“Daniel-san, must talk. Walk on road. Walk right side, safe. Walk left side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later, get squish, just like grape. Here karate, same thing. Either you karate do, yes, or karate do, no. You karate do, guess so, squish just like grape.” . . In its proper context, Miyagi’s speech is […]
Martial arts does take a commitment on your part. 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
The martial arts have been my way of life, sometimes my profession, for many, many years. During that time, I’ve often been asked how a person can stay motivated. How does someone get up every morning and continue their training routine? How does a practitioner avoid becoming part of the majority, the people who give
Do it Now! Sometimes later becomes never. Read More »
Teaching is a highly social profession, so it would follow that all teachers are extroverts, right? Wrong. . Many successful teachers are self-described introverts, and one of the biggest misconceptions about this personality type is that they’re shy. . Introversion is more about how you respond to stimulation, including social stimulation. Where as extroverts really
Your sensei is an EXTROVERT! Read More »
When I learned martial arts in the 70’s and 80’s I went to lessons, took a notebook and took notes in my own way. Then when I went home I would practice from those notes I had taken earlier. The notebook went with me everywhere, and whenever the opportunity arose I would open it up
Take notes. Practice what you’ve been taught. Read More »
Most teachers of the martial arts do not enter teaching with the expectation that they will be working with consistently well-behaved, enthusiastic, successful students who enjoy standing quietly in rows listening to teachers lecture at them. . Nor do most teachers anticipate that all their students will dutifully use their highest cognitive processes to memorize,
“The journey has to be based on passion.” Read More »
There are teachers where you can learn the techniques of karate, and there are teachers where you can learn the techniques and principles of karate. There are also teachers where you can learn the “Way of karate”, to develop physique, technique, principles, character, mind and spirit. . To me, the real teachers are those who
Your sensei will not always be there. Read More »
“In Shogen-ryu there is no unnecessary movement. Everything is connected to the next move. And there is speed in that movement. I’m slow, but Taba Sensei’s karate was so fast, it was too quick to see with your eyes. I work hard to follow my teacher’s example, but it is very difficult.” (End quote)
“I work hard to follow my teacher’s example.” Read More »
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” ~ Chinese Proverb . Great teachers are important. They can give you amazing insights and help point you in the right direction. But the real question is: What will you do with all of that great instruction? It’s not enough to just take a karate
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” Read More »
“Karate makes true friends.” – Naka Tatsuya 7th dan Shotokan JKA . Too often some instructors ruin their legacy, and the legacy of others, due to their ego. They rely on their own ideas too much, avoid useful criticism, and can even bully their students into silence. Their self-centered attitudes and approaches create a stressful
“Karate makes true friends.” Read More »
“The word tradition is used in many areas of our life, and I believe it is an important thing, many things change and evolve in this world, but even in the midst of those changes it’s important to keep and pass on the traditions. That is why in Okinawa, traditional karate is practiced first….. I
“It’s important to keep and pass on the traditions.” Read More »
“ ‘Ishiki’ (意識) is very important. ‘Awareness – Take more attention and focus’. Without ‘Ishiki’: you wouldn’t realize what is happening here and there. By doing it you see and realize things happening. During everyday training with more attention and focus you will see and realize how your stance, form and technique are. Do not
Always do your best. Read More »
