Structure

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Structure is about patterns, rhythms, cadence and so on, so when you see the basics of any art form including martial and karate then you will see structure.

Structure is required for all art, to achieve the full potential of the discipline you need to understand the form’s limitations and create an ability to put the many parts into a system to achieve maximum potential.

Structure does NOT limit creativity. Structure is how we find our creative nature, all humans have this creative nature, and when we follow certain paths and observe the milestones we find within the structure all sorts of branches that make for one’s creative nature.

Structure is not formulaic. Even when the structure seem the same, in truth one finds that each has the same principles expressed naturally and creatively through the presentation of the form and structure. Every style, system or way does incorporate the same principles and methodologies for the structure you practice is actually the box in which principles, methodologies, force decisions, etc., come in all wrapped up in colorful paper, bows of ribbons and cards with greetings of, “This is Isshinryu, Welcome (Mensori)!”

Structure teaches us a kind of check list of must-have elements, i.e., fundamental principles of multiple methodologies with appropriate force levels under adrenal stress-conditions that allow creativity to flow through unhindered to gain the maximum results and effects for self-fense. Structure is nothing more than a list of those elements, i.e., principles, methods, forces and results that give us self-fense. 

Structure solidifies master of the discipline/craft by teaching us to consciously understand toward a conditioned reflex reactive nature that broadens your understanding thus solidifying your mastery, expertise, of the discipline and craft. You will be amazed once you label the principles, methods and force decisions that you already know of many if not most but just couldn’t put a name on them until now, until you realized that the structure of your system or style actually presents those critical underlying structures before not realized on a conscious understanding creative way. 

Structure as it is describes herein opens the door to the excitement and fun of learning a serious and dangerous discipline providing the practitioner a certain comfort that liberates their mind, body and spirit to the full, complete and comprehensive systems we call martial arts and karate. Discovery of the ins-n-outs of your systems structure for the first time or if you are just brushing up on previous knowledge, experience and understanding, you will enjoy that journey more than ever before by opening your mind to, “Structure!”

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