"I would like to congratulate you on such a fantastic website Chris! I am also a true traditionalist and I'd like to thank you for helping to keep the old ways alive."
- Richard M
About Karate
The word Karate means 'empty hand'. It is the name given to a very special martial art that was born from the indigenous fighting traditions from the small island of Okinawa and fused with traditional combative methodologies from China. Originally known simply as Ti (hand), the development of karate is a fine representation of the evolutionary desire to protect oneself from harm.
Originally created as an effective means of personal self protection and exclusively refined by members of the Ryukyuan warrior classes, karate has spread significantly since its modernisation during the early part of the 20th Century to become one of the most popular practiced martial arts in the world to date, with huge groups of enthusiasts found in almost every country on the planet.
Today, karate is generally practiced in three distinct ways. Either as (1) as a competitive sport, (2) as a method of civilian self protection or (3) as a pathway towards personal development and mastery. Each of these ways can be intertwined, having their own evolution, merits and drawbacks, with the ultimate responsibility resting on both the practitioner and teacher, to ensure that they are working towards their desired aims and objectives.
Despite the many factions and styles of karate in existence, not to mention the contradicting arguments between many of its top exponents about how the art should be approached, the majority would probably agree that the most important aspect of training is that over many years of arduous training, each and every individual works to develop the ability and adaptability to deliver a personal expression of the art. An expression such that they may come to better understand themselves and that each subsequent generation thereafter, may continue to benefit from such a natural evolving treasure. This method of study helps to define traditional karate as an organic process of lifelong learning, rather than a stagnant or restrictive piece of eastern antiquity.
Indeed, an interesting definition for the word tradition is 'to align to the customs and beliefs of those who have gone before us' and as the great Japanese poet Matsuo Basho so eloquently wrote, “Do not seek to walk in the footsteps of the wise men of old, but instead seek what they sought.” This is the true way of karate.
Originally created as an effective means of personal self protection and exclusively refined by members of the Ryukyuan warrior classes, karate has spread significantly since its modernisation during the early part of the 20th Century to become one of the most popular practiced martial arts in the world to date, with huge groups of enthusiasts found in almost every country on the planet.
Today, karate is generally practiced in three distinct ways. Either as (1) as a competitive sport, (2) as a method of civilian self protection or (3) as a pathway towards personal development and mastery. Each of these ways can be intertwined, having their own evolution, merits and drawbacks, with the ultimate responsibility resting on both the practitioner and teacher, to ensure that they are working towards their desired aims and objectives.
Despite the many factions and styles of karate in existence, not to mention the contradicting arguments between many of its top exponents about how the art should be approached, the majority would probably agree that the most important aspect of training is that over many years of arduous training, each and every individual works to develop the ability and adaptability to deliver a personal expression of the art. An expression such that they may come to better understand themselves and that each subsequent generation thereafter, may continue to benefit from such a natural evolving treasure. This method of study helps to define traditional karate as an organic process of lifelong learning, rather than a stagnant or restrictive piece of eastern antiquity.
Indeed, an interesting definition for the word tradition is 'to align to the customs and beliefs of those who have gone before us' and as the great Japanese poet Matsuo Basho so eloquently wrote, “Do not seek to walk in the footsteps of the wise men of old, but instead seek what they sought.” This is the true way of karate.
"Thank you very much Chris for what are some sterling contributions to 'old-style karate' via your excellent products, website and blog. In my opinion, an absolute must for every serious practitioner!"
- Mark J
About This Website
This website is essentially a collection of personal thoughts, advice, insights, recommendations and lessons that represents an individual expression of traditional karate for the main purpose of sharing information and helping others enjoy the benefits and beauty of this amazing martial art.
It is important to state from the outset that the content of this site is not what the great Bruce Lee would have called 'the gospel truth', nor is it an ego driven claim to have all the answers...far from it! It is merely a record of one man's journey in karate, a continuous exploration based on individual experiences and honest opinions.
It is hoped that the information contained in this website will prove an asset to others who may be travelling a similar path, at whatever point along the road they may be. If the content here manages to help support the journey of at least one genuine karate practitioner or enthusiast then it will have been a worthwhile project!
How Can You Show Support?
As I'm sure you can understand, a website like this, its infrastructure and the production of valuable content requires a significant investment of both time and money. We are always very grateful for your support and there are lots of ways in which you can play an active role in helping to secure its continual development.
For instance, you can...
Any support from website visitors is always hugely appreciated. Your help will go towards developing this website and future FREE projects from Chris - Thank You!
It is important to state from the outset that the content of this site is not what the great Bruce Lee would have called 'the gospel truth', nor is it an ego driven claim to have all the answers...far from it! It is merely a record of one man's journey in karate, a continuous exploration based on individual experiences and honest opinions.
It is hoped that the information contained in this website will prove an asset to others who may be travelling a similar path, at whatever point along the road they may be. If the content here manages to help support the journey of at least one genuine karate practitioner or enthusiast then it will have been a worthwhile project!
How Can You Show Support?
