Martial Arts for the Body, Mind and Spirit
Improve Flexibility [ Build Strength [ Generate Power
Dynamic breathing exercises and full body stretching make Zen Karate-do the perfect compliment to hard-style karate training.
Zen Karate-Do training combines the mindful serenity of Zen meditation; graceful, flowing movements of Tai Chi; the dynamic breathing of Qigong; and the stretching of Shanti Yoga with traditional Shotokan karate-do. This type of training is a path to discovering the power that exists within you. It is a profound study; rich in physical, mental, spiritual and philosophical purpose.
Sample Class Outline:
Advanced Breathing & Stretching Techniques
to Increase Flexibility & Ki Energy
10 Zen Qigong - Energy Generation Form
Zen Crane - Qigong/Kung Fu Form
Circle Kicking – Leg & Hip Drill
Zen Kumite – Tai Chi Push Hands Combat
Meditation & Relaxation
CONTACT US to schedule a seminar with Sensei Aaron Hoopes
Zen Karate-Do Certification Course
The Shotokan Way Interview with Sensei Aaron Hoopes
The Hoitsugan Seminars - The World Traditional Karate Organization - Sensei Aaron Hoopes
Zen Yoga Book
- Aaron Hoopes
REVIEW by Shaun Banfield at
The Shotokan Way
"This book is incredibly thorough, and bursting with Hoopes’ obvious passion for this practice. There are fascinating sections of the book dedicated to breathing, which will be of great use to karate-ka. To compliment the excellent and thorough text comes the beautiful illustration demonstrations by Hoopes himself and Rita Lang. With clear, precise descriptions enhanced with great photography, this beautifully illustrated book brings to life Hoopes’ deep knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for Zen Yoga. It presents so many exercises, methods and examples of stretches that will undoubtedly enhance your karate, as it will develop flexibility, muscular control and understanding of the body." (read the full review)
Zen Yoga
Daily Warm-Up DVD - Aaron Hoopes REVIEW by Mark Thompson at
The Shotokan Way.
"I wanted to explore this DVD from a Shotokan Practitioner’s point of view, and true to my word, I will. I vowed for a week I wouldn’t practice karate at all, just devoting time to these basic practices daily so I could measure the value of the stretching and breathing exercises after this period. Then on the seventh day, I proceeded to punch gyaku-tsuki, and to my total amazement I was faster and more relaxed than ever. Coincidence? I think not." (read the full review)
***RECOMMENDATIONS***
MASTERCLASS KARATE: KICKING TECHNIQUES - MICHAEL BERGER
"Michael Berger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the art of kicking in karate-do training. Complete with numerous photos on almost every page, the book is an in-depth study of the major kicking techniques used in the traditional styles. The book is clear and well-organized. Each technique is broken down with descriptions, applications, common mistakes, and training exercises as well as offensive and defensive combinations. Mr. Berger has clearly put in the many hours, days and years of training it takes to become a true master of the art. Regardless of whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced practitioner you will find this book to be a valuable resource for enhancing your understanding of karate-do." -Aaron Hoopes
SHOTOKAN MASTERY DVD - RICHARD AMOS (Chief Instructor - World Traditional Karate Organization)
"Richard Amos has truly succeeded in creating something
very special with his Shotokan Mastery video series. Clear and concise, this
video embodies the essence of traditional karate training. This first video in
the series presents the basic, beginner level fundamentals of Shotokan Karate in
a manner that makes it accessible for anyone. One could literally learn karate
straight from this program. The production quality is top notch. Each technique
is shown from various angles as Sensei Amos gives detailed explanations on
proper form and muscle position. The subtle flute music that plays in the
background throughout lends a very traditional Japanese feel to the program. I
would highly recommend Shotokan Mastery to anyone who has ever had any interest
in real karate training." -Aaron Hoopes
Shotokan Karate Articles by Aaron Hoopes
Zen Yoga Karate videos available now on www.youtube.com/zenyoga
Hoitsugan Seminars III - Silicon Valley, California - March 13-16, 2008
(Aaron Hoopes teaches the Zen Crane Form at the Hoitsugan Seminars III)
PHOTO GALLERY (more photos from the Hoitsugan Seminars III)
(Hoitsugan Instructors (L to R): Erik Passoja, Glen Michel, Jon Keeling, Michael Berger, Bob Ehling, Steve Ubl, James Field, Aaron Hoopes)
Few individuals have energy, ability and charisma to become legends while they are still alive. Masatoshi Nakayama was one such man. The head of the Japan Karate Association until his death in 1987, he was the leader of organization that became a driving force in shaping present day karate and martial arts training. Sensei Nakayama was well known around the world. He traveled extensively, teaching seminars and workshops. He presided over the JKA Honbu dojo (headquarters) located in Ebisu, Tokyo. What many people may be unaware of is that Sensei Nakayama maintained a small, private dojo where he spent many hours teaching a select group of people from all over the world his traditional methods of Shotokan karate.
