Anyone with any common sense (there’s not a lot of it about) knows that in self-protection, if you have to fight, you fight to flee, to escape. Not to stand there and “win”. . Just being told to “run” is not the answer, and with many instructors being extremely overweight, and many cases obese, it […]
Are you a good role model for your students? Read More »
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” – Cezar Borkowski 10th dan Northern Karate Schools . In addition to the kyu/dan grading system used by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, there is a parallel system called “shogo” (称号). This is the teaching title-system originally set up by
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” Read More »
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude.” – Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) . Many people feel like they deserve the belt, deserve the rank (I don’t like the term ‘rank’ btw). “I can beat this guy, I can
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist.” Read More »
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance. Even if wearing a white belt, doing your best is what matters most. This is what I try to pass on.” – Yasuhiro Uema 9th dan Shubukan Shorin Ryu . If you are visiting another dojo outside of your group, or changing
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance.” Read More »
Despite the differences in origin and style, most martial arts consist of similar techniques and skills that form a base for the art. . Most people believe that karate is a strike-only martial art. Wrong! Karate contains a whole arsenal of grabbing and throwing techniques in addition to striking. Traditional kata are full of it,
“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Read More »
In all professions and skills, there’s a certain point you reach after many years of work or dedicated training, when thoughts of going it alone come in to your mind. . Starting a new dojo is exhilarating. A world of possibility awaits, including the possibilities of incredible success…. or catastrophic failure. . There is
The Dojo. The place of the way. Read More »
The truth of being a karate teacher is that students will come, and they will go. Karate training, in a good dojo, is not easy. It is demanding, exacting, you have to be determined, committed…… and not everyone is cut out to be a black belt. . When I accept a new student I usually
It’s never about you… it’s always about your students… Read More »
空手は生涯の研究です- Karate wa shōgai no kenkyūdesu (Karate is a lifelong study) – Mabuni Kenwa (1889-1952) . . Relatively speaking, there is still relatively few who choose to dedicate their lives to studying martial arts and self-defense. In terms of sports, many choose more mainstream past times such as football, basketball, baseball, or soccer (in the
“These days too many people stop training once they pass 2nd or 3rd Dan, they don’t realise that belts are not important. Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.” (End quote) – Tatsuo Suzuki Wado-Ryu (1928-2011) . Are black belts in martial arts given away too easily? . If your black belt
Are black belts in martial arts given away too easily? Read More »
“At the world level, with the spreading Covid-19 pandemic, we are in a situation in which many have to refrain from going out. I think many will spend more time practicing at home. Taking advantage of the characteristics of karate that are that anyone can practice anytime, anywhere and even alone, let’s do our
You think training once a week is enough? Read More »
“Karate and kobudo are difficult, if you do not practice seriously with a traditional approach, you may miss the important points.” – Fumio Demura 9th dan Shito-Ryu . . The truth is to become good at karate, to get anywhere near being proficient with your techniques, drills and kata, you need to do hundreds and
Karate and kobudo are difficult…… Read More »
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” – Seikichi Iha 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Shidokan . Nothing feels more disappointing than watching your peers get promoted ahead of you – especially if you’ve been training the same amount of time or even longer. . Instead of throwing in the towel, or
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” Read More »
