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In any case, karate in Hawai'i actually pre-dated karate in Japan by about 20 years, Goodin says. While the martial art may have been known by Okinawans in Japan, instruction didn't begin until Gichin Funakoshi started teaching in the university system around 1922.
"You could say a tournament is a good way to test people, but you could also say it's a good way to build public interest and get students," he says. "It also makes good business sense to promote rank because you can charge for testing and certificates. There's nothing wrong with that if you have to pay for a place and cover expenses, but it's not the old way."
The old way is what Goodin tries to preserve with his dojo. There, you're a white belt until you earn your black belt. Lessons are $5 a month until you become a black belt, then they're free. The dojo doesn't participate in tournaments and only rarely takes part in exhibitions.
The old way is what Goodin tries to preserve with his dojo. There, you're a white belt until you earn your black belt. Lessons are $5 a month until you become a black belt, then they're free. The dojo doesn't participate in tournaments and only rarely takes part in exhibitions.
I envy those that can go check out this exhibition.