Empty Cup Karate

Self-Development through Self-Defense

Empty Cup Karate teaches traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu and self defense in NYC. We offer traditional karate training that integrates modern research and insights, and self defense workshops for communities that are particularly impacted by violence.

As a non profit dojo, we are dedicated to the development of the individual and the enrichment of our communities. Empty Cup Karate actively welcomes students from all genders, orientations, ages, financial statuses, backgrounds, and physical physical fitness levels.

Nan-in, a Japanese master, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!" "Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?" - Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

In order to be a student, one should have an “empty cup” – that is, always be ready to learn and consider things in new ways. There is always something new to see or a new perspective to be had on things already known. At our dojo, everyone trains with an open mind – even the instructor.

The empty cup also echoes the enso, a common symbol in Zen Buddhism.