A traditional martial art such as Koei-Kan is distinguished from other disciplines in many respects. Primary among these is its reliance upon ancient and authentic teaching methods, accrued and perfected over generations. The physical discipline, the art of karate-do, also retains an underlying philosophy, which can be characterized in a few ideas. A true martial art is foremost a defensive discipline: karate ni sente nashi (in karate there is no first attack). In the course of honing combative skills, one also learns to discover and develop the state of mushin, no-mindedness, a flowing, open state of awareness. Therein one holds no preconceptions, and acts spontaneously, both during combat and ultimately in life as a whole. This is exemplified in the meaning of the term "karate", empty (kara) - hand (te), which not only signifies a hand free of weapons but also a mind free of distraction.
The means of instruction in Koei-Kan are also traditional. All students start from the beginning. The practice and application of karate is built on a foundation of fundamentals. Instruction encompasses a wide range of fighting skills built upon this foundation, refined through continual repetition and practice. Japanese terminology is employed, and students are expected to pay heed to proper form and etiquette. Students are also required to retain a basic knowledge of the history of karate as well as the origins of Koei-Kan.
Rank advancement is based on merit. Testing students are expected to execute proper form, as well as understanding basic terminology and principles appropriate to their rank. Koei-Kan's belt-ranking system comprises an intermediate-beginner's belt (shichi-kyu), then three levels of green-belt, three levels of brown-belt, until one achieves black-belt. A dedicated student can earn a black belt within about five years.
