(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Change. Even the word makes some karateka open their mouths in horror, as if you’ve insulted their family or spat on their dojo floor. . People resist change because they believe they will lose something of value, or fear they will not be able to adapt to new ways. […]
Through the Dojo Door: Stepping Into Change. Read More »
A great master received a university professor who came to enquire about wisdom. . The master served tea. He poured the visitor’s cup full, then kept on pouring. The professor watched the cup overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. . “It is overfull. No more will go in!” . “Like this cup”, the
The Art of Learning: Empty Your Cup. Read More »
In life, you cannot always choose what you do, but you can always choose who you are. . No matter how things may seem, you always have a choice. Sometimes, the best choice is to let go and just move forward. . The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that
In life, you cannot always choose what you do, but you can always choose who you are. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Further to my article on mental health, I want to address another important aspect that affects many both in and out of the martial arts – hate. . You encounter many different attitudes in the martial arts. Most are extremely positive, but some harbor intense hatred. While all of
The Shattered Mirror: Reflecting on the Damage Hate Can Cause. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Many people believe that sport is played with the body and won with the mind. This being so, can the amount and intensity of training contribute just as much psychologically as physically? . Studies have shown that fitness training may help improve self-esteem, confidence, and body image. There are
Fighting Inner Battles: The Martial Arts and the Mind. There’s No Magic Fix. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) Zen. People think it’s some mystical concept, but really, it’s just about direct experience – seeing things as they are, without the clutter of unnecessary thought. . In the martial arts, that means decisive action. No hesitation. You train to build instinct, to trust your preparation. A fight doesn’t
Stillness and Action: Finding Zen in Every Movement. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) “What style do you practice?” . I get asked this question whenever someone learns that I practice karate or when someone with a little knowledge of karate inquires about joining our dojo. . It’s as if the style of karate you practice is more important than the kind of
Styles Define the Path – But the Practitioner Defines the Journey. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) I don’t know about you, but I always try my best in everything I do. Occasionally, I get annoyed with myself, thinking I could have done better. Maybe I’m just wired that way. Of course, I don’t always succeed, but next time, I try that bit harder. . An
The Ferret’s Way: Tenacity, Effort, and the Spirit of ‘Ganbaru’. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Step into a traditional karate dojo, and the first thing you’ll do is take off your shoes (hopefully). . Like most Japanese budo – with the exception of kyudo (Japanese archery) – karate is traditionally practiced hadashi (裸足), barefoot. There are plenty of reasons for this, some cultural, some
Barefoot Training and the Role of Shoes in Karate Practice: Tradition and Practicality. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I love the comments section on my articles – it gives me a moment to reflect and put my thoughts together for another article. . Assumptions – they often lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Some comments come from people who misread my article, people who don’t know me at
Blinded by Assumptions: Think You Know? Maybe You Should Think Again. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) My first exposure to karate was Wado-Ryu in 1974. The bulk of the classes focused on the basics, with plenty of exercises thrown in to keep things ‘enjoyable’. . Of course, there was kata and I was told that it required years of dedicated practice to truly understand, yet
Rattling the Cage: Karate and the Questioning Mind. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) A little while ago, I was approached by some of the moms of the younger students, asking if I would be interested in doing a self-defense course for them. None of them had ever practiced the martial arts before. . Normally, I would encourage anyone to join our classes
Personal Safety: Self-defense Goes Way Beyond the Physical. Read More »
