Reflection: where we’ve been, where we are, even perhaps where we’re going. . Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. The biggest and toughest opponent you will ever face? Yourself. . Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve. . Perhaps the martial arts are less…
Tag: Humility
“So I got no illusions about boxing, none. This is a brutal business. It’s the hurt business. But I’m a fighter – that’s all I can do.”
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The martial arts is about more than just fighting. It’s about learning to use your mind as your greatest weapon, staying calm in difficult situations, and making clear, rational decisions under pressure. Fighting, kicking, and punching are part of it, but you should strive to be much more than…
Karate for Kids: Beyond Self-Defense – Building Confidence, Resilience and Responsibility
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) One of the most heart-wrenching challenges for any parent is watching their child become the victim of bullying. It can leave parents feeling powerless, desperately searching for ways to protect their child. Many turn to kids’ martial arts classes, hoping it will equip their child with the skills to…
Fighting without compassion is just violence, fighting with it is true martial arts.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) The martial arts seen by many as being centered around combat and physical confrontation. . It’s in the name, after all – yet that’s only a small fraction of the truth. . When people think of martial arts, they often imagine aggressive individuals wanting to fight. But for those…
Educating with Insight: Ensuring Depth and Authenticity in Karate Teaching.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Itosu Anko was in his 70s when he finalized the Pinan kata. Those forms were simplified and organized into a curriculum suitable for instructing larger groups, particularly within the Okinawan school system. Karate was to be promoted as a way to encourage physical education, discipline, and moral character in…
Challenging Conformity: The Power of Questioning What You Know to Discover Genuine Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Recently, someone sent me a message with the abrupt opener, “Who are you?” – not the most polite way to start a conversation. After some back-and-forth, and after I pointed out the rudeness of his approach, I learned he was upset about a quote I had used in one…
The Divisiveness in the Martial Arts: Why Are We So Divided and Broken?
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Why, in a discipline meant to promote humility, respect, and self-discipline, do we find ourselves so divided and broken? . Perhaps it stems from the loyalty practitioners develop toward their chosen style, instructor, or dojo. While this sense of belonging is a powerful motivator, it can easily transform into…
What Really Counts: The Unsung Heroes. Success Without the Spotlight.
(Approx 2 minute 12 second read) Recently, I came across a post on social media that made me stop and think. It said people are only worth engaging with if they’ve met specific criteria: if they’re champions, if their students are successful, or if they’ve earned respect through verifiable accomplishments – whether in competition or…
No One Art Is the Best: So Stop Bragging, and Start Learning.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) If you’ve read my articles, you probably know by now that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. Yet, I constantly hear from people claiming that Kyokushin is the best martial art – the strongest style that everyone should learn. After all, Kyokushin means ‘the ultimate truth,’…
Structure, Curiosity, and Asking “Why?” – The Journey Continues.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When you are inexperienced in the martial arts, or anything really, there comes a point in time where you start asking questions. Some will question themselves, others will ask questions of their instructor, or someone outside their dojo or association. You may not get the answers you were looking…
Karate and Character: Does Training Forge a Better You?
Does karate inherently improve your character? . Character traits can certainly be built, shaped, and even transformed with enough effort and willpower. However, the benefits of character building largely depend on your own values and personal goals. Karate – or any martial art – can serve as a tool for this growth, but it isn’t…
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The…