“The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.” ~ Frank Herbert ?? . Some people love to lead and have power. There’s nothing wrong with this in itself, and it could easily lead a martial arts practitioner to become a great teacher. But if this drive becomes excessive, it can cause […]
The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand. Read More »
“I look around today and feel saddened. Many students of martial arts do not have respect for their teachers. All they want to learn is punching and kicking. This is not martial arts, it is only fighting.” ?? . . Martial Arts is steeped in tradition and principles. People are often drawn to the practice based
The importance of discipline in the martial arts. Read More »
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank. ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ Shuri Dojo . . Some people seem to be focussed primarily on obtaining rank and status instead of working on themselves, their character, and their martial arts abilities. . Belts are not a trophy to display and
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank. Read More »
I was raised to show respect. I was taught to knock before I open a door. Say hello when I enter a room. Say please and thank you, and to have respect for my elders. . I’d let another person have my seat if they need it. Say ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir’, and help
Make yourself proud of who you are. Read More »
It is not about ‘time OR training’ but about ‘time AND training’. ?? . You have to do the time, and promotion will come when you are ready, and you have the minimum ‘time in grade’. Note that the time in grade requirement is a ‘minimum’. Therefore, if you are training three times a week, the
It is not about ‘time OR training’ but about ‘time AND training’. Read More »
“There is a story behind every unsaid word or action.” ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuri Karate Dojo . . A street-fight rarely brings about anything good, regardless of the outcome. Any martial artist who ‘looks’ for fights is not a real martial artist. Fighting should always be the last resort,
There is a story behind every unsaid word or action. Read More »
“To all those whose progress remains hampered by ego-related distractions, let humility – the spiritual cornerstone upon which Karate rests – serve to remind one to place virtue before vice, values before vanity and principles before personalities.” – Sokon Matsumura (1809-1899) . . “A good instructor teaches students how to fight, a great instructor teaches
“True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” ~ Tom Peters . Trust is a wonderful thing. Real trust is something that is earned over time. In budo practice, trust is absolutely essential. Without trust there is no respect. Trust is really easy to break and very difficult to gain. Once trust is broken,
Trust is a wonderful thing. Real trust is something that is earned over time. Read More »
Motivation in martial arts training. . I’ve been training in the martial arts for almost forty seven years now and finding the motivation to keep going has been an ongoing process. Sometimes it was easy, other times not so much. Which brings me to the question I think is key to have long-term motivation to
Motivation in martial arts training. Read More »
“When you feel life out of focus, always return to basic of life. Breathing. No breathe, no life.” ~ Mr. Miyagi ?? Nourishing the mind is of utmost importance during these extraordinary times. Karate isn’t just physical. It’s very much a mental discipline too. . Legendary martial artist Bruce Lee said it best: “The possession of
The possession of anything begins in the mind. Read More »
Why you shouldn’t call yourself ‘sensei’. ?? . ‘Sensei’ (先生) is a Japanese word people all over the world use, in and out of the dojo, in place of ‘teacher.’ . But the word ‘sensei’ is much more than simply a synonym for ‘teacher’. When trying to understand a Japanese word, it’s always a good idea
Why you shouldn’t call yourself ‘sensei’. Read More »
“Why I Stopped Practicing My Karate Style. (Maybe YOU Should Too?)” ~ Jesse Enkamp . . “There is no place in contemporary Karate for different styles. I have heard myself and my colleagues referred to as the ‘Shotokan style’, but I strongly object to this attempt at classification. My belief is that all ‘styles’ should
“There are no styles of karate-do, just varying interpretations of its principles.” Read More »
