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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

  • Show Up: The Mat’s Here for You, But You Walk Your Own Path.
    June 23, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 5 second read) There comes a point in […]
  • A Quiet Strength, a Will to Endure: The Strength That Waits Within.
    June 22, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 30 second read) The dojo has a way of […]
  • More Than a Fist, More Than a Palm: It’s Not About the Hand Shape – It’s About the Purpose.
    June 21, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Why do some kata use […]
  • It’s Not the Name – It’s What It Does: Techniques Must Remain Adaptable.
    June 20, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Lately, I’ve had a […]
  • Don’t Just Prove It – Disprove It: The Value of Getting It Wrong.
    June 19, 2025
    (Approx 1 minute 40 second read) When you are in the […]
  • The Movement Inside the Technique: Oi-Zuki – More Than Just a Punch.
    June 17, 2025
    (Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Someone recently said […]
  • Practice Makes Permanent: Train It Right from the Start.
    June 16, 2025
    (Approx 1 minute 55 second read) “Practice makes […]
  • The Essence of the Martial Arts Lies Not in Strength or Style, but in What You Find Within Yourself.
    June 14, 2025
    (Approx 1 minute 55 second read) When you find what’s […]
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