ByBRUCESLOANE

ByBRUCESLOANE

Rappahannock News SUIT Writer

“Karate ni sente nashni.”

(“There is no first attack in Karate.”)

This phrase is the essence of Okinawan Karate, whether the art is practiced in Kamakura City or during lessons at the Ki Theatre, said instructor Betsy Toth, who has been teaching Karate to Rappahannock students for more than 4 years.

Toth currently teaches two Karate classes Wednesday evenings at the Ki Theatre, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and a combined group for women and seniors (55 and over) from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Both groups still have openings.

Karate is a martial art, explained Toth, but it was orginally developed by Okinawans as a method of selfpreservation. The Okinawans developed their own unique art of self-defense, “te,” which literally means “hands.” Although almost any part of the body can become a vital weapon, the characteristics of the Okinawan Karate appears in the use of fists, toes, elbows and “knife hands,” she said.

Her teaching follows the traditional “Matsubayashi” (pine forest) system of Karate which stresses working with an opponent, as opposed to competing against an opponent.

“What is important is the development of better human beings, not just fighters,” said Toth.

The particular style of Matsubayashi that Toth teaches is Shorinyu, which is well suited to both children and adults. Shorinyu is particularly beneficial to a child’s development because it is non-violent. “We bow before and after each kata (movement),” said Toth. The children learn to respect the power of the kata and each other.