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The Open Hand Notebook

The Open Hand Notebook

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Month: September 2023

“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,…

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“A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.”

Martial arts, beyond the physical combat techniques, are a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They embody a philosophy that extends far beyond the confines of the dojo. . Trust, honesty, and humility are core values that play a pivotal role in the martial arts. These principles are not only essential for success in…

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“Seek not to follow in the footsteps of the men of old but rather continue to seek out what they sought.”

Karate, is not merely a physical discipline; it is a living embodiment of tradition and lineage. This ancient art has been passed down through generations, preserving not only its techniques but also the cultural and philosophical values that define it. . With its roots in the Ryukyu Kingdom, the historical context of Okinawa, with its…

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“Since karate is a martial art, you must practice with the utmost seriousness from the very beginning.”

Martial arts, a term that conjures images of disciplined warriors in pursuit of physical prowess and spiritual enlightenment, has deep-rooted significance beyond the realm of physical combat. . To be a martial artist is to embrace a way of life that extends far beyond the practice of techniques and forms. It encompasses a unique set…

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“It is not how much you have learned, but how much you have absorbed in what you have learned.”

The importance of basics, or foundational knowledge, cannot be overstated in almost any field or aspect of life. . Basics serve as the building blocks upon which more complex knowledge is constructed. Without a solid foundation, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand and work with advanced concepts. . Most karate practitioners come to understand that…

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Recent Posts

  • You Can’t Learn Awareness With Your Eyes Closed – or in a Workshop.
    February 13, 2026
    I’ve written extensively about awareness in my recent […]
  • Most Real Self‑Protection is Invisible. It’s The Decision You Make Early Enough That Nothing Happens.
    February 12, 2026
    If you are like most people, you probably hope you […]
  • More Than One Thing: What Training Was Supposed to Be.
    February 10, 2026
    I was fourteen years old when I began practicing […]
  • Issho Kenmei: Training as if This Moment Matters.
    February 9, 2026
    In karate we often hear ‘ganbaru’ – do your […]
  • Standards, Verification, and the Responsibilities of Senior Practitioners.
    February 6, 2026
    After enough years in the martial arts, you stop […]
  • What Remains When Distraction Is Removed – Awareness Is Not a Drill.
    February 5, 2026
    In my recent article I talked about awareness – […]
  • Self-Defense Starts Long Before the First Strike.
    February 4, 2026
    Self-defense. It’s mostly about the fight, right? […]
  • Karate-Do Is Not the Opposite of Practical Karate.
    February 3, 2026
    Someone said to me the other day, ‘Why don’t you give […]
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