Criticism for the sake of criticism does nothing. . Criticism has become a common tendency in present times. Once someone writes about their feelings or observations in the martial arts, they have to confront criticism. Although their writings are reflections of the martial arts in general, there are still critics to highlight the positive and
Criticism for the sake of criticism does nothing. Read More »
“Karate ni sente nashi” (空手に先手なし), typically translated as, “There is no first attack in karate.” . Gichin Funakoshi made this principle the second of his “Niju Kun” (Twenty Precepts), reminding us that “karate begins and ends with courtesy”. . Karate and particularly kata, often suffers a bad name for being outdated and unrealistic. In my
“Karate ni sente nashi” (空手に先手なし) Read More »
Here is a comment posted on a recent YouTube video. (I won’t mention any names)…… “I post this as a person who has trained many years in karate, then to judo and jujitsu, and then to boxing. I would also say, I have spent many years in law enforcement roles and I know what works.
“Old style karate involved only what would be useful.” Read More »
Is there a decline in what it means to be a ‘Martial Artist’, rather than just train in the martial arts? . Traditional philosophies in the martial arts have been watered down, and have become difficult to practice due to changes in society. . We don’t the have the time, the attitudes, the common interest,
The journey is the destination. Read More »
A warrior is not the one who seeks out fights. A warrior is the one who stands between the fight and the ones we love. A true warrior isn’t hateful or malicious. They are caring and aware of the needs of others. A warrior understands that not every fight is fought with hands and feet,
The warrior mindset. Read More »
We all have a martial arts lineage of sorts, some remain faithful to one, others perhaps through no fault of their own, have several. There are those that believe who you follow is of the utmost importance, and there are others who couldn’t care less. . Anyone who has an interest in the history of
How important is lineage to you? Read More »
Students develop an interest in a subject for reasons that have meaning for them. They may be motivated by their interest in a topic, their prior success, a desire to please parents or their instructors, or simply by their own drive to succeed. . There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsically
“Learning is not simply about acquiring knowledge.” Read More »
Cooperation and sharing are basic life skills that enable us to make friends, work successfully in groups, and get along well with others. . “If you want to make friends, you have no time to make enemies.” – Seikichi Iha 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Shidokan; above quote from an interview with the Lansing City
“If you want to make friends, you have no time to make enemies.” Read More »
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain . So much of what you will accomplish in life is influenced by the people you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.” Read More »
If you are a serious martial artist, you won’t let anyone interfere with your martial arts. Training time is too important or valuable to be interfered with. It has to be done every day and takes priority over everything else. . Attending the Dojo, lessons and seminars are the same. They go in the calendar
Are you a serious martial artist? Read More »
For those of you who ‘laugh in the face of adversity’, and your response to all things is to fight, to always want to fight first….. You know who you are! . I want to stress the importance of attempting to solve a problem without a physical altercation. You should be trying your best to
Use your mind as your best weapon, fighting first is NOT your only option. Read More »
Zen Buddhism teaches a concept of “Shoshin“ (Beginner’s Mind), as a positive attribute that refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions, just as a beginner would. Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki said, in his book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice; “In the Beginner’s Mind there
Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are. Read More »
