Lawrence Mark Vellucci

Anyone can learn karate, but to master oneself takes a lifetime.

This is the inspiring story of an ex-Marine who sought out thie one form of martial arts that would polish his mind and strengthen his spirit-Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karate. Finding the right dojo would lead him to Okinawa and a Sensei (teacher), a seventh degree black belt, who whould show him what lay beyond the pain, beyond the exhaustion. He was taught Nintai-the art of patience, perseverance, and endurance.

'The reason there are mirrors in the dojo is to allow the student to always face his greatest opponent: himself. It is the aim of the true karate practiitioner to overcome the ego, and focus on thehiger goal of unifying the mind, body, and spirit, In Okinawa, it is the Sensei's responsibiitiy to help the sutdent become humble enough to attain this objecive.'

Only when Ninai is accomplished, can pursue a higher spiritual path.

Lawrence Mark Vellucci has been studying the martial arts for over 25 years, attaining the fank of Renshi, a sixth-degree black belt in shorin ryu karate. He lived, trained, and studied in Okinawa and Japan for seven years. Renshi Vellucci is a professional martial arts instructor who currently resides in Redmond, Oregon, with his wife and family. For information on other books and training videos he has produced, please visit his website, www.cranekarate.com.

Contents

Preface
I The Nishihara dojo
II Sensei and senpai
III Kata, kata, kata
IV Breaks, bumps and bruises
V Banging arms
VI Raising cane
VII Makiwara moments
VIII It's hard to be humble
IX Testing...testing
X Clean up time
XI Private lessons
XII The show must go on
XIII Temper, temper
XIV Crossing hands
XV Simple traditions
XVI Out of respect
XVII Leaving the nest
XVIII A new beginning
Appendix A Karate ideals
Appendix B Glossary of terms… (mehr)