“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ~ Plato . We often focus on endings, desired outcomes, the end of the road, how we want things turn out. Even when we practice our techniques, most students, and some instructors, focus on the end of the technique, forgetting that there is a beginning…
Tag: Dojo
Don’t underestimate the value of a good mentor.
Don’t underestimate the value of a good mentor, they will guide, support and champion you on the road to success. ?? . An open mind and a thirst for knowledge can take you a long way in the martial arts, IF you are willing to listen and learn from others. . Make sure you find and…
Kakie – It’s all about the feeling.
“Kakie – It’s all about the feeling.” ?? . Two of our most committed students having some fun with ‘kakie’ practice at the Shuri Dojo. . While Japanese Karate approaches combat from a long distance range, Okinawan Karate prefers a close range. . ‘Tuidi’ is the Okinawan method of grabbing, seizing, twisting and dislocating an opponent’s…
Basics are everything.
“Basics are everything.” ?? “You can’t have a strong house without a strong foundation. The stronger the basics, the stronger the house – it’s as simple as that. Unfortunately a lot of practitioners don’t understand.” ~ Fumio Demura . . . ? Photo Credit: Martial Arts Digital
Study the old, understand the new.
温故知新 On Ko Chi Shin — “Study the old, understand the new.” . There is always something new to learn in traditional karate. Don’t stop learning because you have reached the first few black belt levels. . “Dan” (段) does not mean “degree”, it means “level” or “stage”, and 1st and 2nd dan are just…
Look in the mirror… that’s your competition.
“Look in the mirror… that’s your competition.” ?? . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . Who are you competing with? . We’re all guilty of looking at other people and wishing we had what they had. Sometimes feeling jealous or thinking why not me? We sometimes even lie to ourselves and say “I’ve worked…
Do not be consumed by the desire to want other people’s rank.
Do not be consumed by the desire to want other people’s rank. . Comparing yourself to people around you is a trap you can easily fall into. But, measuring your success in Karate by comparing belts with other people is a dead-end that only leads to frustration, jealousy and sadness in the long run. ….
Bringing practice to daily life.
“Memorizing and regurgitating Bruce Lee’s words does not increase one’s intelligence. However, adapting his thoughts for one’s own actions gives life to his words.” – Linda Lee Cadwell . . It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you implement that effort into your life….. every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how…
You either get bitter or you get better.
“You cannot undo the moves but you can make the next step better.” ?? . . You either get bitter or you get better. It’s that simple. You either take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to tear you down. The choice does…
The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.
“The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.” ~ Frank Herbert ?? . Some people love to lead and have power. There’s nothing wrong with this in itself, and it could easily lead a martial arts practitioner to become a great teacher. But if this drive becomes excessive, it can cause…
The importance of discipline in the martial arts.
“I look around today and feel saddened. Many students of martial arts do not have respect for their teachers. All they want to learn is punching and kicking. This is not martial arts, it is only fighting.” ?? . . Martial Arts is steeped in tradition and principles. People are often drawn to the practice based…
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank.
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank. ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ Shuri Dojo . . Some people seem to be focussed primarily on obtaining rank and status instead of working on themselves, their character, and their martial arts abilities. . Belts are not a trophy to display and…