A comment on one of my articles stated that; ”kata and bunkai are useless”, accusing me of not understanding their non-self-defense design, including a “bullshido” label. . You know what? If you think the movements within kata are ineffective, then for you, that’s true. It just shows a complete lack of understanding. . “Why practice…
Category: Sensei
“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!”
“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!” . Really? It’s superior, in all things?….. . You have to define what you mean by “superior”. I’m assuming that when people say “superior”, they mean the best in terms of effectiveness and practicality…… But superior? WHERE? In the…
The essence of learning lies in the understanding that the moment you are shown to be wrong, a profound opportunity for growth and knowledge progression is unveiled.
Practice intensity is the will, commitment, and enthusiasm to practice with a purpose. Most instructors consider it an important characteristic for any student. . One of the primary reasons people pursue martial arts is to acquire self-defense skills. And making a habit of questioning your training ensures that you can continuously refine and internalize these…
‘Shoshin wasureru nakare.’ It is a call to preserve the purity of the beginner’s mind, embracing each lesson with humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
“Shoshin” – the evergreen state of having a beginner’s mind. . This principle, drawn from Japanese philosophy, encourages practitioners to approach each moment with an open and receptive mind, unburdened by preconceived notions. . In essence, it urges practitioners to embrace the learning process with the same enthusiasm and openness that they had as beginners….
Earning a black belt doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end. It means you’ve seen how far the path leads and you’re willing to keep walking.
Someone said to me recently; “I’m getting my black belt at the weekend.” . This may strike a chord with many instructors, and it raises an important question: Can you simply just “get” a black belt? (It’s a rhetorical question by the way) . The black belt, a symbol of dedication and skill, earned through…
“The difference between who YOU are and who you want to be… is what YOU do.”
One principle that has stuck with me in my martial arts training is the belief that “once learned, never forgotten”. This principle is not just a personal mantra but a tribute to the dedication and wisdom of my teachers, whose teachings I endeavor to cherish and uphold. . It bewilders me how some individuals can…
“Karate aims to build character, improve human behavior, and cultivate modesty; it does not, however, guarantee it.”
Personally I believe being polite serves us best. I receive many messages on social media with just a couple of words. As an example: “where are you?”, “who taught you?”, “how can I learn karate?”, “what is your style?”, “what black-belt do you have?”. And many, many more. . Nothing promotes silence from me more…
“The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time.”
The realm of martial arts is vast and diverse, encompassing various styles and techniques, each with its unique history and purpose. While tournaments serve as platforms for martial artists to showcase their skills and compete, the line between tournament techniques and self-defense is often blurred. Incorrectly teaching tournament techniques as self-defense can have serious consequences…
“Do you really want to spend even a few precious moments of time worrying what other people think?”
In the world of martial arts, long-term practitioners embark on a journey that transcends physical training and self-defense skills. This journey is also one of self-discovery, discipline, and personal growth. . To truly excel in the martial arts, you must grapple with the question: “Do you really want to spend even a few precious moments…
“A great martial arts teacher is not just an instructor; they are a mentor, guiding their students not only in the art of combat, but also in the art of living.”
In the intricate tapestry of martial arts, a good karate instructor stands as a beacon of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance. Their role transcends that of a mere teacher; they are mentors, motivators, people you can trust. . They should possess not only profound knowledge but also exceptional skills honed through years of dedicated practice. Their…
“To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature.”
“To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature. It is diverse and many people are not like you. Finding another person with a true MA’s spirit, with integrity, loyalty and a true heart is like finding a diamond on a beach of pebbles.” . “Many people you help will let you down,…
“A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.”
Martial arts, beyond the physical combat techniques, are a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They embody a philosophy that extends far beyond the confines of the dojo. . Trust, honesty, and humility are core values that play a pivotal role in the martial arts. These principles are not only essential for success in…