I am the head coach of Cova Karate, other schools I would call that Sensei, I like coach. It has more relevance where I live, where I am training, and frankly makes more sense given my culture.

As an instructor/coach, I focus on Okinawan Karate and self-defense. I don’t teach knife defense or gun defense. Quite frankly, I have friends who are better suited for that. I focus on what I am good at.

Shorin-ryu Karate

Though traditional Okinawan Karate, Shorin-ryu, is the foundation, I am not interested in the philosophical, cultural aspect or the “DO” as many in the martial arts community seem to fixate on. This doesn’t mean I don’t subscribe to, and have, a moral road map. I do, it’s based on the ideas of individualism that built America, and not on the collectivism common throughout Asia.

Okinawan/Japanese tradition?

I find it fraudulent to demand that my students act “traditionally,” expecting they copy what I think are norms from another culture I have never visited, or loosely handed
down to me at seminars. Even if I visited many times over several years, I doubt I could be an authority on that culture.

Why would I want to emulate another culture that is more concerned with the collective than the individual? There isn’t anything honorable about being overly humble. Read this like Yoda: Humility leads to self-forgetfulness, self-forgetfulness leads to collectivism, then leads to servitude.

The Way, The “Do”

Many point to a path of enlightenment within the Karate / Martial arts world. They call it “the PATH” (I should trade mark that LOL). Along this path, you learn about Humility, Respect and Honor, but in the context that suits the association or head of your school/system. Many times, these “masters” (Am I the only one that cringes at that?) will dictate what the acceptable behavior is, with no real basis or understanding. I would rather look at my own culture and use what it offers me, which is a lot!
The American West was referred to as lawless, but like Old Japan, it had its code of conduct that everyone subscribed. It was based on Hard work, Resilience, Keep promises, Be a Patriot, Live with courage, know when to draw the line, be tough but fair. These were the code of the Old West, the code that helped make America what it is. A country of self-starters, go getters, hard workers, hard chargers.

Cult like behavior

The problem that exists in what is referred to as Traditional Karate is that those who teach it want it to be almost a religion. The “sensei” wants to be put on a pedestal, looked up to as the all knowing and revered sage. While karate can drastically affect your way of life, and who you are, it boils down to its basics: Karate is just yoga with defensive / offensive responses to physical attacks.  In many associations and Dojos this desire to adhere to Okinawan ways or Japanese ways hinges on cultish behavior.  

With all that said, there are many fine martial art teachers who do not go overboard with cultural mimicry and insincerity, and I know plenty of such instructors.