“Karate training is a moral training, as well as a physical one for self-defense. It isn’t only concerned with developing fighting machines. Traditional karate, taught in the correct way, will cultivate people able to defend themselves, but just as importantly, it will cultivate within them a sense of responsibility, a sense of justice, and […]
Education should never be “just enough.” Read More »
“If you want to be skilled at karate, do what skilled karate people do: train each day! If you get into the habit of daily training, you will surprise yourself with how much progress you can make.” Tatsuya Naka 7th dan Shotokan JKA. I often get asked “how can I improve my karate?” The answer
Once learned never forgotten Read More »
As instructors and teachers, the most important, and rewarding part of our work is to recognize the vast potential within our students and to help them see it within themselves, and then support them in reaching that potential.. Looking towards the future with positive expectations is a powerful force on the present, as it affects
“Some people aren’t loyal to you…. They are loyal to their NEED of you….Once their needs change, so does their loyalty.” Loyalty is a very important aspect in any relationship but especially so in the martial arts between a student, their instructor and their dojo. Trust and true loyalty take years to build and loyalty
“Do not put your main purpose in mastering the Karate techniques themselves…” “Do not put your main purpose in mastering the Karate techniques themselves, you should instead study the way of life through Karate.” ~ Meitatsu Yagi 10th dan Goju Ryu repeating a quote from Master MEITOKU YAGI The aim of education should be teaching
Martial Arts Education Read More »
In a situation where you need to defend yourself, it is your skills, not your rank, that will protect you. Prevention is the best self-defense. Attackers, whatever their objectives, are looking for unsuspecting, vulnerable targets. Be aware of your surroundings, avoiding confrontation. If you can defuse a situation (talk someone down from physically
Rank Will Not Protect You Read More »
“When I teach I’m not trying to convince you of anything. Karate is not a religion, it doesn’t need to be defended. I’m simply presenting the information. What you do with that is entirely up to you.” ~ Jesse Enkamp . Great words by Jesse Enkamp ?? . . The ability to influence a student successfully
When I teach I’m not trying to convince you of anything. Read More »
To become a martial arts master, or at the very least a great teacher, you must first become a great student. . You must take responsibility for your own learning and actively pursue knowledge and experience. . Recently I asked a black belt instructor from another ‘style’ to come train with us. He had the
You must become a great student Read More »
“Karate has many stances; it also has none”. Genwa Nakasone wrote explaining Gichin Funakoshi’s 17th precept; ”Kamae wa shoshinsha ni ato wa shizentai”. (Fixed positions are for beginners: later, one moves naturally) . So there are no stances in karate? . A common complaint about karate, and its kata, is that the stances are impractical–that
Karate has many stances; it also has none. Read More »
“Your sensei may seem old and frail. Keep in mind, he taught you everything you know…… but not everything he knows.” . Prince Loeffler Shugyokan Dojo Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu . . “A teacher is never a giver of truth; he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself.”
Your sensei taught you everything you know… Read More »
“Don’t let style limit your karate.” ~ Jesse Enkamp There’s a multitude of martial arts styles out there, some originating from China, others are Okinawan, Japanese or from Korea. One comment that I often hear is …..“my style of karate is the best style.” . It’s essential to define what people mean by “best”. I’m
Don’t let style limit your karate. Read More »
Recently a nidan from another part of our association, with whom we had not seen train before, asked us to grade him to sandan. “I have done part of it”, with another instructor he said. “…are you going to be a good Shihan?”….”I will do [insert syllabus] for my sandan.”….. (Oh oh…this does not bode
Should you ask for a black-belt? Read More »
