3840 Balfour Rd, Suite D, Brentwood, CA, 94513 | (925) 809-0085
Arguably the most well-known martial art worldwide, Karate is a striking-based discipline that does not incorporate grappling into its training. With an emphasis on precision, balance, and maintaining a strong center of gravity, Karate teaches not only how to strike effectively but also the deeper significance behind each movement. Practitioners are trained to understand the intent and philosophy behind every strike, fostering both physical and mental mastery.
Karate is far more than just a method of self-defense—it is a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The word Karate can be translated from Japanese as "empty hand," a concept that holds dual meanings within the discipline. First, it refers to the practitioner’s ability to defend themselves without weapons, relying solely on their body’s strength and skill. Second, and more deeply, the notion of empty hand embodies the principles of Japanese Zen philosophy. In this context, it signifies the practitioner’s pursuit of emptiness—freeing the mind and heart from distractions, selfishness, and negativity to focus purely on the perfection of self and mastery of the art.
Karate encourages the development of an internal stillness, akin to a calm, quiet valley where every sound can be heard with clarity. By cultivating this state of awareness, a person can strip away ego, harmful desires, and inner conflict, ultimately transforming into a more disciplined, spiritually fulfilled individual. Through the practice of Karate, the body and mind are harmonized, creating a path not just to physical strength, but to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
In this sense karate is not a martial art so much as it is a training path to spiritual knowledge. In fact, a founder of one of the first schools of karate, Gichin Funakoshi, thought that practitioners would have to use their training at most once in their lives. Except for an instance where you must defend yourself to avoid personal harm, all other situations should be resolved nonviolently.
At Scholars Academy, we endeavor to not only impart the techniques of Karate but also its philosophy. True strength is not the ability to cause harm, but the ability to remain calm and resolute in the face of adversity.
When the people of Brentwood and surrounding areas decide to learn karate with Scholars Academy they will learn:
If you live in the greater Brentwood area or in the surrounding area and are interested in taking a class with us then please feel free to contact us through phone or email. We look forward to training with you.