(1 minute 25 second read) Do you ever experience those fluttering butterflies? That exhilarating sensation that arises when you’re eagerly anticipating something you’re about to do or witness? . The martial arts conjures up images of stoic composure, unwavering focus, and nerves of steel. . Yet, beneath the outward calm of experienced practitioners, often lies…
Category: Bushido
“The true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.”
(1 minute 45 second read) “Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).” . The word “Myo” (妙) can have various meanings in Japanese, including “subtle,” “mysterious,” or “esoteric.” This leads to the term “Myojutsu” potentially referring to a deeper understanding or hidden secrets within a martial art. . One…
“The loudest claims of ‘no ego’ often echo with the loudest need to shift blame.”
(1 minute 35 second read) Recently someone commented that they have “no ego”, and I wondered why he would state this. . “I have no ego,” the words tumble out, a disarmingly humble shield against the rising tide of blame. But beneath this seemingly self-effacing declaration, a different truth might lurk: the art of shifting…
“What you leave behind is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
(2 minute 5 second read) Within the martial arts there are many types of people. Some have morals and are good people that you can rely upon, and others…….well, not quite so much. . You would think that historically, where character traits such as honor, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, are held in…
Know which battles to fight, and which battles to walk away from.
(1 minute and 13 second read) Knowing which battles to fight, is really knowing which battles to pick and which to walk away from. . If your response to all things is to fight, this is bad thinking, bad practice. After all, life isn’t measured by how many times you stood up to fight. ….
“The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.”
(1 minute 16 second read) Humility, a seemingly simple virtue, holds immense power, both within ourselves and in our interactions with the world. . Unlike arrogance, and there’s a lot of that about, which can halt learning, humility keeps you receptive to lessons, opportunities, and even criticism. . The journey from the novice white belt…
In meditation, the warrior hones not just their blade, but their spirit. In the Way of Bushido, this is the path to true strength.
(2 minute and 28 second read) Imagine a set of precepts that’s not just about fighting, but about living with honor and respect. That’s ‘Bushido’ (武士道), the “way of the warrior”. . A code forged in the fires of battle, wielding both the noble ideals of chivalry and the harsh realities of violence. . Bushido…
“Pre-war karate masters treated students harshly, and expelled them for the slightest reason. A student also had to have a good character or they wouldn’t teach him.”
(2 minute and 20 second read) Possibly one of the most famous quotes by Gichin Funakoshi is; “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” . So, I would like to pose a question. Does karate improve your character? . The idea…
“In my life I do a lot of things but I never forget my training.”
It‘s that time of year again. Substantial snowfall, temperatures plummeting below freezing, and a polar wind that leaves you breathless. . The icy wind whips across your face, your fingers and toes numb from the cold, and your breath hangs heavy in the air. But you stand there, muscles burning, sweat freezing in your keiko-gi,…
“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”
It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world…
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
“Karate aims to build character, improve human behavior, and cultivate modesty; it does not, however, guarantee it.”
Personally I believe being polite serves us best. I receive many messages on social media with just a couple of words. As an example: “where are you?”, “who taught you?”, “how can I learn karate?”, “what is your style?”, “what black-belt do you have?”. And many, many more. . Nothing promotes silence from me more…