Karate is a mess. . Even today in the 21st century people still refute what karate is, and sometimes what it isn’t. The majority of modern karate is plagued by dogma. No one seems to know what they are training for and in which context. . Practitioners cling to other people’s ideas with almost religious-like […]
The practice and purpose of kata in the martial arts is being debated (ad nauseam) once again. Do you believe that kata is the foundation of karate, or do you believe kata is an outdated method of practice that is not relevant today? . “[..] If there is no kata, it is not karate-do, just
“If there is no kata, it is not karate-do, just kicking and punching.” Read More »
“For me the martial arts is a search for something inside. It’s not just a physical discipline.” – Brandon Lee . Loyalty is a very important aspect in any relationship, but especially so in the martial arts between a student, their instructor, and their dojo. . Being a loyal person means that you keep your
“For me the martial arts is a search for something inside.” Read More »
Does a change of character begin when we commence karate training? Does karate improve your character? . Character traits can be built, forged, and altered with a sufficient amount of effort and willpower. The benefits of character building largely depend on your personal values and goals. . However, ultimately, the most important question is how
Does karate improve your character? Read More »
Are you awesome? An amazing “sensei”. Beyond reproach? Just amazing at everything you do? Always correcting others but not yourself?…… Oh dear, guess what?…. We have some bad news for you. . There is, of course, a dangerous line between self-confidence and arrogance – a line to which some people are totally oblivious. . The
In the West, where in some cases teaching Karate has become a business, a simple method of “teaching” to large groups of paying customers without much effort was needed. The “3 years spent on one Kata” idea was brushed off since Western consumers generally don’t have that kind of patience and want quick progress, new
Don’t rely on a “label”. It probably isn’t the right one. Read More »
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” – Hohan Sōken (1889-1982) Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū Are you consumed by the desire to want other people’s grade or title? . Comparing yourself to people around you is a trap you can easily fall into. But, trying to get ahead, or measuring your success in karate
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” Read More »
Anyone with any common sense (there’s not a lot of it about) knows that in self-protection, if you have to fight, you fight to flee, to escape. Not to stand there and “win”. . Just being told to “run” is not the answer, and with many instructors being extremely overweight, and many cases obese, it
Are you a good role model for your students? Read More »
“I want the students to understand the importance of what they are learning….we must think on how to preserve the original karate not only with words but with a sound philosophy behind it.” – Toshimitsu Arakaki 10th-dan Matsubayashi-ryu . Why is it important to save a martial arts cultural heritage or tradition? . To different
“We must think on how to preserve the original karate.” Read More »
“Karate-do is definitely a martial way, and its identity lies in ‘do’ or principles. Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.” – Shoshin Nagamine (1907-1997) . The limit is not in the sky. The limit is the mind. . It’s worth remembering when you’re practicing something new or different,
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.” Read More »
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” – Cezar Borkowski 10th dan Northern Karate Schools . In addition to the kyu/dan grading system used by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, there is a parallel system called “shogo” (称号). This is the teaching title-system originally set up by
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” Read More »
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude.” – Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) . Many people feel like they deserve the belt, deserve the rank (I don’t like the term ‘rank’ btw). “I can beat this guy, I can
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist.” Read More »
