(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Belt exams can cause stress for many karate practitioners, whatever their level. The best way to help alleviate this stress or anxiety is to prepare well. It’s not a good idea to try to learn something new just a few weeks before you are tested. . Recently, a 2nd […]
Why You Don’t Deserve That Black Belt. Earn It, Don’t Demand It. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) The internet has become a vast arena for sharing ideas, knowledge, opinions, and video learning. Recently, I received a comment on one of my articles that stated, “The internet is a free world; you can think what you want.” . This comment came after I pointed out that the
Freedom of Expression: Respect Starts Here. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles, which often inspire me to write another (thank you), stated; (expletive removed) “**** self-defense. I teach people to fight.” . Is this instructor right? After all you are learning a combat art not playing a game. . Much of what is considered modern karate
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) A riddle I’m sure you have heard before: What is always coming but never arrives? The answer is; tomorrow. . What does this riddle tell us? Today, now, that’s all there is. Don’t dwell in the past, don’t dream of the future – concentrate the mind on the present
Living in the Moment: Quieting the Monkey Mind. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) Not long ago, a 16-year-old student left our dojo after being with us for just over seven years. He was an ‘ikkyu’, progressing really well, but over the last year, we noticed a definite drop in his enthusiasm. . We sensed something wasn’t right. He was taking off more
From Struggle to Strength: The Power of Perseverance. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) “We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” – Yoshimitsu Yamada (1938-2023) . I received a comment on one of my recent articles about teaching in the martial arts. The basis of my article was to give appreciation to teachers who continuously share knowledge, foster
“We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) No matter how realistic sparring is when you practice in the dojo, it’s never real. We always make compromises in the name of safety. If we didn’t, every training session would result in students becoming injured in some way. . Wearing safety equipment for our and our partner’s protection
Sparring is a Means to an End; It is Not the End in Itself. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “The techniques should not be practised simply so they can be performed in the kata. Since karate is a fighting art each technique and movement has its own meaning. The karateka must consider their meaning, how and why they are effective, and practise accordingly.” Shigeru Egami – ‘The Heart
Teaching in the martial arts is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that it will be passed on and shared further. It’s a continuous act of giving and receiving, creating a ripple effect through each student guided by a teacher. . A teacher’s purpose is to
Many people who join karate classes tell us their purpose for wanting to try the martial arts is to learn how to defend themselves. This is where problems can begin, because there are some instructors who think their training method can prepare anyone to protect themselves in a live situation. . It’s okay to want
The Importance of Clear Goals and Clear Context in Your Karate Training. Read More »
“I started karate by practicing the Shorin-Ryu style under the supervision of my grandfather. After he passed away however, my family moved to Naha city, where I was acquainted with my new instructors. They taught me Goju-Ryu style karate as well as kobudo. Every day it was the same routine, train at school, train at
“I consider it my duty to pass on karate history to the next generation.” Read More »
“The most important thing about karate is basic training and communication. Many young today will train extremely hard for a little while and then stop. This is not good. You must train a little bit, but you must train often. Consistency is what creates a great martial artist, not brute strength. Karate is not for
