Corpus Christi Downtown Karate Article. By Steven Rhea

June 2010 - Corpus Christi Downtown Karate

Corpus Christi Downtown Karate

By Steven Rhea

“The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”

To some, the systematic training and strengthening of the bodys’ limbs to be used as weapons in the event of physical confrontation is nothing more than the everyday, run of the mill, self defense class.  To those like 5th Degree Black Belt Jeff Ghee and 2nd Degree Black Belt Mathew Rosas this training and strengthening is only a small gift of the Shotokan Karate-Do teachings.  Like the past Shotokan Karate-Do masters, both Ghee and Rosas believe that the first purpose in pursuing this art form is the nurturing of a sublime spirit.  The spirit of  humility.

    Personally, my own dreams of being a Black Belt (or any color belt for that matter) ended when my older brother found other hobbies and I quickly became aware of the fact that both Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita (Karate Kid) were just faking.  The impressive resumes of both Ghee and Rosas describe two individuals who are quite obviously not faking and take their responsibilities, studies and training as instructors very seriously.  With over 40 years combined experience between the two Ghee and Rosas bring a vision of instruction to others and believe that Karate-Do can strengthen an individual’s physical and mental state.  “I want to promote the community to have a secure feeling for themselves so they can protect themselves, defend themselves and stay safe” says Ghee.

Shihan Ghee opened the studio, which is located above the Axis Tattoo Shop, on Starr Street in 2009.  He has studied the art of Shotokan Karate-Do since 1980 and earned his first Black Belt at the age of 18 while residing in Columbus, Ohio.  After joining the United States Navy he began to teach Karate and earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt while being stationed in Sesabo and Yokuska, Japan.  In 1991 Shihan Ghee began a karate organization known as South Texas Shotokan Karate-Do in Corpus Christi. The beginning of this organization was only an inkling of what was to come for both Ghee and our Sparkling City.  Ghee has since earned the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan as a member of Dia Ichi Shotokan Karate-Do under Hanshi Ricardo Johns, Sr. in Houston not to mention earning the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate as a member of The Society of Harmonious Fists Martial Arts Organization under Hanshi Balfour Wright in San Antonio.  Ghee continues to receive instructions from both Hanshi Ricardo and Wright on a regular basis. As pointed out earlier Ghee opened the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio in 2009 and currently trains and teaches as Chief Instructor.

Sensei Matthew Rosas began his training at the age of 9 years old under the instruction of Shihan Ghee in Ikiru Shotokan Karate Do. He earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in July of 2003, and his 2nd degree black belt in July of 2006.  He is the assistant instructor at the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio and continues his training in Shotokan Karate Do and Goju Ryu Karate Do. Sensei Matthew is also an accomplished well known tattoo artist at Axis Tattoo.

    Together Ghee and Rosas offer unique study and training for any age, gender or physical state.  It is the vision of Corpus Christi Downtown Karate to “provide the highest quality martial arts instruction and training in a safe, productive and positive atmosphere in order to promote personal growth of mind, body and spirit for ourselves, our members and our community.”  It is their belief that these goals can be conquered by following the basic principles of Shotokan Karate-Do as set forth in the Dojo Kun (rules of the Dojo).  The Shotokan training consists of three elements; Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Kihon is the first and basic technique using punches, blocks, kicks and basic self defense. Kata is the next building block which teaches prearranged movements against imaginary opponents. Both Ghee and Rosas utilize choreographed sequences until the movements of the pupil’s bodies are able to travel in fluid motions that simulate actual fighting and self-defense techniques.  Once the pupil has learned Kihon and Kata, the method of sparring called Kumite is studied. This training and teaching involves acquiring both offensive and defensive techniques against an actual assaulting opponent in arranged, semi-arranged or free fighting situations.

    Since one of the most unique features of karate training is that it may be easily practiced and studied by all walks of life. It is this reason that Corpus Christi Downtown Karate offers a wide variety of instruction ranging from ages 4-6 years (Tiny Tigers Karate), Youth Beginner Classes, Adult Karate classes and annual summer training camps not to mention the Dojo participates in both local and national tournament competitions.  One-on-one instruction, group and even family karate programs are available along with structured exercise programs for those that want to get into shape.  With various instruction and price plans available, do yourself and your community a favor by inquiring at the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio by calling (361) 537-3004, checking out their webpage (www.ccdk.weebly.com) or better yet, by paying a visit to Jeff and Matthew at the studio located at 410 Starr Street, Downtown.