Karate has always been an art that values the constant search for learning. This was even defended by great patriarchs like Gichin Funkoshi[1] and Chojun Miyagi[2]. So it’s always great when karateka get together to share information in an open, receptive and respectful way. I say more: it is fundamental. Karate is currently not just one, but many, and to understand it broadly we must actively seek and share knowledge. This exchange elevates and strengthens Karate.
A great example of a learning environment is Karate Virtual, which defines itself as “an organization that works as a worldwide online forum aiming to promote the unicity of all styles of Karate and discuss martial arts, in general.” This is done through meetings that take place every two weeks, always on Saturdays at 12 pm GMT, with some distinguished guest sharing some of their knowledge, perspective and/or trajectory in Karate.
I first learned about Karate Virtual in February this year, when they presented a lecture with Brazilian sensei Mahomed Chales, from Curitiba (state of Parana), who represents the Senbukai school of Gōjū-ryū in Brazil. Besides him, other big names also participated, such as Brazilian sensei Flavio Vicente de Souza (Shōrin-ryū Karate and Kobudō Jyureikan), Patrick MacCarthy, Andreas Quast, Christian Bellina, James Pankiewicz and others. It is such an engaged work that it has already reached 50 meetings, and some of the lectures are also available on Bujin.tv, a streaming for martial arts practitioners.
With members from several countries, including Brazil, Karate Virtual is non-profit and ” always provide translations as needed, in English, Spanish and/or Portuguese, due to the international audience that varies every meeting.” It is possible to follow the lectures live, free of charge via Zoom, even asking questions to the speakers. The content is later also published on the group’s YouTube channel.
For those who still don’t know the great work done by Karate Virtual, my tip is to like the group’s page on Facebook and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Check out the rich material that has already been published and keep an eye for upcoming presentations. Initiatives like this deserve to be known, supported and disseminated by all who value the study of Karate, the union and construction of knowledge that our art can provide.
[1] “In order to mantain one’s interest and enthusiam in karate, he shoud try to attain a thorough insight into karate by appreciating kata perfomed by others, by listening to the points of view of others on karate, by reading books, and especially by attending exhibitions of karate as often as possible, as well as as practicing with the makiwara and other training equipment.” Karate-Do Kyohan, pg. 38. (Kodansha, 1973.)
[2] “We should open karate to the public and receive criticism, opinions and studies from the other prominent fighting artists.” Text Historical Outline of Karate-Do, Martial Arts of Ryukyu