This was the Hoitsugan Dojo. www.hoitsugan.com
THE HOITSUGAN SEMINARS
A series of unique SHOTOKAN KARATE training seminars.
All instructors spent time training in Japan at Nakayama Sensei's private dojo in Tokyo.
The 2005 Hoitsugan Seminars - Los Angeles, CA - March 17-20, 2005
The 2004 Hoitsugan Seminars - San Francisco, CA - February 19-22, 2004
The 2008 Hoitsugan Seminars - Silicon Valley, CA - March 13-16, 2008
For traditional Shotokan Karate training information please visit:
WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE ORGANIZATION
WTKO - Honbu Dojo, New York City
(Zen Yoga Karate-do Workshop in New York City - November 2007)
(Richard Amos & Aaron Hoopes at the Hoitsugan Seminars 2005)
(from left to right: Richard Amos, Aaron Hoopes, John Mullin)
(Aaron Hoopes with Master Chien 'King' Lam)
Important Links
Aaron
Hoopes is a native of Vermont and the founder of Zen Yoga. He is the author of:
Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing,
Movement and Meditation, Breathe Smart,
and Perfecting Ourselves:
Coordinating Body, Mind and Spirit. He has studied the martial arts, Eastern philosophy, and alternative
medicine in the United States, Australia, and Japan for over twenty-five years.
He has a degree in Asian History and Japanese Culture from Tulane University and
spent a number of years in Japan studying under Masatoshi Nakayama, the chief instructor at the
headquarters of the Japan Karate Association, until his death in 1987. He holds a third degree black belt
in Japanese Shotokan Karate and is a certified instructor and one of the
Hoitsugan Instructors. He is also certified
as an instructor of Shanti Yoga and
Meditation as well as Tamashii Tai Chi. He
is trained in Chinese Qigong (Chi
Kung) Energy Healing and studied Shiatsu Finger Pressure Therapy under Hitoshi Koeda in Japan. In addition, he has extensive
knowledge of Iyengar Yoga, White Crane
Qigong, Okinawan Karate, Shorinji Kenpo,
Wing Chun Kung Fu
and Zen Meditation.
He has taught classes in Zen Yoga, Tai Chi, breathing and martial arts at Yale University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Vermont as well as at the Sakai Shibu in Osaka, Japan, and the Shanti Yoga Meditation Institute on the Gold Coast of Australia.
He has presented hundreds of workshops including the Montessori School, the Safety and Health Council of Northern New England and the Southern Legislators Conference. He travels widely teaching Zen Yoga Karate-Do, Martial Arts, Breathing and Quietism as well as giving performances of his Zen Sword Dance. He is presently training a corps of Zen Yoga instructors.
The Shotokan Way Interview with Sensei Aaron Hoopes
Shotokan Karate Articles by Aaron Hoopes
***ZEN YOGA DVD now Available!***
POWER ZEN: Yoga Qigong - Energy Healing- Instructor Training
Copyright 2008 Art of Zen Yoga. All rights reserved.
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