(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) What motivates phony martial artists?… Is it ego, money, or something else? . I’m sure by now everyone has heard the term McDojo – a place that’s found its way onto streets, into strip malls, and community halls all over the world. . What actually is a McDojo? ….
Tag: Black-Belt
Stripped of Illusion: Not All Who Wear the Belt Wear the Values.
(Approx 2 minute read) Recently, I wrote an article asking whether karate builds character. We’re often told it does. . It’s a phrase passed down from instructor to student, repeated so often it becomes accepted as truth. It’s written on dojo walls, part of the budo creed. . And maybe – at times – it…
Surface Knowledge, Shallow Roots: The Illusion of Progress.
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) For many, earning a dan grade is the pinnacle of their journey. It feels like a mountain climbed – years of effort, sweat, and achievement wrapped up in a black belt and a certificate. And for a time, that feeling is enough. . After the novelty of the belt…
A Lifelong Commitment: Tie The Belt, The Path Could Be Long.
(Approx 2 minute read) Most people who start martial arts don’t stay. Some quit after a few months, others after a few years. A rare few keep training for life. Why? . Kenwa Mabuni once said, “空手は生涯の研究です” – Karate wa shōgai no kenkyū desu (“Karate is a lifelong study”). Many of the early masters believed…
I Can or I Can’t – The Choice Is Yours. Real Training Begins When You Want to Stop.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) So, what’s your story going to be? . If your instructor pushes you, disciplines you, and demands the best from you all the time – doesn’t that mean they truly care and want you to progress? . Recently, we had a student leave the dojo who had been with…
Not All Grades Are Equal: A True Grading Tests Understanding, Not Just Memory.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In an ideal world, a grading should reflect genuine progress in understanding and skill. A student advancing in rank should be able to demonstrate not just physical ability but a deeper comprehension of their art. . They should be able to apply what they’ve learned, adapt techniques under pressure,…
Knowing Isn’t Understanding: True Knowledge Takes Time.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I’m sure many people have experienced this. Years ago, when I was in school, I used to read books just to pass exams – and then that was it. I would mostly forget the content of those books afterward because I wasn’t really interested in the subject. . We…
“Self-Praise and Over-Confidence is a Sickness That Corrupts Training.”
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) Confidence is something every martial artist needs. Without it, even the most skilled person can freeze when it matters most. I’ve written about this recently – the impact of how a lack of confidence can ruin any skill you may have. . However, just as too little confidence is…
No Pads, No Limits – The Way We Trained.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Those of us who have been around in the martial arts for a while remember a time when there was no equipment. We never wore gloves, helmets, or protective gear of any kind when we fought. We had no pads to hit – we hit each other. . We…
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…
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…