Origin & Philosophy
Funakoshi O Sensei
The life of Supreme Master Gichin Funakoshi was the starting point of the art of karate. He changed the name of the art from “karate-jutsu” to “karate-do”, established the five dojo precepts, and through his magnificent philosophy of karate became the torchbearer of spiritual culture.
Gichin Funakoshi is widely considered the primary “father” of modern karate due to his efforts to introduce the Okinawan art to mainland Japan, from where it spread to the rest of the world. Born in 1870, he began to study karate at the age of 11, and was a student of the two greatest masters of the time, Azato and Itosu. He grew so proficient that he was initiated into all the major styles of karate in Okinawa at the time. For Master Funakoshi, the word karate eventually took on a deeper and broader meaning through the synthesis of these many methods, becoming karate-do, literally the “way of karate,” or of the empty hand. Training in karate-do became an education for life itself.
Master Funakoshi taught only one method, a total discipline, which represented a synthesis of Okinawan karate styles. This method became known as Shotokan, literally the clan or the house of Shoto, which was the Master’s pen name for his poetry, denoting the sound of the wind blowing through
pines.
Shoshin Nagamine, famous karate master in the long history of karate gives the definition: “Karate may be considered as the conflict within oneself or as a lifelong marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one’s own creative efforts.”
Following tradition karate has a deeply philosophical approach and Karate-Do teaches its ethical principles. It shows a way of further developing the own personality, strengthening the character, growing within continuously. Karate-Do therefore means not only discipline of body control but also defines a school of mental culture. Today karate mainly is practiced for self-perfection, for cultural reasons, for self-defense and as a sport. Due to Japanese opinion, already 50 million karate practitioners worldwide prove the importance of Karate as a sport and philosophy.
“Having Fun”, “Studying”, “Developing”, “Growing” in every sense of the word, Karate provides all these elements for your kids to be healthy, strong and happy, preparing their way into a successful and shiny future. But there is even more:
Not only they will learn to compete with each other peacefully and respectfully, accomplishing step by step the next level to a forceful self-esteem and pride as well as selfconfidence but also to go for higher grounds in achieving internationally valid certifications by the UAE Taekwondo & Karate Federation. Competitions will be held in various places of the UAE together with exciting trips and outside games to complete the package of enjoyment and education.
Ahmed Afifi Sensei has a long history of successfully teaching Martial Arts with focus on Karate engaging in multiple environments to distribute his preference of the Martial Arts. His academic education and professional career shows his wholeheartedness and passion to perform, pursue and educate this kind of body & mind strengthening activity. First steps already taken in Egypt with finishing a diploma by the Egyptian Karate Federation, University Degree in Physical Education at the Helwan University, teaching Karate in the same Physical Education Faculty and managing, organizing as well as teaching in different places he continued in the UAE starting as a Senior Karate Trainer in Abu Dhabi Joker Club, continuing stepping up with a Trainer License of the UAE Taekwondo & Karate Federation (special focus: Kata) and achieving the Black Belt 3 grade. He is doing pioneer work in installing Karate as a popular sport and leading it to international recognition.
“I was always dedicating myself to the philosophy of the Martial Arts since I was a child, taking part successfully in many competitions, achieving best places in the Ranking List of Egypt. Whether during my academic education, my military time or coaching career Karate was my first choice in practice as well as teaching. As a Karate competition organizer I try to take it to a broader audience and to pass on knowledge, competence as well as sportive and mental approach to the next generation to show that Karate not only provides possibilities to defend oneself but also to compete in a peaceful and nonaggressive way improving and strengthening simultaneously personality, body and discipline.”
After many years of doing passionate pioneering work to promote Karate in Abu Dhabi we now can proudly present huge success with our Phi–Karate TEAM. We already have achieved best positions in Abu Dhabi and all UAE by participating in national & international competitions.
Sensei Ahmed Afifi is the only representative of the Japanese Karate Association (JKA) in Abu Dhabi and competing in the Premier League Dubai.
Playing in a team promotes social skills and respect, fighting together for a common goal, being happy and proud if only one of the team players has won. Self-esteem, strength, energy as well as team spirit will give a young person a firm physical & mental basis for his life
