We’ve had a beautiful stretch of weather in New England this week after a long, snowy winter. That’s why I couldn’t help but hold my karate classes at Gracie Farmington Valley outside! The kids loved getting to run around and play games for our warmups and after class; their parents definitely enjoyed relaxing in the fresh air, too!
My adult students and I combined the two activities. We practiced our katas slowly in the late afternoon sun. Filmmakers call this time of day “Magic Hour” for a reason: the light dripped through the trees, drizzling the park into honey colors. The lazy rush of the nearby Farmington River also helped set the tone. Our karate became a moving meditation, and I felt exceptionally relaxed on the ride home.
It is important to slow down your training once in a while, forgetting all but breath and basic technique. I don’t know much about tai chi, but watch the videos below to see what I mean. If you learn to move like this . . .
then you’ll eventually learn to move like this!
What are some ways you work moving meditation into your training? How does it help you in the martial arts?
Lucky enough to grow up with the martial arts, I have felt their positive influence throughout my life and am especially interested in sharing these experiences with others. I enjoy working with youth and adults to give back some of what I've received.
If you would like to learn more about Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu Karate, or if you want to find people to train with, please contact me. I am the head karate instructor for the Meriden Martial Arts Club.
Moai Martial Arts 
How Moving Meditation Can Help You in the Martial Arts
We’ve had a beautiful stretch of weather in New England this week after a long, snowy winter. That’s why I couldn’t help but hold my karate classes at Gracie Farmington Valley outside! The kids loved getting to run around and play games for our warmups and after class; their parents definitely enjoyed relaxing in the fresh air, too!
My adult students and I combined the two activities. We practiced our katas slowly in the late afternoon sun. Filmmakers call this time of day “Magic Hour” for a reason: the light dripped through the trees, drizzling the park into honey colors. The lazy rush of the nearby Farmington River also helped set the tone. Our karate became a moving meditation, and I felt exceptionally relaxed on the ride home.
It is important to slow down your training once in a while, forgetting all but breath and basic technique. I don’t know much about tai chi, but watch the videos below to see what I mean. If you learn to move like this . . .
then you’ll eventually learn to move like this!
What are some ways you work moving meditation into your training? How does it help you in the martial arts?
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About moaimartialarts
Lucky enough to grow up with the martial arts, I have felt their positive influence throughout my life and am especially interested in sharing these experiences with others. I enjoy working with youth and adults to give back some of what I've received. If you would like to learn more about Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu Karate, or if you want to find people to train with, please contact me. I am the head karate instructor for the Meriden Martial Arts Club.