafael, CA
A spiritual understanding not tested under fire is without value
-The I-Ching, the Book of Changes
With the final days of summer coming to a close, it is time to shift our minds onto accomplishing our goals laid out over the spring and early summer months. This requires strength to do so. Upon further meditation, it becomes clear that strength isn't simply brute straight-line force. Rather, it is a mechanism that the martial artist uses through very specific actions and angles to create force multipliers. This comes through biomechanics, clarity of mind, and an over-arching philosophy that acts as the cohesive bond to make this as an entire strategy of the martial artist.
Because it is multilayered, then it begs the question: what is Strength? This is a question I often pose to my students when preparing to educate them on it philosophically. The typical answers I get usually get involves something like subduing an aggressor, being strong when defending oneself, having kick butt attitude, and so forth.
While I get a certain satisfaction with some of those assertations, those are easy when comes to the carnal instincts of our bodies and mind. I remind them during these discussions, that if you are truly strong, then should have the ability to sidestep these tendencies. Instead, stay one's hand when faced by a challenging situation or a foolhardy individual. Use your skills of de-escalation and conflict resolution that a Karate Practitioner naturally gains from arduous training. Settle matters quickly, and keep a relaxed poise while doing so. This is the method we should measure our power by.
To round out your martial virtue, or Butoku 武徳 , nothing beats good old fashioned strength training. What affects you physically, also effects you emotionally as well. Everyone is different, so routines vary. Here at The Martial Arts Academy, we have built a unique full body strength training regimen that suits the martial artist perfectly.
OSS. Sensei Will.
Will Sensei training Jion Kata in Kent Lake Watershed.
Summer 2026 AT THE DOJO ...
FOCUS | STRENGTH AS A MARTIAL SKILL
Test Yourself: in order to begin embodying strength as a martial skill, we need to put ourselves into trying situations on the mat. Find a partner that is better than you, and work out with them. Be prepared for defeat, and when it eventually comes, don't give up. Be inquisitive, ask your partner how they are able defeat you. See if you can learn their way of thinking. Try different moves and strategies. Next, turn to supplemental strength training to increase your endurance. Remember that strength is a skill, not a blunt instrument. Focus on your from and movement quality.
Combat Conditioning: there are many different ways to build physical strength. I have found the Kettlebell to be very effective in supporting strength because they better suit the Karate's natural explosive full body power. Some of best routines for the Martial Artist are the basic Two Arm Swing, The Clean, Getups, The Snatch and Rows. Next, self body weight exercises are best. Nothing beats rolling push ups. The others I prefer are squats, and a full flexion and extension drill for the core that we call Snake Rolls. These exercises really make the legs, core, and shoulders very strong. This helps prevent injury, and promotes longevity.
Cardio: don't forget to round all of this out with a good run around the block, or hit the heavy bag. Another way to build power, is to combine the combat conditioning with heavy bag strikes. For example, do 10 hard jab/cross strikes on the bag, then drop and do 10 pushups. Repeat on the opposite lead, then switch to sit ups, then back to the heavy bag. Try strikes of all kinds, add the Kettlebell to the routine, and so forth. This kind of sudden loading change is perfect for the dynamic environment that Karate fighters find themselves in when sparring. Mix and match, and discover which combination suits your needs best.
Discipline: now comes the hard part: balancing your strength and martial discipline into a total life system. Daily meditation provides clarity, which brings calm so you can reason correctly. Next, work on doing the right thing when nobody is looking, and don't take credit for it. Give help right when you don't want to. Listen for an extra five minutes to a junior, or an elder that needs you. Regardless of how you feel, train. It isn't about motivation - that is tied to your emotions. Free yourself with discipline, and give without any thought of reward. Show love without reservation or condition. This is the duty of a Warrior.
🥋 belt test coming in fall 🥋
Next Belt Test is Sunday November 8th! The time to prepare is now. Categories open are:
Kids Class: Green Belt & 2nd Degree Brown Belt
Teen/Adults: Purple Belt & 3rd Degree Brown Belt
🤩 competition training for next year 🤩
Heads up! We are looking at competing in a Tournament in November 2027. We will begin team selection and training in the spring. Divisions open are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Categories are Kata, Sparring, and Weapons Demonstrations. In order to qualify for the competition team, you will need to show a certain level of competence for your level, and minimum attendance of 3 times per week time commitment in class. More details to come!
👊 dojo streetwear 👊
Represent our dojo with brand new TMAA/Shōrinji Ryū branded streetwear! T-shirts, cinch bags, and water bottles can be purchased in person at the dojo.
