“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find great strength.” ~ Marcus Aurelius . Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to submit to those hardships, that is strength. . The struggles you are facing […]
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Read More »
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” ~ Saint Augustine . . Besides considering what patience is, we should also reflect on what it is not. For example, patience is not despair, indifference, or procrastination. Rather, it is a temporary state; it is a willingness to accept what cannot be changed right now. . While being
Patience is the companion of wisdom. Read More »
Principles vs Techniques. . Okinawan karate is an art in which principles are more important than specific techniques. This does not mean that karate does not have techniques. It means that at the root of all techniques are underlying combative principles, and thus all techniques can be adjusted in accordance with those principles. . When
Principles vs Techniques. Read More »
“There are no secrets. Todays students only want sport. They don’t work to understand what lies behind the physical movements.” ?? . Kiyohide Shinjo 9th dan Uechi Ryu . . There are no hidden moves in kata…. there are parts you understand…and there are parts that you don’t understand. . When people don’t understand something, they
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“Karate begins with courtesy and ends with it. Therefore, we must be courteous to seniors, juniors, friends and even foes.” . Shoshin Nagamine (15 July 1907 – 2 November 1997) 10th dan Matsubayashi-ryu . . Being courteous costs nothing but achieves a lot. It is a behavior that should be seen more often, because words
Karate begins with courtesy and ends with it. Read More »
“Everyone you meet has something to teach you.” ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu . As you go through life, you will meet people whom you gravitate to, and those whom you would rather keep away from. . It is very interesting that you may see something in them that is a lesson
Everyone you meet has something to teach you. Read More »
“Karate people must be humble.” ?? . Humility is a very important human trait that all people should exercise in their lives. Being humble means you aren’t too big for any lesson that may come your way. The core significance of being humble is that humility keeps you constantly receptive to opportunities for improvement. . In
Karate people must be humble. Read More »
Bushido is a code of conduct that emerged in Japan from the Samurai, or Japanese warriors, who spread their ideals throughout society. They drew inspiration from Confucianism, which is a relatively conservative philosophy and system of beliefs that places a great deal of importance on loyalty and duty. The Bushido code contains eight key principles
A man’s word is his honor. Read More »
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand”. ~ Albert Einstein . The quote attributed to Albert Einstein can apply to many things, karate included. For many karate practitioners, one of the most challenging elements of karate is learning the nuances found deep within the techniques, drills and principles. Few have the time or
Any fool can know. The point is to understand. Read More »
“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” ~ Bruce Lee . Loyalty and trust is generally one of the most important character traits that we must all have and aspire to, especially in the martial arts. . Staying loyal to your martial arts school and to your instructors, can have lasting positive effects on
Knowledge will give you power, but character respect. Read More »
“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” ~ The Dalai Lama . . You’ve probably heard people say such things as: “There’s no use talking to you… You never listen… Most researchers conclude that the average person listens to only 25% of
If you listen, you may learn something new. Read More »
“Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. It simple means that you have to work hard.” ?? . Karate is not easy. Everything seems difficult the first time. But as you keep practicing, it becomes easier to accomplish. The task isn’t the one getting easier; it’s actually you who is improving. . Sometimes, we encounter a technique, a drill
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