About Josan-Lu Karate.
The Hummingbird is one of the most fascinating birds because of its ability to move its body swiftly, change direction quickly and smoothly, seemingly gliding from one place to another. We can be encouraged to use or develop a similar skill.
The Hummingbird is also able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward.
In Native American culture, a Hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and the Nectar of Life. it is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.
Observing the Hummingbird, we see they are seemingly tireless. Amazing migrators, some Hummingbirds are known to wing their way as far as 2000 miles to reach their destination. This quality reminds us to be persistent in the pursuit of our dreams, and adopt the tenacity of the Hummingbird in our lives.
Ichi E Senshin –
“Devote oneself, heart and soul, to a task.”
JoSanLu’s motto is Ichi E Senshin – a Japanese phrase meaning “Devote oneself, heart and soul, to a task.”
At JoSanLu, classes formally begin with a moment of silence, which allows students to collect their thoughts, put away distractions, and prepare to focus on the task ahead of them.
Students then do a short full body warmup, designed to relax, stretch and activate their muscles, skeletons, and hearts. This frees them from their day to day tensions and allows them to devote themselves to learning.
In class, students are supported in reviewing material they have previously learned through repetition or by demonstrating techniques to lower ranks. Students are challenged with new and more complex movements suitable for their skill level. During class students are in the moment, learning by doing.
Through focus, relaxation, and diligent practice, JoSanLu students learn what it means to “Devote oneself, heart and soul, to a task.”
Our Founder.
Hanshi Sana Bennett, an eighth dan (degree) black belt, is the founder and chairman of JoSan-Lu Karate Do. He is well known throughout the karate world for kata skills, crisp techniques, lightning fast moves and many years of teaching experience both with children and adults. Hanshi Sana has given numerous martial arts demonstrations and lectures in many parts of the country and internationally.
Hanshi Sana began his karate training in Jamaica West Indies during the early 1970’s in the Kyokushin Kai Kan style, under the instruction of Sensei Alan Monteith and senior belts Monty Allen, Newton James, Neville Cohen, and Hanshi’s brother Leroy Bennett.
In the spring of 1975, Hanshi Sana received his first degree black belt under Kaicho Nakamura in New York City under the old system of Kyokushin Kai Kan. After receiving his black belt, he began traveling back and forth between New York and Jamaica. In 1979 he returned to live permanently in the United States and continued to study under Grandmaster Kaicho Nakamura after Kaicho created the World Seido Karate Organization.
In 1995, Hanshi and his family moved to New Jersey. Hanshi continued to teach in NYC, but because of the daily commute and long hours away from his family, Hanshi decided to open a karate school near his home. In October of 1997, he opened the doors to Sana Seido Karate in Garwood, New Jersey. Hanshi was determined to build a family of Karate students in this new location. Now, twenty seven years later, many students of all ages have trained at the Garwood dojo.
In February of 2014, Hanshi Sana respectfully asked to take a sabbatical from the World Seido Karate Organization in order to establish himself on his own and to try and reflect some of his own beliefs about the true meaning of karate as a way of life and family togetherness. The name of his new school was JoSanLu Karate Do.
In the fall of 2021, Hanshi Sana was promoted to the rank of eighth dan (degree) within Bas-I Kyokushin Karate, a traditional form of Karate founded by Mas Oyama.
Our founder, Hanshi Errol Sana Bennett
