BEGINNINGS
ISSUE.2
SPRING.2026
Quarterly News and learning for families of The Martial Arts Academy of Marin | Shōrinji Ryū Karate | San Rafael, CA
To be optimistic about your future achievements, you must realize that knowing yourself is an attainment of the highest order.
- Sensei Sam Samarrai
As we herald in Spring and the season changes around us, I am reminded of my grandmaster's old story of Turning Potential into Reality. Looking forward to the Spring and coming Summer, brings with them new beginnings. Now is the time to set your eyes on peak training, which begins ramping up now, cresting for most in late summer and fall. In order to prepare yourself, a daily ritual is best.
First, take time away from all distractions and devices. Let your mind relax, and start dwelling on your thoughts and where they originate. There in your imagination, start envisioning the kind of martial artist and person that you want to be. As this becomes clear, set steps in your mind of how to accomplish these goals. Be focused and concise, and when new information or lessons present themselves, be flexible and change as your would during a sparring session.
As you engage in remaking yourself, you will inevitably run into failure. When this happens, don't build a case against yourself. Stay singularly focused, keep away from distractions, and work steadily towards your goals. You will also make mistakes along the way. Do not get mired in the affects of these, or let them stop you either. Rather, look at them as a sum total of your understanding.
Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. The only real mistake is to not learn the lesson!
OSS. Sensei Will.
Sensei refines internal energy with a Taoist breathing and meditation posture
Spring 2026 AT THE DOJO ...
FOCUS |BEGINNINGS AS A MARTIAL SKILL
Some of the principles I focus on are quality of life, what you put into your mind, how you use those things, and what to filter out. The focus of Karate should be more than just fighting. Instead, it is meant to be used as a whole life mechanism, that takes into account the total person.
While there are many paths forward, the four precepts I teach my students to use as a guide are the same methods my teacher, Sensei Samarrai taught me:
Discipline: discipline keeps you focused on your tasks, controls your emotions, and guides you to be responsible with your words and actions.
Respect: be respectful of your elders, your seniors, and all of your instructors.
Compassion: have compassion for your youngers, your juniors, and for those that have less than you. A Warrior's first duty is to keep the peace, and to provide solace where there is pain.
Gratitude: gratitude for your parents that gave you life, to your country that provides all your needed resources, and to your God. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly gratitude to a good friend!
Japanese Torii Pathway represents passing from the ordinary to the sacred
belt test - sunday, may 3
We will be doing evaluations and prep over the next two weeks. If you or your kid are testing, attend as many classes as possible. Keep an eye out for updates on our mailing list regarding the test.
Katin and Alma will be testing for their Black Belts during this occasion. Come to support them, and see what the test for the next generation is like!
Summer camp August 3rd - 7th for ages 10 - 14
This year, we will be holding a Dojo and Mountain Training Summer Camp.
Days 1 - 2 Dojo Training
The first two days will be held in the Dojo. The kids will learn Yabu-Gojushiho Kata, and all related fighting applications. This old form was Master Yabu Kentsu's favorite, who was my Grandmaster's Teacher.
Days 3 - 4 Mountain Training
Held in the mountains in Kent Lake Watershed in Lagunitas, the kids learn to blend with the elements and practice endurance. The first day will be Mountain Peak Training, the second will be Ravine Practice, and the third will be a Lakeside Workout. During these sessions, I will be introducing them to the Shugendo part of our Lineage. Shugendo means "a path of testing and training". It is a part of a long line of mountain dwelling monks that continuously work within the environment. This the perfect way to introduce them to this, and to take advantage of the natural beauty all around us.
On the final day, we will break early, and head down to Samuel P. Taylor Campground. We will meet parents and family there to finish out the day and BBQ to celebrate the kid's achievements.
This camp will be challenging and very rewarding. Space is limited, hurry and sign up today!
🥳 the dojo is growing 🥳
Have a friend sign-up for and attend a free week of training, and you'll receive a Shōrinji Ryū cinch bag!
