“Unfortunately, many experienced karateka, having learnt numerous kata, mistakenly believe they have mastered them when, in truth, they are merely dancing. To ensure kata are what they should be, you must completely understand the significance of the movements.” – Masutatsu Ōyama . . The principal purpose of the movements and techniques in kata is to […]
Every kata move is designed for use in combat. Read More »
For all the importance we place on learning how to fight and defend ourselves, the martial arts should at their core, teach that it is best not to get into a fight in the first place. . There are dojo and instructors that just teach fighting as self-defense! With no consideration taken to other important
Fighting should always be the last answer to a problem. Read More »
Since the development of sport karate, there have been mixed opinions on its validity as a true martial art. The sporting rules and culture is a far cry from how and why karate was originally created on Okinawa. . Today the traditionalist part of me says no to sport karate because the competitive philosophy of
“Daniel-san, must talk. Walk on road. Walk right side, safe. Walk left side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later, get squish, just like grape. Here karate, same thing. Either you karate do, yes, or karate do, no. You karate do, guess so, squish just like grape.” . . In its proper context, Miyagi’s speech is
Martial arts does take a commitment on your part. Read More »
“You are what your teacher is, and if he knows a lot, you should be able to demonstrate this knowledge.” – Yuchoku Higa 10th dan (1910–1994) founder of Kyudokan Dojo, Okinawa. . If you decide you are going to do something, then you have to do it well and to the best of your ability,
“You are what your teacher is…” Read More »
‘Kangeiko’ (寒稽古) a Japanese word meaning; “cold training.” It is special training, in various forms of budo/bujutsu, in which practitioners endure training in the cold. This mid-winter practice is meant to strengthen not only the body, but the mind. . This concept is a special test of endurance training – forcing oneself to perform under
‘Kangeiko’ – Cold Training Read More »
‘Ichariba chode’ (行逢りば兄弟) is a Okinawan phrase meaning “though we meet but once, even by chance, we are friends for life”. . The Okinawan people live by the principle of ‘ichariba chode’, a local expression that means “treat everyone like a brother (or sister), even if you’ve never met them before”. . Many dojo promote
“Nintai” (忍耐) is a dynamic Japanese term that the dictionary simply describes as; “to persevere”. But it is more than that. . Nintai is an adherence to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving way. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, steadfastness and patience all define Nintai. Each of these conveys a sense of endurance in
Of course your opinion MATTERS. Just not to ME. . . People will talk. They always have. And they always will. No matter what you do or say, how you behave, how you act, or the decisions you make, will always be scrutinized by others. It’s the nature of the masses. And social media is
Of course your opinion MATTERS. Just not to ME. Read More »
“If you hate a person, you hate something in him (or her) that is part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us.” – Hermann Hesse (German-born Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. 1877-1962) . At some point in life, all of us have held grudges against people. Why? The simplest explanation is that
If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. Read More »
Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.” – Bruce Lee . We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what’s WRONG in your life, or you can focus on what’s RIGHT. You have
“As You Think, So Shall You Become.” Read More »
“Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. Understand?” – Miyagi Nariyoshi – Miyagi-do Karate . . Balance obviously means something different to everyone, yet most of us are seeking it in some way or another. . Balance is not something we can get;
“Better learn balance. Balance is key.” Read More »
