(Approx 2 minute read) Can you remember starting a martial arts class as a beginner? I can, even though it was way back in 1974. . If you’ve never experienced any form of martial art or physical fighting activity, it can feel overwhelming – like stepping into an entirely new world. Starting out can be…
Category: Sensei
Beyond Calluses: Honoring Tradition, Building Strength and Technique with Makiwara Training.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In 1908, Anko Itosu wrote a letter called the “Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate” to draw the attention of Japan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of War toward karate. . One particular point in Itosu’s fourth precept stands out: the importance of the makiwara. “In karate, training of…
Quiet Waters, Deeper Lessons: Dive Deep: There May Be Hidden Rewards in Taking Your Time.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Someone commented on one of my articles: “So many words for a simple answer”. When did reading take a step backward for so many people? . I understand that times have changed. Many people today seem to prioritize instant gratification – no waiting, no reading, just give it to…
Echoes of Loyalty: The Honor and Discipline of Yue Fei.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Yue Fei, a legendary general from the Song Dynasty, is a figure whose legacy resonates across cultures and martial traditions. . Though Yue Fei lived in 12th-century China, his story symbolizes universal martial virtues. He is remembered for his loyalty, discipline, and moral integrity – principles echoed throughout the…
Kata: More Than a Theatrical Performance – A Record of Practical Combat.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) For most people, kata is a solo performance, mostly there to pass a grade. For a practitioner with limited experience, this is an important stage of practice. If you can’t perform the movements efficiently without an opponent, you’ll have no chance of making them work against an aggressive one….
Let Humility and Respect Guide Our Actions: Imagine Approaching Every Interaction with the Mindset of Helping Others, Expecting Nothing in Return.
Ego can be a significant challenge in martial arts. Earning a new rank, like a black belt or high dan grade, is a proud moment, but it’s easy for that pride to turn into arrogance. . Rank is just a symbol of progress; it doesn’t define who you are as a person or a martial…
Back to White: When Values Matter Most.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A couple of years ago, I was going through a moment of madness – I seem to have many of them. I felt like I needed a new challenge and briefly considered swapping styles. A new organization had just been established, and I had a massive amount of respect…
Embracing Different Perspectives: Why Listening is Key to Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute read) Close-mindedness isn’t always as obvious as we think. It doesn’t just show up as stubbornness or refusal to change. Sometimes, it hides behind the belief that you already know enough – enough about your martial arts, enough about the world, enough about yourselves, enough about others. . Ask anyone if they’re…
Earned or Given: The Belt Without Merit. Is A Grade for Sale?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In the world of martial arts, grades, are viewed as a reflection of a practitioner’s journey – a combination of technical ability, deeper understanding, and personal character. . Yet, there are times when we encounter individuals whose grade seems to far outshine their skills, knowledge, or behavior. Such instances…
Kata: The thread that connects it all.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) There are plenty of reasons why kata has become somewhat disconnected from real combat. From philosophical and political decisions made by Funakoshi and others following WWII to common training methods, distorted views of how fighting works, and the spread of information lacking depth. . I get so many…
‘Banpen Fugyō’: Ten Thousand Changes, No Surprise – Life often surprises us. The key is to remain unshaken and not stirred.
(Approx 2 minute read) Think about the last time you had to deal with a problem but couldn’t come up with a single possible solution. Sometimes making any decision, even if it’s not the best, is better than freezing and making no decision. Indecision is bad. . A student in our dojo was practicing a…
You need great passion because everything you do with great pleasure, you do well.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Apart from my interests and passion for karate, I have another wild passion: Formula 1. . My interest started when I was in my early teens, and it has not wavered since. I follow not just the races but also the technical information, the teams, the drivers, and the…