Getting into a physical fight is never a good idea, and every self-defense expert will tell you that if you can avoid a fight if at all possible, then you should. But, sometimes you can’t, if you’re attacked physically then you need to protect yourself. . Fighting is wrong. But sometimes it’s necessary, and if…
Tag: Humility
When and why did people start using these Japanese phrases for techniques?
The Japanese technical terms that we use for our techniques came about a long time after the actual creation of the techniques themselves. . Karate, as we know (or should do), originally came from Okinawa, but in the early days the karate environment was very different compared to the modern day karate environment. The Dojo,…
Do you want fries with that?
The martial arts are largely unregulated here in the US. There are seldom background checks carried out on teachers like there are in other countries. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (UK), you don’t need anything special to open a dojo or school. . You don’t even need to…
Find your own art, don’t be afraid to do your own personal study
When you finally find what’s absolutely right for you in your martial arts training and you internalize it, you don’t need to rationalize why you do it. . I practice every day religiously, I train for me. Not to fight anymore, not for how it looks and not for what others might think of me,…
“Even if you have been practicing for 5 or 10 years, there is a big difference between once a week and 2 or 3 times a week.”
“Even if you have been practicing for 5 or 10 years, there is a big difference between once a week and 2 or 3 times a week. The quantity and quality of practice is very important.” – Shirakawa Ryuji Shihan – Aikido Shinburenseijuku . I believe this applies to everything that we do in life….
Does karate improve your character?
Does karate improve your character? . Cooperation and sharing are basic life skills that enable us to make friends, work successfully in groups, and get along well with others. . Martial artists have many things in common – their values, beliefs, goals, and dreams….. and these common goals should bring each of us closer together….
The practice of martial arts is deeply rooted in philosophy, tradition, and culture.
The practice of martial arts is deeply rooted in philosophy, tradition, and culture. It teaches not only self-defense but also discipline, focus, and respect. Many people start their martial arts journey with a specific goal in mind – perhaps to earn a black belt, or win a world title, to learn self-defense, etc. . It…
It’s never about you… It’s always about your students.
Teaching the martial arts is difficult. It demands a broad knowledge of subject matter; you have to show enthusiasm, discipline, have a caring attitude, a love of learning…. and perhaps dojo management and marketing; but most of all….. you have to have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. . There…
“Don’t pretend to be a great master and don’t try to show off your strength.”
Okay, so it seems I need to clarify the use of the word “sensei” as many people still do not understand its correct usage, or even how to introduce themselves without using the term. . Sensei (先生) is a Japanese word people all over the world use in place of “teacher.” But the word “sensei”…
“The most important thing is the kata.”
The Pinan (平安) kata series, Shodan-to-Godan (Pinan is often translated as ‘peaceful/tranquil mind’), are widely taught to students in a variety of karate styles. They are attributed to Itosu Yasutsune ‘Anko’ (1831-1915) who is said to have adapted them from older kata. However from which kata is less than certain. . Itosu introduced karate into…