Martial Arts Masters
What you'll learn
- Be introduced to and gain a better understanding of martial arts philosophy
- Be able to analyze through critical thinking philosophical quotes for self-reflection
- Understand of the development and advancement of martial arts throughout the 20th century
- Develop independent philosophical insight in relation to your own martial arts journey
Requirements
- Interest in martial arts
Description
From ancient times to the modern era, martial arts has consistently evolved over the centuries and continues to evolve and thrive today. At the turn of the 20th century, martial arts saw perhaps its greatest evolution as many Japanese & Okinawan martial arts masters of the time no longer looked at martial arts as a mere tool of warfare, but instead as systems that have immeasurable mental and physical health benefits.
While the popularization of MMA continues to showcase and demonstrate the formidable physical aspects of martial arts, many have lost sight of the philosophical components martial arts has to offer.
In an attempt to revive the philosophical components of traditional martial arts, included within this course are short biographies, quotes, anecdotes and precepts to facilitate internal self-reflection from 10 of the most prominent martial arts master of the 20th century including:
-Anko Itosu (Itosu-Ryu)
-Jigoro Kano (Judo)
-Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan)
-Morihei Ueshiba
-Chibana Chosin (Shorin-Ryu)
-Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu)
-Kenwa Mabuni (Shito-Ryu)
-Choki Motobu (Motobu-Ryu)
-Shimabuku (Isshin-Ryu)
-Mas Oyama (Kyokushin)
As many of these traditional styles are still practiced today and have given rise to even newer forms of martial arts since, it is important to look back at some of the most notable philosophies from the Shodai-Soke (founders) of these traditional martial arts styles so that we can understand the true meaning of these arts as not just tools for self-defense, but also as tools for self-development.
This course is based on the book Shodai-Soke: 101 Quotes, Anecdotes & Precepts From the Founders of Modern Japanese Martial Arts by Sensei Justin Hagen.
Who this course is for:
- martial artists
- philosophy students
Instructor
- 4.4 Instructor Rating
- 31 Reviews
- 5,217 Students
- 3 Courses
Martial arts has been an incredibly influential part of my life since the age of 5 years old. Beginning with ITF Taekwondo in March of 1994 I would go on to compete in numerous tournaments and ultimately received my 2nd Degree Black Belt in 2002. In high school I switched styles and learned Isshin-Ryu Karate under Shihan Kim at J.H. Kim's Karate Institute in Wall, NJ. I received my 2nd Degree Black Belt in Isshin-Ryu in 2011 before going off to college at the University of Rhode Island.
While studying history and philosophy at URI I continued to pursue martial arts and took boxing, which was offered as club sport by the school in 2007 and continued until the program was discontinued in 2009. Also during this time I practiced Muay Thai at Borelli MMA in S. Kingston, RI from 2007-2008.
Upon graduating in 2011 with a BA in History and minor in Philosophy, I resumed boxing once again, this time at the Asbury Park Police Athletic League under coach Carl Simms and continued to box until April of 2016, ultimately having participated in 3 amateur fights including the 2014 Philadelphia Golden Gloves.
After boxing I pursued full contact martial arts and became a sparring partner for professional and amateur MMA & Muay Thai fighters at the American Top Team gym Hammer Fitness in Allentown, PA from December 2014 until April 2016. Also during this time I pursued full contact traditional arts, simultaneously training in both Kyokushin Karate under Shihan Roman Herman and WTF Taekwondo under Master Antonio Orlando. I have since competed in multiple Knockdown tournaments and currently hold the rank of 1st Dan in Kyokushin and 3rd Dan in WTF Taekwondo.
In 2018 I finished my Master's in Education from DeSales University, focusing heavily on the benefits of martial arts and Eastern philosophy on school age children in my final thesis.
Currently I am an educator for the public school system outside of Philadelphia, PA as well as a martial arts instructor of both WTF Taekwondo and Kyokushin Karate.