Someone commented on one of my articles recently that today, you don’t really need training for self-defense and violence is exaggerated. . I find this type of attitude very shortsighted. And while for some, you may be lucky enough to live your whole life without ever encountering violence of any kind, unfortunately, there are those…
Tag: Humility
“Through my years of training, the only thing I’ve learned is that I don’t know everything.”
Remember being in the dojo and feeling like you would absolutely die if you were called on when you didn’t know the answer? From an early age, we’re conditioned to be afraid of not knowing something we should. . Unfortunately, this fear often prevents us from seeking help when we need it. We worry that,…
Most people are not really prepared or trained, physically or psychologically, for a physical encounter, it’s best to concentrate on something that will work – beginning with avoidance.
My recent article about keeping your hands up in a guard in self-defense situations, featured several responses, some stating it works in MMA, or other sports. . You’re missing the point. . A guard IS applicable in consensual fights. . In self-protection, either, you are so close that BOTH HANDS SHOULD BE WORKING, or you…
In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform.
Emotions are powerful, but are they always the best guide in the martial arts? . While passion fuels our training, logic and common sense should offer a crucial perspective for developing functional combat skills. . The journey towards effective martial arts (if this is your goal), involves not just rote repetition, but also genuine understanding….
“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”
It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world…
The measure of a martial artist lies not in the color of their belt, but in the depth of their skill.
The black belt, often the coveted symbol of martial arts mastery, draws students with the promise of an ultimate destination. . Yet, reaching “shodan,” the first degree, reveals a profound truth: the path of martial arts is not a linear ascent to a summit, but a continuous, humbling journey of self-discovery and ever-deepening knowledge. ….
“Learn, unlearn, relearn: Growth is a journey, embrace change, step beyond your comfort zone, evolve your understanding.”
Remember that time you “just couldn’t make class”? . But here’s the thing: in the world of martial arts, excuses are the enemy of progress. And trust me, I’ve faced them all – work, family, illness, weather, the allure of my comfy couch. But let me tell you, walking through those dojo doors five decades…
“Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.”
Yoshio Kuba, 10th dan Goju-Ryu karate, once said, “Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.” This profound statement challenges the popular perception of martial arts as solely about physical combat. Instead, it highlights a deeper principle: true control lies in not needing to use force. . Forget the street-brawler mentality. True strength…
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them.
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them. Quitting is the only true defeat. . The dojo floor used to be your sanctuary, every strike, drill, and movement, was a meditation, a focus that pushed anxieties to the periphery. ….
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
“Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.”
It’s the time of year for a “Rant”. . Imagine a shiny black-belt, dangling around someone’s waist like a “Master of Awesome” flag. Cool, right? Except, what if they got it for showing up to class a few times and making friends with the sensei’s dog? Kinda sad, don’t you think? . That’s the thing…
“You must remember that physical training is just the gateway to mastery of the mind.”
Every day we are confronted with unexpected challenges. Either we accept these challenges and meet them head-on, or resist them, wishing they would just go away. Yet challenges are woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the tests we all have to face daily. . Stepping onto the tatami for the first time,…