by Dan Taylor

The demise of the Samurai class in the late 19th century, left many with no venue for training.  Fearing that their ancient traditions would be lost, these former warriors assembled and formed the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society).  With an emphasis on the martial virtues they had previously established under their Bushido Code, the modern Budo philosophy was developed and the Samurai of old became the Budoka of today.  Many renowned leaders and practitioners of traditional martial arts joined the DNBK. It was the official martial arts institution sanctioned by the authority of the national government of Japan. In 1933, Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, demonstrated his art at the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, where it was subsequently accepted as a Japanese Martial Art.  For more information about the DNBK, visit their site at Dai Nippon Butoku Kai .

There is life after forty. So if you aren't there yet don't worry, life will happen. And yes, there is life after fifty. Again, it will happen - plan for it. And so it is not a surprise to me that life happens after sixty. I have managed to make it to sixty-one and really never thought too much about it-until now.

I have been blessed with good health, excellent fitness, and limited injuries. I also have been fortunate to study and practice GoJu-Ryu for the past forty-four years with such notable sensei as Mr. Yamakura, Mr. Stamper, Mr. Yamaguchi, Mr. Chinen, Mr. Reuter and Mr. Sammons. I decided to veer from my karate training and tackle a triathlon at the World Huntsman Games this October in St. George, Utah. Although I veered from karate training it would not abandon me.

The new GKK Member Forums are now up and running.

To read and post in the new Forums you will need to register and login.  Once you've logged in you'll find a link to the GKK Member Forum in the USER MENU. Once you have gone to the GKK Discussion Boards you will be able to view and post messages in the The GKK Lounge, Goju Kata and Bunkai, GKK Seminars & Events, and USANKF Sports Karate forums.