Classic Photo Scans
A collection of photos scanned from prints in Knacho’s photo albums.
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Tying your Obi (belt)
All students need to be able to tie their own Obi (belt). It is a requirement for your Blue Belt and will be reinforced in class. Learn to tie it on your own! 1) Hold Obi in front of you with any stripes on the right side.2) Wrap the Obi around your waist. Wrap the
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MKA Celebrates 55 Years of Martial Arts Excellence and Personal Growth
We are delighted to announce that the Methuen Karate Association recently celebrated its momentous 55th anniversary! It was a truly remarkable event, filled with joy and nostalgia as we reflected on the incredible journey of martial arts excellence and personal growth that has defined our school over the years. To commemorate this special milestone, we
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MKA 2024 Board
Over the years, the Methuen Karate Association has sought to develop a strong and lasting spirit in the dojo and in each person’s everyday life. The development of self-discipline in your life creates an atmosphere of love, respect, and obedience which has fostered your growth of strong moral character which I, as Kancho, have strived
Stretching for Maximum Flexibility
Every muscle is subject to the myotatic reflex (stretch reflex) which opposes changes in muscle length, especially sudden or extreme changes. When a muscle lengthens beyond a certain point, the myotatic reflex causes it to tighten and attempt to shorten. This is the tension you feel during stretching exercises. The myotatic reflex is desirable because
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KIAI
The kiai (literally: “spirit yell”) is very important to karate. It involves tensing the diaphragm and expelling air through the mouth, making a short, sharp sound. The word “kiai” is not yelled; the appropriate sound should be like: “eye”, “high” or “eigh”. The exact sound will vary from person to person. The kiai occurs during
Karate Creed & Dojo Oath
Karate Creed I come to you with only karate — empty hands !I carry no weapon and mean you no harm.But should it be an affair of honor, or possible physical harm,or a matter of principlesThen here I stand, with my weapons — my empty hands. Dojo Oath (Dojo Kun) We will train our hearts
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Dojo Procedures During Class
The Bow In Japanese culture places great emphasis on respect for one’s senior. When the class commences, all students line up in order of seniority, facing the front (shomen). Students line up in one row (space permitting), from right to left, in order of rank. Within each rank, students also line up from right to
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Dojo Etiquette
“Karate Begins & Ends with Respect”–One of Kancho Giordano’s favorite sayings Dojo or training hall literally means “way (tao) place”. The dojo is a special place due to the shared respect and goals of the students. The dojo fosters a sense of belonging, family and community. Students come to train & meditate as a group