Fighting is not always the best option.

“Fighting is not always the best option.” ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ Shuri Dojo . Every individual, at some point in his or her life, has been victimized, exploited, or bullied in some form or another. Whether this relates to being bullied as a child, an adult being singled out at…

Push yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you.

“Push yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you.” ?? . Tatsuya Naka 7th dan JKA Shotokan . No matter how hard you try, some days, your students aren’t engaged. There’s no way around it. Student apathy occurs when the student believes that their pedagogical success lies completely with the instructor, or…

To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature.

“To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature. It is diverse and many people are not like you. Finding another person with a true MA’s spirit, with integrity, loyalty and a true heart is like finding a diamond on a beach of pebbles. . Many people you help will let you down,…

You rank is not an entitlement.

“You rank is not an entitlement.” ?? . Kanei Uechi (上地完英, June 26, 1911 – February 23, 1991) was the son of Kanbun Uechi, founder of Uechi-Ryū, one of the primary karate styles of Okinawa. Kanei was instrumental in the growth of Uechi-Ryū after his father’s death. . . You rank is not an entitlement, nor…

Be kind to everyone.

Everything is about energy. . The energy introduces you before you even speak. The moment you meet someone, you simply know what type of person you are dealing with. You know it from a body language, posture, behavior, the way they look, walk or smile. . Some people can make you feel happy, enthusiastic, calm,…

Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.

“Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.” ?? . Patrick McCarthy 9th dan Koryu Uchinadi . “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” ~ Thomas Moore . Becoming a shodan or higher black-belt in karate will be a dream come true for some of you. In order to do…

You have to put in the EFFORT.

努力怠るなかれ ~ “Doryoku okotaru nakare” (Never neglect effort) ?? . Kenzo Mabuni (1927-2005) . “Never neglect the little things. Never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, [..] that delivery of the very best that you can do. . It does not matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you…

Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.

礼儀怠るなかれ ~ “Reigi okotaru nakare.” (Never neglect courtesy and etiquette) ?? ~ Kenei Mabuni (1918-2015) . There is a cultural element to karate which should be well observed. This cultural element involves courtesy, humility, etiquette, rank, tradition, protocol and much more. . Whenever or wherever you train Karate, you should follow certain etiquette and manners called…

Knowledge is power.

“Although knowledge is power, applying knowledge is REAL POWER”. ?? . Kyoshi A. Tanzadeh 8th dan . “Knowledge is power.” – Or so many people say. . Personally I don’t agree. Knowledge isn’t power, knowledge has the potential to be powerful; and there’s a difference. It’s a small difference, but a difference nonetheless. Because knowledge is…

“Do not put your main purpose in mastering Karate techniques themselves, you should instead study the way of life through Karate.” ?? . Meitoku Yagi (1912- 2003) 10th dan Goju Ryu Meibukan . Meitoku Yagi, was a karate master and teacher. He learned Goju-ryu from legendary founder Chojun Miyagi. On April 29, 1986, Emperor Hirohito named…

How can we teach others if you do not truly understand yourself?

“It is possible to learn the technique of all kata in two or three months. But simple ability to repeat them is not the point here. Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery. . Nowadays even children get taught Suparinpei if it is needed for competitions. Well, a child…