We know injuries are inevitable, and are usually perceived as a huge bummer when time is needed off from training. But with every injury is opportunity, and continuing to show up to class is one way of capitalizing on them. . We learn from watching, everyone is at least somewhat of a visual learner, and […]
You can still get things out of attending class just as a spectator. Read More »
Karate has an Okinawan/Japanese cultural background, thus it is common to use Japanese terminology and cultural characteristics in the dojo. It’s important that if someone uses Japanese terms that this someone is using them right and knows what they are saying. . In every field of interest, there is a certain risk in using technical
Some people just can’t be taught. Not because they think they know it all, but because they are stuck in their ways. Their way is the best and only way. . Someone actually has to WANT to be taught. Everything can be taught, but not everything can be learned. . If someone thinks that the
Some people just can’t be taught. Read More »
Mental training in the martial arts is often overlooked, with many practitioners spending very little time on this important aspect of training. . According to oriental culture, what affects your mind affects you body, and this can be seen and experienced in everyday life. . Negative thinking rewires your brain and makes you miserable, makes
Remind yourself daily: “I AM WHAT I THINK”. Read More »
To improve at anything, you must push yourself beyond your comfort zone. When you put sustained effort toward improving, you will grow. This is the logic behind ‘deliberate practice’, a research-backed tool introduced by researcher Anders Ericsson. His research has shown that HOW you practice matters much more than how MUCH you practice. Real martial
You have to look deeper, the next level Read More »
All of us live in a world which is filled with conflict. The vast majority of us like to believe we’re open-minded toward individuals and other martial artists who may see the world differently to how we do. In the martial arts dojo, teaching respect is one of the core tenets most students learn. Students
Within the martial arts, being respectful is paramount. Read More »
Is it accurate to say that no martial art is necessarily better than another? . To provide an answer, you need to first complete the question. Define “better”. A martial art is better at what? Cardio? Sparring? Ground-work? Winning trophies? Self-defense? Street combat? etc. etc. . I think it is safe to say yes, that
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Read More »
Happy World Karate Day. . “In 2005, the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly passed the resolution declaring October 25th ‘Karate no hi’, (空手の日) ‘the day of karate’. . Some 700 years ago, karate was born in this land, Okinawa. Coexisting with the beautiful nature and climate of Okinawa, our predecessors created karate, a traditional culture that Okinawa
Happy World Karate Day. Read More »
A comment on one of my recent articles stated; “Come step onto a jiu-jitsu mat and you’ll will be humbled. I guarantee it.” . A great many people are dying to be reassured that their martial art is the best and most effective. They evidently believe that their martial art is superior to all others
I guess you can’t fix stupid! Read More »
You’re not my sensei, so why do you call YOURSELF sensei? . If I see somebody labeled as, and calling themselves “sensei”, and I don’t know them, it’s just plain wrong. They aren’t teaching me… so they aren’t my sensei. I’m not choosing to call them sensei. . The term can’t apply as a blanket
Stop calling yourself “sensei” is just narcissistic, weird and presumptuous. Read More »
Open-mindedness involves being receptive to a wide variety of ideas, arguments, and information. This doesn’t mean that being open-minded is easy. Being open to new ideas and experiences can sometimes lead to confusion. . What you once practiced as a “block” or “punch” doesn’t seem to work the way you thought, and realizing is wasn’t
“Do not pretend to know something you have not experienced.” Read More »
What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? Senpai (先輩) translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you. But the meaning for those in a traditionally run martial art school is far deeper than simply ‘Senior’. The senpai of a dojo has usually trained for a
What does it mean to be a senpai? Read More »