As I'm sure you can understand, a website like this, its infrastructure and the production of valuable content requires a significant investment of both time and money. We are always very grateful for your support and there are lots of ways in which you can play an active role in helping to secure its continual development.
For instance, you can...
- Sign up to Chris's mailing list to keep up to date with regular news, updates, blog posts, reviews and training advice etc.
- Purchase one of Chris's books, DVD's or video downloads.
- Forward a link to this website to your martial arts friends in order to help extend its global reach.
- Purchase one of Chris's recommended products via a link listed on the website.
- Offer your thoughts and ideas by providing us with some feedback.
- Recommend and link to this website via your social media.
- Leave a nice comment, testimonial or endorsement :-)
Any support from website visitors is always hugely appreciated. Your help will go towards developing this website and future FREE projects from Chris - Thank You!
"Hi Chris, I wanted to send you a few words to say just how much I enjoy your website. Looking through it makes me want to dust off my old belt and begin training again!"
- Barry B
About Chris Denwood
Chris Denwood has been a dedicated practitioner of traditional karate since childhood and specialises in the application of the art's core principles for civilian self-protection, personal development, life integration and self-discovery. He is founder and chief instructor of E.S.K.K® Martial Arts & Fitness and teaches regularly from his home in the North West of England.
A member of the Combat Hall of Fame, Chris is a respected author and columnist, with his articles, books and instructional DVD's being sold in countries across the globe. His dedication to martial arts and enthusiasm for continued study has also taken him to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, in order to train with some of the most senior masters on the island and pay respects to his historic lineage.
As an adjunct to his martial training, Chris is also a nationally qualified fitness instructor, advanced level kettlebell lifting coach and second degree Reiki practitioner. The knowledge and experience gained from these disciplines, alongside many years of research in martial arts have helped him develop a more holistic personal expression of traditional karate, free from the conventional (and often inaccurate) views associated with much of its contemporary practice.
Stripping away the superficial accolades that one may collect throughout a journey of personal growth, it is Chris's deep passion for karate and sincere efforts to share the beauty of this art to others, that provides fuel for him to continually expand. He teaches from the heart and promotes a motivating approach that's based on enriching one's life through austere training, healthy living and honest self expression - allowing the traditional study of karate to shape a practical way of life in today's modern society.
A member of the Combat Hall of Fame, Chris is a respected author and columnist, with his articles, books and instructional DVD's being sold in countries across the globe. His dedication to martial arts and enthusiasm for continued study has also taken him to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, in order to train with some of the most senior masters on the island and pay respects to his historic lineage.
As an adjunct to his martial training, Chris is also a nationally qualified fitness instructor, advanced level kettlebell lifting coach and second degree Reiki practitioner. The knowledge and experience gained from these disciplines, alongside many years of research in martial arts have helped him develop a more holistic personal expression of traditional karate, free from the conventional (and often inaccurate) views associated with much of its contemporary practice.
Stripping away the superficial accolades that one may collect throughout a journey of personal growth, it is Chris's deep passion for karate and sincere efforts to share the beauty of this art to others, that provides fuel for him to continually expand. He teaches from the heart and promotes a motivating approach that's based on enriching one's life through austere training, healthy living and honest self expression - allowing the traditional study of karate to shape a practical way of life in today's modern society.
"Chris sets the tone for a truly great dojo that's heavily based in tradition, but not at all stagnant"
- Kris Wilder (Author of: The Way of Sanchin Kata)
"Chris is a great karate-ka with a deep understanding of the art"
- Matthew Miller (Author of: Fighting Forms)
"Chris has a high level of expertise coupled with a great thirst for knowledge"
- Doug James (Founder of British Karate-Do Chojinkai)
"Chris is one of the few who examines our art in the depth that it deserves"
- Iain Abernethy (Bunkai Specialist & Author of: Bunkai-Jutsu)
Training Opportunities With Chris
One of the best ways to grab the opportunity to train with Chris would be to host a seminar for your dojo or group. Chris is available for both UK and overseas events and you can find out further information by visiting the dedicated Seminars Page.
If you happen to live close to the same locality as Chris (West Cumbria), then you can look into the possibility of joining his dojo. Chris teaches on a daily basis at various locations and for more information or to book a trial class, please visit http://www.eskk.co.uk.
If you happen to live close to the same locality as Chris (West Cumbria), then you can look into the possibility of joining his dojo. Chris teaches on a daily basis at various locations and for more information or to book a trial class, please visit http://www.eskk.co.uk.
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Chris is also available for private (and small group) tuition on his personal approach to traditional karate at his authentic purpose built garden dojo. This traditional kind of study follows a very different framework to that within the standard group class format of modern-day karate schools. The tuition is in-depth, challenging and personally tailored to suit each individual's path.
Private and small group tuition is restricted to genuine individuals who have a passion for exploring karate in greater depth, plus have the availability, means and lifestyle to do so. Anyone interested in applying for private tuition with Chris should contact him in the first instance to check availability.
Private and small group tuition is restricted to genuine individuals who have a passion for exploring karate in greater depth, plus have the availability, means and lifestyle to do so. Anyone interested in applying for private tuition with Chris should contact him in the first instance to check availability.