Someone said to me recently; “I’m getting my black belt at the weekend.” . This may strike a chord with many instructors, and it raises an important question: Can you simply just “get” a black belt? (It’s a rhetorical question by the way) . The black belt, a symbol of dedication and skill, earned through […]
In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and mastery. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment. . However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense debate and controversy within the karate community. . One of the key sources of contention
“If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.” Read More »
“Practicing karate improves your lifestyle through health and mental stability. Okinawan karate focuses on developing mental strength and willpower. There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.” – Ippei Yagi 8th dan Meibukan Goju Ryu . Many people rely on external things to bring comfort and happiness. This is because most of
“There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.” Read More »
Martial arts, steeped in rich traditions and diverse styles, have evolved over centuries to become a fundamental part of many cultures. While the pursuit of mastery and personal growth are core tenets, it’s not uncommon to encounter martial artists who exhibit stubbornness when it comes to embracing something different. . One key reason for martial
Karate is a commitment – a hard, slow road and a journey full of fear, pain, failure and sacrifice. . It’s a pretty thankless task as the only one to beat is yourself, and nobody likes the stark honesty of self-evaluation. It hurts and getting hit hurts, metaphorically and physically. That’s the truth of it.
Not everyone can be a black belt. Read More »
Karate, has been passed down from generation to generation, and with each new generation building on the knowledge and experience of the previous one. . One of the fundamental aspects of traditional karate is its emphasis on lineage and the importance of maintaining the teachings of our predecessors. . Traditional lineage refers to the transmission
The martial arts are more than just physical techniques used for self-defense, or competition. It is a way of life that involves self-discipline, respect, self-awareness and more. . One of the most important aspects of martial arts is understanding the role of ego and its impact on both personal development and martial arts practice. .
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” Read More »
One of the most recognizable aspects of karate is the black-belt, which is awarded to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the art. But the black-belt is more than just a physical accessory or a symbol of skill; it represents a journey of personal growth and development. Another beginning, not the
EVERYTHING up to Shodan black-belt is the foundation on which you practice your karate and the foundation in which you are ready to solidly build upon. . Shodan should represent the end of your initial training and you now have a solid basis on which to build and go forward through the next levels. Every
Being a Black-Belt means you have learnt enough to realize how little you actually know. Read More »
Teachers teach content then test students. This cycle of teaching and testing is familiar to anyone who has been a martial arts student. Tests seek to see what students have learned. . Tests are supposed to be evaluations that see what you know at a particular point in time. But teaching students to practice for
To improve at anything, you must push yourself beyond your comfort zone. When you put sustained effort toward improving, you will grow. This is the logic behind ‘deliberate practice’, a research-backed tool introduced by researcher Anders Ericsson. His research has shown that HOW you practice matters much more than how MUCH you practice. Real martial
You have to look deeper, the next level Read More »
You’re not my sensei, so why do you call YOURSELF sensei? . If I see somebody labeled as, and calling themselves “sensei”, and I don’t know them, it’s just plain wrong. They aren’t teaching me… so they aren’t my sensei. I’m not choosing to call them sensei. . The term can’t apply as a blanket
Stop calling yourself “sensei” is just narcissistic, weird and presumptuous. Read More »
