(2 minute and 7 second read) Everyone aspires for advancement, everyone wants to wrap themselves in another black belt, while others just want to learn more. . Yet, few dare to confront their current limitations, reflected in the mirror of self-evaluation. This is where many karate practitioners and commentators stumble. . In the realm of…
Tag: Black-Belt
“Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”.
(2 minute and 1 second read) Sandra Sanchez, once told that she was too old to compete, stated; “Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”. . Perseverance is an essential quality that fuels success in various aspects of life. The journey of a martial artist is laden with challenges,…
Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 27 second read) Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and any discussion, usually become extremely toxic. . For those of you that don’t know. A grade or belt, is an agreement between you and an instructor (or…
“Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.”
(2 minute and 2 second read) “Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju Ryu . In today’s fast-paced world, people often overlook patience and understanding. This is especially noticeable in the martial arts, where everyone seems in a hurry to become skilled quickly….
“Kata is handed down from the older generation,[…]we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.”
“Kata is handed down from the older generation, and if you think, as a part of culture, we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.” – Keiji Tomiyama 9th dan Shito Ryu Kofukan . Teaching is a profound act of sharing the knowledge we have acquired from others, with the sincere…
Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly.
In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate…
The measure of a martial artist lies not in the color of their belt, but in the depth of their skill.
The black belt, often the coveted symbol of martial arts mastery, draws students with the promise of an ultimate destination. . Yet, reaching “shodan,” the first degree, reveals a profound truth: the path of martial arts is not a linear ascent to a summit, but a continuous, humbling journey of self-discovery and ever-deepening knowledge. ….
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
“Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.”
It’s the time of year for a “Rant”. . Imagine a shiny black-belt, dangling around someone’s waist like a “Master of Awesome” flag. Cool, right? Except, what if they got it for showing up to class a few times and making friends with the sensei’s dog? Kinda sad, don’t you think? . That’s the thing…
“You must remember that physical training is just the gateway to mastery of the mind.”
Every day we are confronted with unexpected challenges. Either we accept these challenges and meet them head-on, or resist them, wishing they would just go away. Yet challenges are woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the tests we all have to face daily. . Stepping onto the tatami for the first time,…
“Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing.”
Someone made a comment on one of my articles that stated your not an instructor if you look to fail people for a black-belt test and break them down as individuals, that life is tough as it is. . While I understand this perspective, and it’s true that a positive and supportive learning environment is…
Just how bad (or good) are untrained people at fighting?
Just how bad (or good) are untrained people at fighting? . Karate was originally created to protect yourself from civilian attacks….. “villain or ruffian”. (Ankoh Itosu precept quote) . Of course, it depends what we mean by untrained. There are plenty of people who learn how to fight from getting into fights. . A lot…