ABOUT PKR

"THE ULTIMATE AIM OF KARATE LIES NOT IN VICTORY OR DEFEAT, BUT IN THE PERFECTION OF THE CHARACTER OF ITS PARTICIPANTS"

Gichin Funakoshi - November 10, 1868 - April 26, 1957

Sensei Wendy Redding opened ProKarate Rockford in 1999, operating out of Champion Fitness. Then, seven years later, moved the school to downtown Rockford into a space above Glik's Department Store. Continued growth and expanded programming necessitated even more space. In late 2014 we renovated, and moved into our present location at 528 Wolverine Street, just a block-and-a-half north of E. Main Street.

At ProKarate Rockford, we don't focus on fighting. We focus on physical and mental strength, confidence, character development, and integrity. In other words, we focus on how to be a decent human being. Our teachings provide adults and children with the tools to diffuse uncomfortable & difficult situations while using physical force as a last resort. We teach with respect, and we expect our students to be respectful to others. Every student is encouraged to give their personal best effort, but we make sure that we all have fun while learning.

 

20 PRECEPTS

  • Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.

  • There is no first attack in Karate.

  • Karate is an aid to justice.

  • First control yourself before attempting to control others.

  • Spirit first, technique second.

  • Always be ready to release your mind.

  • Accidents arise from negligence.

  • Do not think that Karate training is only in the dojo.

  • It will take your entire life to learn Karate; there is no limit.

  • Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find "Myo" (subtle secrets).

  • Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.

  • Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.

  • Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.

  • The battle is according to how you move guarded and unguarded(move according to your opponent).

  • Think of your hands and feet as swords.

  • When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behavior that invites trouble from them.

  • Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced.

  • Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.

  • Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and slowness and speed of techniques.

  • Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day.