Finding another person, a student, with a true martial art spirit, that is, 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, lie through their teeth, disrespect you, your dojo and your system. You cannot let them sour […]
“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.” – Alberto Manguel . Questions are more important than answers because questions seek to understand, to clarify and frame and evaluate. While answers, at their best, are temporary responses whose relative quality can decay over time, needing to be reformed and remade and reevaluated
“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.” Read More »
Finding peace of mind. . In this chaotic environment, it seems like we all need a small space for ourselves. A place in which we can find peace, reveal the true self and learn how to live the life our way. . But looking for an outside space is not where you will find peace.
Finding peace of mind. Read More »
What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? . Senpai (先輩) translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you. But the meaning for those in a traditionally run martial art school is far deeper than simply ‘Senior’. . The senpai of a dojo has usually trained
What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? Read More »
Why do people quit and give up when they are so close? . They want the outcome more than they want to obtain a skill. . How many people do you know that speak often of something prestigious they want to be…. gain a black-belt, become an instructor, and yet never actually take the necessary
Why do people quit and give up when they are so close? Read More »
Pushing through the difficult times, and the tough periods is something we all have to do. Whether it is personal, business, mental, or emotional, there are lots of variables, unknowns, and circumstances we all must handle and deal with. . “継続は力なり (keizoku ha chikara nari) – ‘consistent practice makes strength’ – these words are echoed
“I’ll never stop doing karate, it’s made me who I am…” Read More »
“Karate is an integral part of my life and contributes meaning to my life.” – Shinjō Kiyohide 9th dan Uechi Ryu (rank updated to 10th dan November 3rd) . Have you ever fallen in love with a thing? Not a person or a place, but a thing? Well maybe not a thing but an activity;
“Karate is an integral part of my life and contributes meaning to my life.” Read More »
There is an increasing amount of hateful messages online, particularly on social media. The people that post these messages, are they just ‘lonely souls’ who are feeling bad about themselves and crave attention? . Whereas social media started as a way for friends and family to connect, it has evolved into a platform where people
“There’s only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” Read More »
“Many young today will train extremely hard for a little while and then stop. This is not good. You must train little bit, but you must train often. Consistency is what creates a great martial artist, not brute strength. Karate is not for a rank, glory or for revenge. It is a way of life:
“Kyudomugen (there is no end to the way of martial arts).” Read More »
“Okinawans recognize two kind of karate. One is sport karate, and one is called Budo karate. I choose Budo karate. Budo karate is commitment and dedication. In this case, the teacher has to pick those who want to learn true karate. These individuals train hard and are mannerly in their ways. Real Budo karate is
The more we define ourselves in relation to the people around us, the more lost we are. . We live in an unrestrained world, one that’s only getting louder, angrier, and more chaotic. Is there an answer? Often, it comes from all the ways we’re able to hold back…… Restraint. . “If something appears in
“Invest time to try a method to see things how they are.” Read More »
Making connections with students, through humor, kindness, likability, and more is important in any dojo. It can also be astonishingly rewarding. However, you should never be friends with students. Friendly, yes. Friends, no. There is a danger in building relationships with students and that line can never be crossed….. Be a teacher, mentor, and role
“Karate makes true friends.” Read More »
