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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

  • Beyond the Patch: When Loyalty Is Tested.
    May 22, 2025
    (Approx 1 minute 35 second read) Not every patch is a […]
  • The Living Language of Kata – If We Let It Speak Its Original Rhythm.
    May 21, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Over the years, I’ve […]
  • Stripped of Illusion: Not All Who Wear the Belt Wear the Values.
    May 20, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute read) Recently, I wrote an article […]
  • A Train Ride, Not a Showdown: Common Sense Before Combat.
    May 19, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Most of the people […]
  • Are You Teaching What You Understand – or Just Instructing What You Were Told?
    May 16, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 15 second read) There’s a difference […]
  • If It’s Not Real, Why Are You Teaching It? Tradition Isn’t an Excuse for Ineffective Teaching.
    May 15, 2025
    Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Kata, kihon, and […]
  • Revisiting Step-Kumite: Because “Beginners Have to Start Somewhere” Isn’t Good Enough.
    May 14, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 40 second read) With regard to my […]
  • The Past Informs Us, But It Doesn’t Define Us – What Matters Is What You Can Do with It.
    May 13, 2025
    (Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I’ve always been […]
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