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zen | STOIC & STRONG
"The Martial Artist endures the unendurable, and bears the unbearable!" my Sensei used to routinely say to to us. While I didn't fully understand why he would make this a continuous theme, it was just a matter of time until we would see him embody these principles first hand. There was a beautiful park across the street from our Dojo, and Sensei often preferred to train there underneath a giant oak tree. On this very hot summer day in 1989, we walked to our spot, only to find another competing Karate group we normally saw on the other side of the park in our training area. Sensei looked very angry, and before I could say anything to him, he walked briskly over to the other teacher. Sensei confronted him and said "This is our spot. What are you doing?"
The other man, being noticeably larger than Sensei turned with an arrogant swagger. "Hey buddy" he said to Sensei "this is America. We can do whatever we want."
"Don't give me that standard BS - you are here to challenge me!" Sensei growled. With a wry half smile, the other teacher said "so...what if I am??"
My teacher, now appearing gleeful, said "oh that is just fine, I accept your challenge" raising his finger, he continued "if, if....you are able to knock me down. I will give you a free shot. Hit me any way you like, any where. I won't stop you. If you can then knock me to the ground, I will accept a match with you."
"Anywhere?!?" the man said almost incredulously.
Sensei was done talking. He just nodded slightly. The rouge teacher drew his arm back, and came flying in with a 12-6 O'clock elbow strike to Sensei's chest. A moment of worry and doubt flashed though my head. This only lasted until I saw the bellicose fool suddenly bounce off of my Sensei like a beach ball bouncing off a rock. He stared back at Sensei in shock. Then Sensei's face darkened into a glowering stare, and appeared as if he was larger than before. With a booming voice, Sensei said "Well!...it looks like you are too weak to fight me. Run along while you still can."
Terrified, the now defeated fighter took his group and left. Sensei had us return to our routine without a word. As the tense atmosphere relaxed, Sensei gave a look to me. I stopped and asked him why he didn't crush that arrogant fool. "Will, you have to leave people with their dignity, and restrain your desires. I clearly demonstrated his folly. He will think about this for years to come. I hope he learned the lesson."
This story makes my think of the ancient I-Ching, or the Taoist Book of Changes, Line 27: Thunder over Mountain 頤 Providing Nourishment. Not only was Sensei compassionate to the the misguided Karate man, he was nourishing us with wisdom.
Today, I admire the Strength of my Sensei.
Ungyo Nio Protector of Dainichi Bhuddha
have you met | JB
JB Diamond has been training at The Martial Arts Academy since 2016. He earned his Shodan in 2024, and is working on getting his Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) later this year.
His background includes Shoalin Kempo Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiujitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing. He has a lifelong affinity of the martial arts, and he never misses watching his favorite weekly UFC matches. On the mat, JB prefers to finish his opponents with powerful oblique corkscrew punches to the chest. From the clinch, he makes quick work of his opponents by putting them away with guillotine chokes and arm bars, earning him the beloved class moniker from his peers, "The Pulverizer".
A father of 4, a musician, and a genuine animal lover. In his off time he prefers to be around family, and spends his time outdoors with his dogs. JB has become an important part of the Dojo, mentoring many great students. He shares his time and knowledge generously. His no-nonsense practical approach to his training shows through into his daily life as well. If you are looking to jump up to the next level, drop in to do a workout with him. We are proud that he is part of our family here at The Academy!
home practice | BUTOKU (武徳)
Kata: practice your Kata many times over when at home, or away from the Dojo. Begin for 30 minutes, and work your way up from there. Inside the Kata, you will refine your movements, develop superior leg strength, and increase your cardio fitness. Most importantly, avoid over muscular tension and stay relaxed. Do not clinch your jaw, or make any sort of grimaces. Keep a calm, composed expression while training hard. After you have warmed up, press yourself hard. As you begin to tire, break and walk around to bring your heart down easily. Next move to seated meditation and focus on what it means to be one of "Martial Virtue", or Butoku 武徳. Focus your meditation on one of the skills laid out below.
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Gi (義): Rectitude, justice, and moral rightness.
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Yu (勇): Courage and bravery.
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Jin (仁): Compassion and benevolence.
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Rei (礼): Respect, politeness, and courtesy.
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Makoto (誠): Sincerity and utter honesty.
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Meiyo (名誉): Honor.
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Chugi (忠義): Loyalty and duty.
Focus on one of these per week. Seek to understand them fully. Not simply intellectually, it should be emotionally understood and embodied into your daily practice and life. Once you have a basic grasp of each of the tenants, move onto the next one. When you get to the end, go back to beginning and start over.
Itosu Anko Sensei's Ten Precepts of Karate (Tode Jukun) circa 1908
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