“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
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‘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 »
I QUIT! . There’s no question that perseverance in the martial arts is an admirable quality. Persistence and determination are key to reaching a good standard. And though meeting the goals that we set may seem like the only option, the truth is that in certain circumstances, giving up is sometimes a viable choice. It’s
Why do you practice martial arts? . Historically, teachers taught the martial arts only to those students they believed deemed worthy. To endear themselves to the teacher, prospective students would often have to perform menial labor or perform the most basic techniques for hours–showing that they were humble, patient, and honest. . Today, most students
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Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” (補助運動) – supplemental training. . “Hojo Undo” are supplementary exercises where one uses various implements and aids to encourage and develop physical strength, stamina, muscle co-ordination, speed and posture. . Many of the older and more traditional forms of training have slipped from use. But in the dojo
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“You are good at some things not because you were born with it, but because you have the one talent you need – perseverance.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju-ryu . Do you agree with Ikemiyagi sensei? Are we born with talents or do we have to develop them? . The short answer, in my
“You are good at some things not because you were born with it.” Read More »