👊 dojo streetwear 👊
Summer is coming! Before it heats up, come check out our new line of streetwear. Represent the Academy while looking great inside and outside of class. Pick them up along with our new TMAA Water Bottles to stay cool today!
latest | ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
zen | LETTING GO
Of all The Precious Truths the Buddha brought us, freeing oneself from desire and attachment is perhaps the most important one. Learning to truly let go sounds easy, however doing so is much harder in practice. Particularly when it comes to habits that are harmful to us.
"The best way to end bad habits is to stop doing them" Sensei used to say to me. "It sounds easy on the face of it. Let's look at smoking or drinking for example. Logically, you know its not good for you. But you do it anyway.....the question here is why. You get stuck in this because its emotional. So you must dig into your feelings in order to resolve it, and examine your attitude. There you will find that clinging to an illusion of self, or attachment to something is always the root cause. You must let go of these things. Mentally relax, and it will come naturally to you."
have you met | Alma
Alma began her martial arts journey here at The Martial Arts Academy five years ago. She has trained regularly ever since, and is up for her Shodan (Black Belt) in May of this year.
After many challenges and personal growth, she has successfully applied Karate's Governing Philosophy to her life. Countless hours of training and Kata practice has sharpened her resolve, and she has developed a fearsome fighting ability. She uses powerful kicks, spinning backfists, and delivers punches from oblique angles that are difficult to counter. In the clinch with an opponent, her grappling skills are exceptional, preferring throws and arm bars to finish the match.
To round out her skill as a fighter, Alma regularly meditates and focuses on having a strong moral character. She regularly helps out in the Kid's Classes on on Wednesdays, and has built a strong bond with them.
After this summer, she will be attending the University of British Columbia. Be sure to stop in and say hello before she leaves to start her next adventure!
home practice | ICHIREN (一連)
Icherin, refers to the state of absolute oneness, focus and continuity in both mental thought and physical actions. The aim is for the perfect synchronization of the practitioner's inner spirit (Karate-Do) and outer technique (Karate-Jutsu). Kata is the perfect way to bring all of these elements together. When at home, or without a training partner, Kata should be practiced rigorously. First, begin slowly, maximizing your frame (big extended actions). Remember to stay relaxed while doing this and breathe deeply into your belly. Once you integrate your moves, timing, awareness and breath, increase your speed. Continue to add speed and power. Once you hit your maximum, stop and go back to the beginning.
For adults, 30-45 minutes per day is a great way to start. As your stamina grows, try for one hour. For kids, begin with 15 minutes of practice. As they grow in endurance, have them move up to 20 minutes. You can help them along by having them use their imagination during Kata practice. Not only is it fun for them, it helps them engage in the creative practice of making Karate their own expression.
👊 Kids: Pinan Shodan & Pinan Nidan
These are the first two Kata of a five part series called Pinan Kata. They form the foundation that the remaining three depend on to work properly. Pinan translates to "Safety", meaning this system is meant to protect you. Shodan means first small set, Nidan means second set. Have your kid focus on timed inhale between moves, and exhale at the end of each block or strike. Have them breathe naturally into their bellies, in and out through the nose.
👊 Adults Beginners: Naihanchi Shodan
Naihanchi Shodan is our base form for adults and teens. It helps cultivates the natural energy stored in our legs and feet to make for explosive power. Furthermore, it promotes core strength and balance. A perfect way to become grounded and increase your power.
👊 Adult Intermediate & Up: Matsumura Passai
Passai means "Breaking Though" or "Breaching the Fortress Walls". It features rapid parries meant to swiftly break though your opponents attacks, switching to sudden piercing strikes knock them back, shoulder throws, double leg takedowns, joint locks, and guillotine chokes. This a great form to practice in order to make a break through in your training, or to defeat a skilled adversary. Likewise, this form positively affects your mind. If you are facing a challenge it will help you reset your attitude in order to gain the upper hand in any situation.
Sensei Will performing Matsumura Passai Kata
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