| Press
PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO DO MARTIAL ARTS
It is said that the Martial Arts are savage, it’s deep-rooted violent image remains, Tae-Bo (Martial Arts influenced) or boxercise on the other hand emphasis the fitness element. In the midst of this, people are opening dojos not only because of the simple skill involved but also the spirit of training in the Martial Arts. What do they think about studying Martial Arts and what do they learn? ‘For me, I have learnt many things from karate. This time I would like to convey to the Japanese people how wonderful it is’ says Harmony by Karate boss John P Mirrione. John Mirrione(35) who is called ‘Sensei John’ by his students, which conveys both respect and familiarity, started karate when he was two years old. Under his fathers’ tutelage, karate had a playful feel to it which he enjoyed. From the age of 8 onwards it became more serious. From school to his way home, he had the real life experience of being in dangerous situations where gang members could knock him down or beat him around the head, he began to think ‘I should become a real warrior/martial artist’. From the age of 14 onwards, he absorbed himself in real training. At the age of 19 he was awarded his black belt and started to teach children. In his twenties
he was broadening the American peoples idea of karate with his dance
performances that incorporated karate moves, appeared on MTV and
living a colorful life. Within this NY/Manhattan gym with it’s millionaires and showy exterior, in these two dojos, traditional katas, etiquette and manners are all practiced. In the Upper East Side dojo which is within Reebok Sports Club with it’s brand new gym, aerobics room and swimming pool, this quality dojo is conspicuous. ‘Six years ago when this sports club opened, I heard that they were looking for a karate teacher. In Manhattan, New Yorkers are under an enormous amount of stress, because of this, I thought that it was important for people to get a healthy mind and body through karate From employment to coming to the club, I stressed that I wanted to open a traditional dojo not an Americanised dojo that eliminated the spiritual side. Classes for all belts are one hr. When people enter the dojo they bow to the shomen, at the beginning and end of classes the students kneel to ‘ shomen ni rei etc.’ First they stretch and then they split into different levels and earnestly practice traditional katas. It’s a tough thing, the students continue to practice with respect and silence while pouring with sweat. There are about 200 students in Mr. Mirrione’s dojo. The potential starters observe a class and then go on and learn the dojo rules and class content, some of those beginners are quit very soon after joining. ‘Amongst the students there are many people who are managers and high ranking officials within corporations. They are instructed their workers while not really looking at their own daily life and goals. In this dojo people are looking for stress release and spiritual support. In the children’s
class there is the child of the singer Sting, the movie star, Kathleen
Turner and other famous people’s children. For these children
that are positioned in this seductive environment, even for celebrities
wishing for personal growth, millionaires, all are gaining full
support through the program. Saying that, the children of celebrities
do not get special treatment. Mr. Mirrione look at all his students
personalities and treats them all with equal consideration, this
comment is confirmed by his students. Tradition is not the only thing that is important in Mr. Mirrione’s classes. For example, as you enter the dojo there is a board with ‘The Philosophy of the week’ on it. I write a new philosophy on the weekend, it can come from an article that I’ve read or something that I’ve thought of myself. Every student discusses the philosophy and gives their interpretation of it. There is no right answer just different peoples thoughts on it. Mr. Mirrione is making his dream of ‘ expanding karate in America a reality, he also dreams of teaching karate in Japan.
|
||||||
| Download
Enrollment Form
Harmony
By Karate at the Reebok
Sports Club/NY |
