“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…
Category: Philosophy
A goal is not always meant to be reached.
“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…
“Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.” – Spirit before technique.
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…
“You have to look more deeply to understand.”
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…
“Ichi-go ichi-e”
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…
Karate is not only physical techniques but a philosophy of life.
“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…
Trust the process.
I’m going to ask you to trust me on this. ? What I’ve realized over the years in working with countless people, is that there is nothing as vital to a relationship, with your sensei, students, friend or family, as fragile as trust. Psychologists tell us that the first emotional bond we all develop is…
You will not be punished for your anger…
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” ~ Buddha Poison isn’t always something you eat or drink – it can be an emotion. And hate is one of them, eating you up inside and causing destruction. . Hatred is a feeling that we all have felt and…
The only limit is you.
“The limit is not in the sky. The limit is the mind.” Those with limited mindsets will work within their limits and stay within the comfort zones that allow them to feel contentment with a sense of conformity. But pushing our minds beyond their own limits can give us an indescribable sense of joy by…
Karate people must be humble.
“Karate people must be humble.” ?? . Humility is a very important human trait that all people should exercise in their lives. Being humble means you aren’t too big for any lesson that may come your way. The core significance of being humble is that humility keeps you constantly receptive to opportunities for improvement. . In…
A man’s word is his honor.
Bushido is a code of conduct that emerged in Japan from the Samurai, or Japanese warriors, who spread their ideals throughout society. They drew inspiration from Confucianism, which is a relatively conservative philosophy and system of beliefs that places a great deal of importance on loyalty and duty. The Bushido code contains eight key principles…
Any fool can know. The point is to understand.
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand”. ~ Albert Einstein . The quote attributed to Albert Einstein can apply to many things, karate included. For many karate practitioners, one of the most challenging elements of karate is learning the nuances found deep within the techniques, drills and principles. Few have the time or…