Niju Kun Part 5- Mentality Over Technique

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Niju Kun Part 4- First Know Yourself, Then Know Others

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Niju Kun Part 3- There Is No First Strike In Karate

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Niju Kun Part 2- Karate Begins & Ends With Rei (A Bow)

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Niju Kun Part 1- Karate Goes Beyond The Dojo

My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.

Welcome to My Blog on Traditonal Shotokan Karate-Do

Welcome to my blog on traditional shotokan karate-do.  My name is Paul Cortissoz and I have been training in shotokan karate-do for the past 20+ years on and off.  I am originally from Toronto, Canada but now live in NYC and am the co-owner of Way Of Life Shotokan Karate-Do in the Bronx and Westchester County, NY.


I will admit that there is a selfish interest in starting this blog as I want to generate traffic to our site and membership for our school.


Now that we have that out of the way, there is also a higher purpose for this blog.  I want to generate discussion on traditional karate, shotokan or otherwise.  All traditional styles are welcome.  I am passionate about preserving the art form in an age where MMA dominates martial arts discussion.  I also want to share my insights as I continue my training and journey in shotokan, and discuss modern interpretations of older karate texts.


I am new to blogging, so your ideas on topic areas are very much welcomed as well as your thoughts on improving the blog.  Welcome to karate stances.  Osu!