Perspectives on Shotokan karate

Sensei Gary Swain, 8th Dan in Shotokan karate shares his philosophies and perspectives on the benefits and results one obtains through this sort of training. He is an officer in the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF).

[BenKellyMusic]

Ben from JKA England here. A martial arts instructor with as much intellectual insight as Sensei Swain is extremely rare to come by, and his words were incredibly inspirational. I have posted this video onto our club's facebook page for them to watch. I will be testing for my yellow belt next month :)

[kobe]

Refreshing to hear that Shotokan is still being taught with this passion. Wise words Sensei Gary Swain, Oss

[PnutButter]

I'm a Shotokan Karateka from the UK. It is refreshing to see such a genuine American Sensei who shares the traditional philosophies of Karate unlike all the egomaniacal badge and stripe plastered McDojo Senseis. Much respect and I am taught the same philosophy i as this Sensei's

[Ironbudokan]

Few martial arts instructors understand the fundamental philosophy behind it. But this gentleman certainly does. Thanks for uploading this video, I found it very helpful. :)

[qdis]

I was about to dismiss Shotokan Karate because I didn't think this was what I was looking for in Martial Arts but after listening to this Sensai I thinik this is exactly what I'm looking for.

[loganpierce]

Excellent!!! As a 61 year old Yondan instructor I find the unfolding journey of children incredible and a blessing.

[lesterlara]

This is my favorite video for motivation. I am a 1st degree black belt in taekwondo going for my 2nd degree. I've been seeing this video when I was recommended black belt. It reminds me where I am at and where I want to go. Everything your sensei said is true. Thank you.

[ShotokanSensei]

Sensei Swain,
Excellent presentation of what karate is about and of what it offers. I wholeheartedly agree with what you have put forth in this video.
I wish you all the best with your dojo and your students. Osu!

[memoweb]

I agree with this man, most persons will never have to fight in their entire lives, those who are fighting all the time are persons without self-control. It is not a bad idea to know self defense but it shouldn´t be your goal in life to be "a great fighter" but a great human being.

[JadeFraun]

I enjoyed listening to him and his perspective on Karate. I share the same mindset and try to educate people when they ask me why I train Karate.

[benjaminfranklin]

i really enjoyed this video i am very new to shotokan karate but i train very hard and have been also letting my little sister come with me to my classes and i find that she has really developed a lot since she has been training with me and i am really proud at how far she has come

[seedydc]

Positive, calm, sensible stuff. Just look at the students to see what the Sensei is about. They clearly love their karate and show their respect for him with their concentration and commitment. Great to see, all the very best to you all from Wales, U.K.

[aragornii]

I still have respect and miss Shotokan and my sensei from the early 2000s

[RevSteveHermann]

Very nice talk. Great Shotokan instructor.

[jkdandr.a.t.loverhitt]

I agree very much. I also have a dangerous job and believe in being prepared for anything. Ever since I have discovered JKD and R.A.T. everything I thought and knew about traditional "Karate" has been blown away. I have never seen anything so effective and useful as I have when I was introduced to JKD and R.A.T.

[feralfilmmaker]

@Shotokan187
Thank you for watching. I am just a 5th Kyu at this point, but karate become a very important part of my life. Sensei Swain has been a very helpful in my growth as a karateka.

[ghostscribble]

Loved the bit at 7:30 where he stresses that it's about HOW you train. That it's about the mindset about how you're training and not as much WHAT you're training. Too many people want to put down one martial art and say it doesn't work or that another one's better, but that's not important.

If you approach your training with the mentality that what you're doing might save your life someday, you'll get the most out of it. We could use more of this attitude in martial arts schools.

[macrobioticman]

I just watched this video again his attitude is wonderful . Very peaceful but strong looking man. OSS

[Mantorras]

Excellent video! Sensei Swain perfectly explained the Karate philosophy and how it can help young and old people. Congradulations.

[martinabreu]

I am a 2'dan on Shito-ryu and a 6'dan on Uechi-ryu, but I admire and respect Shotokan so much. Humility is the way of the warrior.