Philosophy, The Open Hand Notebook, Page 102

“The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

September 5, 2020

“The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson . As a senior teacher, seeing this in students and instructors, going that extra distance, that extra effort, seeing the connections made and that light-bulb moment. As a teacher, it is why we teach. Seeing the extraordinary……. . (McDojo rant begins) […]

“The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” Read More »

Are you a good mentor, a good role model?

September 2, 2020

The martial arts are known to enhance the abilities of students beyond just the physical. Growth can be seen in many areas such as self esteem, confidence, focus, self-defense, self-control, discipline. The positive changes students achieve in martial arts is significant. However, the positive effects do not stop there, an inspiring teacher, mentor, coach, or

Are you a good mentor, a good role model? Read More »

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

September 1, 2020

Walter Lippmann the author and political commentator said, “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and will to carry on.” ….. Ultimately, if your people can’t do it without you, you haven’t been successful in raising up other leaders. . We have all heard that “when the

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” Read More »

Educating hearts and minds.

August 31, 2020

“The strength of the dojo lies not within the four walls, rather it lies within the hearts of the students.” ~ Prince Loeffler Shugyokan Dojo . . Many teachers—especially new teachers—think that the way to create good relationships with their students is to make their dojo fun. Although having fun in the dojo is important,

Educating hearts and minds. Read More »

“The trouble is, you think you have time.”

August 29, 2020

“The trouble is, you think you have time.” This quote often related to Buddha was actually written by Jack Kornfield, in Buddha’s Little Instruction Book. The quote means that, we put off important things, assuming that we can do them later. But there may not be any “later.” Life is short; so make good use

“The trouble is, you think you have time.” Read More »

“You life is what your thoughts make it.”

August 27, 2020

“You must let go of the illusion of control.” . Often you end up trying to control situations around you. You try to control people’s behavior toward you. You try to control things happening in your life. The more you try to control, the more it slips from your hands. It makes you feel irritated

“You life is what your thoughts make it.” Read More »

“Now use head for something other than target.”

August 26, 2020

“Now use head for something other than target.” ~ Nariyoshi Miyagi Miyago-do Karate . . When people don’t understand things, they often find it easier to create their own explanations rather than to actually find out the real explanation. We see this all the time, in every part of society. . To psychologists, this behavior

“Now use head for something other than target.” Read More »

A goal is not always meant to be reached.

August 24, 2020

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” ~ Bruce Lee . Gichin Funakoshi’s tenth precept is; “Put Karate into your everyday life and you will find its subtle secrets.” . . There are lessons that are learnt in the dojo that we can apply

A goal is not always meant to be reached. Read More »

“Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.” – Spirit before technique.

August 23, 2020

Karate is a way of life, a way of reality. I have committed over 46 years of my life to the study, practice and teaching of karate. I am convinced that karate has much to offer today in the 21st century as it did many years ago. True karate is the training of body, mind

“Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.” – Spirit before technique. Read More »

“You have to look more deeply to understand.”

August 19, 2020

理解するにはもっと深く見なければなりません – (Rikai suru ni wa motto fukaku minakereba narimasen) – “You have to look more deeply to understand.” ~ Kenyu Chinen 9th dan Okinawa Shorin-Ryu . . . Many martial arts masters and practitioners believe that you cannot truly understand a martial art form without understanding and respecting the country, culture and history

“You have to look more deeply to understand.” Read More »

“Ichi-go ichi-e”

August 13, 2020

Ichi-go ichi-e – ( 一期一会) “Ichi-go ichi-e” – literally “one time, one meeting”, is a Japanese term that is originally associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. It describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. The term has been translated as “for this time only,” and “once in a lifetime.” The

“Ichi-go ichi-e” Read More »

Karate is not only physical techniques but a philosophy of life.

August 12, 2020

“Karate is not only physical techniques but a philosophy of life. Age is not important for someone who really wants to train in karate. Karate is a life journey, not a destination. It’s only when we look at it as a destination that we will stop training.” ?? ~ Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu

Karate is not only physical techniques but a philosophy of life. Read More »